1
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Varas N, Grabowski R, Jarosinski MA, Tai N, Herzog RI, Ismail-Beigi F, Yang Y, Cherrington AD, Weiss MA. Ultra-stable insulin-glucagon fusion protein exploits an endogenous hepatic switch to mitigate hypoglycemic risk. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.20.594997. [PMID: 38826486 PMCID: PMC11142066 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.594997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The risk of hypoglycemia and its serious medical sequelae restrict insulin replacement therapy for diabetes mellitus. Such adverse clinical impact has motivated development of diverse glucose-responsive technologies, including algorithm-controlled insulin pumps linked to continuous glucose monitors ("closed-loop systems") and glucose-sensing ("smart") insulins. These technologies seek to optimize glycemic control while minimizing hypoglycemic risk. Here, we describe an alternative approach that exploits an endogenous glucose-dependent switch in hepatic physiology: preferential insulin signaling (under hyperglycemic conditions) versus preferential counter-regulatory glucagon signaling (during hypoglycemia). Motivated by prior reports of glucagon-insulin co-infusion, we designed and tested an ultra-stable glucagon-insulin fusion protein whose relative hormonal activities were calibrated by respective modifications; physical stability was concurrently augmented to facilitate formulation, enhance shelf life and expand access. An N-terminal glucagon moiety was stabilized by an α-helix-compatible Lys 13 -Glu 17 lactam bridge; A C-terminal insulin moiety was stabilized as a single chain with foreshortened C domain. Studies in vitro demonstrated (a) resistance to fibrillation on prolonged agitation at 37 °C and (b) dual hormonal signaling activities with appropriate balance. Glucodynamic responses were monitored in rats relative to control fusion proteins lacking one or the other hormonal activity, and continuous intravenous infusion emulated basal subcutaneous therapy. Whereas efficacy in mitigating hyperglycemia was unaffected by the glucagon moiety, the fusion protein enhanced endogenous glucose production under hypoglycemic conditions. Together, these findings provide proof of principle toward a basal glucose-responsive insulin biotechnology of striking simplicity. The fusion protein's augmented stability promises to circumvent the costly cold chain presently constraining global insulin access. Significance Statement The therapeutic goal of insulin replacement therapy in diabetes is normalization of blood-glucose concentration, which prevents or delays long-term complications. A critical barrier is posed by recurrent hypoglycemic events that results in short- and long-term morbidities. An innovative approach envisions co-injection of glucagon (a counter-regulatory hormone) to exploit a glycemia-dependent hepatic switch in relative hormone responsiveness. To provide an enabling technology, we describe an ultra-stable fusion protein containing insulin- and glucagon moieties. Proof of principle was obtained in rats. A single-chain insulin moiety provides glycemic control whereas a lactam-stabilized glucagon extension mitigates hypoglycemia. This dual-hormone fusion protein promises to provide a basal formulation with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Resistance to fibrillation may circumvent the cold chain required for global access.
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2
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Puławski W, Dec R, Dzwolak W. Clues to the Design of Aggregation-Resistant Insulin from Proline Scanning of Highly Amyloidogenic Peptides Derived from the N-Terminal Segment of the A-Chain. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2025-2033. [PMID: 38525800 PMCID: PMC10988558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00077] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Insulin aggregation poses a significant problem in pharmacology and medicine as it occurs during prolonged storage of the hormone and in vivo at insulin injection sites. We have recently shown that dominant forces driving the self-assembly of insulin fibrils are likely to arise from intermolecular interactions involving the N-terminal segment of the A-chain (ACC1-13). Here, we study how proline substitutions within the pilot GIVEQ sequence of this fragment affect its propensity to aggregate in both neutral and acidic environments. In a reasonable agreement with in silico prediction based on the Cordax algorithm, proline substitutions at positions 3, 4, and 5 turn out to be very effective in preventing aggregation according to thioflavin T-fluorescence-based kinetic assay, infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Since the valine and glutamate side chains within this segment are strongly involved in the interactions with the insulin receptor, we have focused on the possible implications of the Q → P substitution for insulin's stability and interactions with the receptor. To this end, comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the Q5P mutant and wild-type insulin were carried out for both free and receptor-bound (site 1) monomers. The results point to a mild destabilization of the mutant vis à vis the wild-type monomer, as well as partial preservation of key contacts in the complex between Q5P insulin and the receptor. We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of the design of aggregation-resistant insulin analogues retaining hormonal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Puławski
- Bioinformatics
Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinski Street 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Dec
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Pasteur Street 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Dzwolak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Pasteur Street 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Weil-Ktorza O, Dhayalan B, Chen YS, Weiss MA, Metanis N. Se-Glargine: Chemical Synthesis of a Basal Insulin Analogue Stabilized by an Internal Diselenide Bridge. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300818. [PMID: 38149322 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300818] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Insulin has long provided a model for studies of protein folding and stability, enabling enhanced treatment of diabetes mellitus via analogue design. We describe the chemical synthesis of a basal insulin analogue stabilized by substitution of an internal cystine (A6-A11) by a diselenide bridge. The studies focused on insulin glargine (formulated as Lantus® and Toujeo®; Sanofi). Prepared at pH 4 in the presence of zinc ions, glargine exhibits a shifted isoelectric point due to a basic B chain extension (ArgB31 -ArgB32 ). Subcutaneous injection leads to pH-dependent precipitation of a long-lived depot. Pairwise substitution of CysA6 and CysA11 by selenocysteine was effected by solid-phase peptide synthesis; the modified A chain also contained substitution of AsnA21 by Gly, circumventing acid-catalyzed deamidation. Although chain combination of native glargine yielded negligible product, in accordance with previous synthetic studies, the pairwise selenocysteine substitution partially rescued this reaction: substantial product was obtained through repeated combination, yielding a stabilized insulin analogue. This strategy thus exploited both (a) the unique redox properties of selenocysteine in protein folding and (b) favorable packing of an internal diselenide bridge in the native state, once achieved. Such rational optimization of protein folding and stability may be generalizable to diverse disulfide-stabilized proteins of therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Weil-Ktorza
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Norman Metanis
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
- Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel
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4
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Xu R, Jap E, Gubbins B, Hagemeyer CE, Karas JA. Semisynthesis of A6-A11 lactam insulin. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3542. [PMID: 37697741 PMCID: PMC10909544 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3542] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Insulin replacement therapy is essential for the management of diabetes. However, despite the relative success of this therapeutic strategy, there is still a need to improve glycaemic control and the overall quality of life of patients. This need has driven research into orally available, glucose-responsive and rapid-acting insulins. A key consideration during analogue development is formulation stability, which can be improved via the replacement of insulin's A6-A11 disulfide bond with stable mimetics. Unfortunately, analogues such as these require extensive chemical synthesis to incorporate the nonnative cross-links, which is not a scalable synthetic approach. To address this issue, we demonstrate proof of principle for the semisynthesis of insulin analogues bearing nonnative A6-A11 cystine isosteres. The key feature of our synthetic strategy involves the use of several biosynthetically derived peptide precursors which can be produced at scale cost-effectively and a small, chemically synthesised A6-A11 macrocyclic lactam fragment. Although the assembled A6-A11 lactam insulin possesses poor biological activity in vitro, our synthetic strategy can be applied to other disulfide mimetics that have been shown to improve thermal stability without significantly affecting activity and structure. Moreover, we envisage that this new semisynthetic approach will underpin a new generation of hyperstable proteomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xu
- Australian Centre for Blood DiseasesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoria3004Australia
| | - Edwina Jap
- Australian Centre for Blood DiseasesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoria3004Australia
| | - Ben Gubbins
- School of ChemistryThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoria3010Australia
| | | | - John A. Karas
- School of ChemistryThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoria3010Australia
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5
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Zhang Y, Hung-Chieh Chou D. From Natural Insulin to Designed Analogs: A Chemical Biology Exploration. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300470. [PMID: 37800626 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300470] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1921, insulin has been at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs. From its amino acid sequencing to the revelation of its three-dimensional structure, the progress in insulin research has spurred significant therapeutic breakthroughs. In recent years, protein engineering has introduced innovative chemical and enzymatic methods for insulin modification, fostering the development of therapeutics with tailored pharmacological profiles. Alongside these advances, the quest for self-regulated, glucose-responsive insulin remains a holy grail in the field. In this article, we highlight the pivotal role of chemical biology in driving these innovations and discuss how it continues to shape the future trajectory of insulin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxian Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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6
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Wang L, Hall CE, Uchikawa E, Chen D, Choi E, Zhang X, Bai XC. Structural basis of insulin fibrillation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi1057. [PMID: 37713485 PMCID: PMC10881025 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi1057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Insulin is a hormone responsible for maintaining normal glucose levels by activating insulin receptor (IR) and is the primary treatment for diabetes. However, insulin is prone to unfolding and forming cross-β fibers. Fibrillation complicates insulin storage and therapeutic application. Molecular details of insulin fibrillation remain unclear, hindering efforts to prevent fibrillation process. Here, we characterized insulin fibrils using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), showing multiple forms that contain one or more of the protofilaments containing both the A and B chains of insulin linked by disulfide bonds. We solved the cryo-EM structure of one of the fibril forms composed of two protofilaments at 3.2-Å resolution, which reveals both the β sheet conformation of the protofilament and the packing interaction between them that underlie the fibrillation. On the basis of this structure, we designed several insulin mutants that display reduced fibrillation while maintaining native IR signaling activity. These designed insulin analogs may be developed into more effective therapeutics for type 1 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Wang
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Catherine E. Hall
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Emiko Uchikawa
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Dailu Chen
- Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Eunhee Choi
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xuewu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiao-chen Bai
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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7
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Weiss MA. Real-world insulin stability and global access. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:307-309. [PMID: 37003281 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00066-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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8
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Supramolecular approaches for insulin stabilization without prolonged duration of action. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:2281-2290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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9
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Smith NA, Menting JG, Weiss MA, Lawrence MC, Smith BJ. Single-chain insulin analogs threaded by the insulin receptor αCT domain. Biophys J 2022; 121:4063-4077. [PMID: 36181268 PMCID: PMC9675026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin is a mainstay of therapy for diabetes mellitus, yet its thermal stability complicates global transportation and storage. Cold-chain transport, coupled with optimized formulation and materials, prevents to some degree nucleation of amyloid and hence inactivation of hormonal activity. These issues hence motivate the design of analogs with increased stability, with a promising approach being single-chain insulins (SCIs), whose C domains (foreshortened relative to proinsulin) resemble those of the single-chain growth factors (IGFs). We have previously demonstrated that optimized SCIs can exhibit native-like hormonal activity with enhanced thermal stability and marked resistance to fibrillation. Here, we describe the crystal structure of an ultrastable SCI (C-domain length 6; sequence EEGPRR) bound to modules of the insulin receptor (IR) ectodomain (N-terminal α-subunit domains L1-CR and C-terminal αCT peptide; "microreceptor" [μIR]). The structure of the SCI-μIR complex, stabilized by an Fv module, was determined using diffraction data to a resolution of 2.6 Å. Remarkably, the αCT peptide (IR-A isoform) "threads" through a gap between the flexible C domain and the insulin core. To explore such threading, we undertook molecular dynamics simulations to 1) compare threaded with unthreaded binding modes and 2) evaluate effects of C-domain length on these alternate modes. The simulations (employing both conventional and enhanced sampling simulations) provide evidence that very short linkers (C-domain length of -1) would limit gap opening in the SCI and so impair threading. We envisage that analogous threading occurs in the intact SCI-IR complex-rationalizing why minimal C-domain lengths block complete activity-and might be exploited to design novel receptor-isoform-specific analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John G Menting
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Brian J Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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10
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Das A, Shah M, Saraogi I. Molecular Aspects of Insulin Aggregation and Various Therapeutic Interventions. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:205-221. [PMID: 37101572 PMCID: PMC10114644 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.1c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Protein aggregation leading to the formation of amyloid fibrils has various adverse effects on human health ranging from fatigue and numbness to organ failure and death in extreme cases. Insulin, a peptide hormone commonly used to treat diabetes, undergoes aggregation at the site of repeated injections in diabetic patients as well as during its industrial production and transport. The reduced bioavailability of insulin due to aggregation hinders the proper control of glucose levels in diabetic patients. Thus, it is necessary to develop rational approaches for inhibiting insulin aggregation, which in turn requires a detailed understanding of the mechanism of fibrillation. Given the relative simplicity of insulin and ease of access, insulin has also served as a model system for studying amyloids. Approaches to inhibit insulin aggregation have included the use of natural molecules, synthetic peptides or small molecules, and bacterial chaperone machinery. This review focuses on insulin aggregation with an emphasis on its mechanism, the structural features of insulin fibrils, and the reported inhibitors that act at different stages in the aggregation pathway. We discuss molecules that can serve as leads for improved inhibitors for use in commercial insulin formulations. We also discuss the aggregation propensity of fast- and slow-acting insulin biosimilars, commonly administered to diabetic patients. The development of better insulin aggregation inhibitors and insights into their mechanism of action will not only aid diabetic therapies, but also enhance our knowledge of protein amyloidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Das
- Department
of Chemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Indian
Institute of Science Education and Research
Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Mosami Shah
- Department
of Chemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Indian
Institute of Science Education and Research
Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ishu Saraogi
- Department
of Chemistry and Department of Biological Sciences, Indian
Institute of Science Education and Research
Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462066, Madhya Pradesh, India
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11
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Jarosinski MA, Chen YS, Varas N, Dhayalan B, Chatterjee D, Weiss MA. New Horizons: Next-Generation Insulin Analogues: Structural Principles and Clinical Goals. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:909-928. [PMID: 34850005 PMCID: PMC8947325 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Design of "first-generation" insulin analogues over the past 3 decades has provided pharmaceutical formulations with tailored pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties. Application of a molecular tool kit-integrating protein sequence, chemical modification, and formulation-has thus led to improved prandial and basal formulations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Although PK/PD changes were modest in relation to prior formulations of human and animal insulins, significant clinical advantages in efficacy (mean glycemia) and safety (rates of hypoglycemia) were obtained. Continuing innovation is providing further improvements to achieve ultrarapid and ultrabasal analogue formulations in an effort to reduce glycemic variability and optimize time in range. Beyond such PK/PD metrics, next-generation insulin analogues seek to exploit therapeutic mechanisms: glucose-responsive ("smart") analogues, pathway-specific ("biased") analogues, and organ-targeted analogues. Smart insulin analogues and delivery systems promise to mitigate hypoglycemic risk, a critical barrier to glycemic control, whereas biased and organ-targeted insulin analogues may better recapitulate physiologic hormonal regulation. In each therapeutic class considerations of cost and stability will affect use and global distribution. This review highlights structural principles underlying next-generation design efforts, their respective biological rationale, and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nicolás Varas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Correspondence: Michael A. Weiss, MD, PhD, Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS 4053, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3082 USA.
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12
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Dhayalan B, Glidden MD, Zaykov AN, Chen YS, Yang Y, Phillips NB, Ismail-Beigi F, Jarosinski MA, DiMarchi RD, Weiss MA. Peptide Model of the Mutant Proinsulin Syndrome. I. Design and Clinical Correlation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:821069. [PMID: 35299972 PMCID: PMC8922534 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.821069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mutant proinsulin syndrome is a monogenic cause of diabetes mellitus due to toxic misfolding of insulin's biosynthetic precursor. Also designated mutant INS-gene induced diabetes of the young (MIDY), this syndrome defines molecular determinants of foldability in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of β-cells. Here, we describe a peptide model of a key proinsulin folding intermediate and variants containing representative clinical mutations; the latter perturb invariant core sites in native proinsulin (LeuB15→Pro, LeuA16→Pro, and PheB24→Ser). The studies exploited a 49-residue single-chain synthetic precursor (designated DesDi), previously shown to optimize in vitro efficiency of disulfide pairing. Parent and variant peptides contain a single disulfide bridge (cystine B19-A20) to provide a model of proinsulin's first oxidative folding intermediate. The peptides were characterized by circular dichroism and redox stability in relation to effects of the mutations on (a) in vitro foldability of the corresponding insulin analogs and (b) ER stress induced in cell culture on expression of the corresponding variant proinsulins. Striking correlations were observed between peptide biophysical properties, degree of ER stress and age of diabetes onset (neonatal or adolescent). Our findings suggest that age of onset reflects the extent to which nascent structure is destabilized in proinsulin's putative folding nucleus. We envisage that such peptide models will enable high-resolution structural studies of key folding determinants and in turn permit molecular dissection of phenotype-genotype relationships in this monogenic diabetes syndrome. Our companion study (next article in this issue) employs two-dimensional heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy to define site-specific perturbations in the variant peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Michael D. Glidden
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nelson B. Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Faramarz Ismail-Beigi
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Mark A. Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Michael A. Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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13
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Sen S, Ali R, Onkar A, Ganesh S, Verma S. Strategies for interference of insulin fibrillogenesis: challenges and advances. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100678. [PMID: 35025120 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of insulin came up with very high hopes for diabetic patients. In the year 2021, the world celebrated the 100 th anniversary of the discovery of this vital hormone. However, external use of insulin is highly affected by its aggregating tendency that occurs during its manufacturing, transportation, and improper handling which ultimately leads its pharmaceutically and biologically ineffective form. In this review, we aim to discuss the various approaches used for decelerating insulin aggregation which results in the enhancement of its overall structural stability and usage. The approaches that are discussed are broadly classified as either a measure through excipient additions or by intrinsic modifications in the insulin native structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Sen
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Chemistry, INDIA
| | - Rafat Ali
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Chemistry, Room No 131 Lab No2, CESE department IIT Kanpur, 208016, Kanpur, INDIA
| | - Akanksha Onkar
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, INDIA
| | - Subramaniam Ganesh
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, INDIA
| | - Sandeep Verma
- Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur, Department of Chemistry, IIT-Kanpur, 208016, Kanpur, INDIA
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14
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Páníková T, Mitrová K, Halamová T, Mrzílková K, Pícha J, Chrudinová M, Kurochka A, Selicharová I, Žáková L, Jiráček J. Insulin Analogues with Altered Insulin Receptor Isoform Binding Specificities and Enhanced Aggregation Stabilities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14848-14859. [PMID: 34591477 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Insulin is a lifesaver for millions of diabetic patients. There is a need for new insulin analogues with more physiological profiles and analogues that will be thermally more stable than human insulin. Here, we describe the chemical engineering of 48 insulin analogues that were designed to have changed binding specificities toward isoforms A and B of the insulin receptor (IR-A and IR-B). We systematically modified insulin at the C-terminus of the B-chain, at the N-terminus of the A-chain, and at A14 and A18 positions. We discovered an insulin analogue that has Cα-carboxyamidated Glu at B31 and Ala at B29 and that has a more than 3-fold-enhanced binding specificity in favor of the "metabolic" IR-B isoform. The analogue is more resistant to the formation of insulin fibrils at 37 °C and is also more efficient in mice than human insulin. Therefore, [AlaB29,GluB31,amideB31]-insulin may be interesting for further clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terezie Páníková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Mitrová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Halamová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Mrzílková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pícha
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Chrudinová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Andrii Kurochka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Selicharová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Žáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Jiráček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 116 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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15
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Chen YS, Gleaton J, Yang Y, Dhayalan B, Phillips NB, Liu Y, Broadwater L, Jarosinski MA, Chatterjee D, Lawrence MC, Hattier T, Michael MD, Weiss MA. Insertion of a synthetic switch into insulin provides metabolite-dependent regulation of hormone-receptor activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2103518118. [PMID: 34290145 PMCID: PMC8325334 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103518118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-signaling requires conformational change: whereas the free hormone and its receptor each adopt autoinhibited conformations, their binding leads to structural reorganization. To test the functional coupling between insulin's "hinge opening" and receptor activation, we inserted an artificial ligand-dependent switch into the insulin molecule. Ligand-binding disrupts an internal tether designed to stabilize the hormone's native closed and inactive conformation, thereby enabling productive receptor engagement. This scheme exploited a diol sensor (meta-fluoro-phenylboronic acid at GlyA1) and internal diol (3,4-dihydroxybenzoate at LysB28). The sensor recognizes monosaccharides (fructose > glucose). Studies of insulin-signaling in human hepatoma-derived cells (HepG2) demonstrated fructose-dependent receptor autophosphorylation leading to appropriate downstream signaling events, including a specific kinase cascade and metabolic gene regulation (gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis). Addition of glucose (an isomeric ligand with negligible sensor affinity) did not activate the hormone. Similarly, metabolite-regulated signaling was not observed in control studies of 1) an unmodified insulin analog or 2) an analog containing a diol sensor without internal tethering. Although secondary structure (as probed by circular dichroism) was unaffected by ligand-binding, heteronuclear NMR studies revealed subtle local and nonlocal monosaccharide-dependent changes in structure. Insertion of a synthetic switch into insulin has thus demonstrated coupling between hinge-opening and allosteric holoreceptor signaling. In addition to this foundational finding, our results provide proof of principle for design of a mechanism-based metabolite-responsive insulin. In particular, replacement of the present fructose sensor by an analogous glucose sensor may enable translational development of a "smart" insulin analog to mitigate hypoglycemic risk in diabetes therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | | | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Nelson B Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Yule Liu
- Thermalin Inc., Cleveland, OH 44106
| | | | - Mark A Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- Structural Biology Division, WEHI, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | | | | | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202;
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16
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Dec R, Dzwolak W. A tale of two tails: Self-assembling properties of A- and B-chain parts of insulin's highly amyloidogenic H-fragment. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 186:510-518. [PMID: 34271044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to the spontaneous transition of native insulin into therapeutically inactive amyloid, prolonged storage decreases effectiveness of the hormone in treatment of diabetes. Various regions of the amino acid sequence have been implicated in insulin aggregation. Here, we focus on smaller fragments of the highly amyloidogenic H-peptide comprising disulfide-bonded N-terminal sections of insulin's A-chain (13 residues) and B-chain (11 residues). Aggregation patterns of N-terminal fragments of A-chain (ACC1-13, ACC1-11, ACC6-13, ACC6-11, all retaining Cys6A-Cys11A disulfide bond) and B-chain (B1-11(7A)) are examined at acidic and neutral pH. ACC1-11 is the smallest fragment found to be amyloidogenic at either pH; removal of the N-terminal GIVEQ section renders this fragment entirely non-amyloidogenic. The self-assembling properties of ACC1-11 contrast with aggregation-resistant behavior of B1-11(7A) and its disulfide-linked homodimer, (B1-11)2 aggregating only at neutral pH. Fibrillar ACC1-11 is similar to insulin amyloid in terms of morphology and infrared features. Secondary nucleation is likely to account for the detected shortening of insulin aggregation lag phase at neutral pH upon cross-seeding with pre-formed fibrils of ACC1-11 or (B1-11)2. An aggregation-enhancing effect of monomeric ACC1-11 on co-dissolved native insulin is also observed. Our findings are discussed in the context of mechanisms of insulin aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dec
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur Str., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Dzwolak
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 1 Pasteur Str., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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Cheng R, Taleb N, Stainforth-Dubois M, Rabasa-Lhoret R. The promising future of insulin therapy in diabetes mellitus. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2021; 320:E886-E890. [PMID: 33719586 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00608.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The first therapeutic use of insulin by Frederick Banting and Charles Best in 1921 revolutionized the management of type 1 diabetes and considerably changed the lives of many patients with other types of diabetes. In the past 100 years, significant pharmacological advances took place in the field of insulin therapy, bringing closer the goal of optimal glycemic control along with decreased diabetes-related complications. Despite these developments, several challenges remain, such as increasing treatment flexibility, reducing iatrogenic hypoglycemia, and optimizing patient quality of life. Ongoing innovations in insulin therapy (e.g., new insulin analogs, alternative routes of insulin administration, and closed-loop technology) endeavor to overcome these hurdles and change the landscape of diabetes mellitus management. This report highlights recent advances made in the field of insulin therapy and discusses future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Cheng
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadine Taleb
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Montreal Diabetes Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Abstract
Although insulin therapy was already introduced one-hundred years ago, insulin formulations are still being refined to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia and of other insulin side effects such as weight gain. This review summarises the available clinical data for some ongoing developments of new insulins and evaluates their potential for future insulin therapy. Once-weekly insulins will most likely be the next addition to the insulin armamentarium. First clinical studies indicate low peak-to-trough fluctuations with these insulins indicating the potential to achieve better glycaemic control or reduce hypoglycaemic events versus available basal insulins. Proof-of-concept has also been established for hepato-preferential and oral insulins; however, adverse effects and low bioavailability still need to be overcome. It will take much longer, before glucose-responsive "smart" insulins will be available. A first clinical study and numerous pre-clinical data show the potential, but also the challenges of designing an insulin that quickly reacts to blood glucose changes and prevents hypoglycaemia and pronounced hyperglycaemia. Nevertheless, it is reassuring that the search for better insulins has never stopped since its first use one-hundred years ago and is still ongoing. New developments have a high potential of further improving the safety and efficacy of insulin therapy in the future.
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19
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Abstract
Insulin, as a peptide hormone drug, is susceptible to changes in stability when exposed to environmental factors under storage. Proper storage according to the manufacturer's recommendations is important to maintain its potency and enable precise dosing for people with diabetes (PwD). While it is reasonable to assume that transport conditions and temperature are well controlled during the supply chain, little is known about insulin storage after dispensing and insulin potency at the moment of administration. Insulin is exposed to various environmental factors when carried by PwD and storage recommendations are often not met when it is stored in household refrigerators. It is difficult to assess changes in insulin potency in clinical practice, and there is a gap in the current scientific literature on insulin stability. Package leaflet recommendations only give limited information on the impact of improper storage conditions on insulin stability and guidelines by health organizations are inconsistent. Given the importance of precise dosing in diabetes care, there is a need for more transparency on insulin stability, awareness for proper storage among health care professionals and PwD as well as clear guidelines and practical storage recommendations from manufacturers and health organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarina Braune
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Alan Carter
- School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | - Laura A. Krämer
- MedAngel BV, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Laura A, Krämer, MSc, MedAngel BV, Transistorweg 5, c/o: Rockstart, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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20
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Faust C, Ochs C, Korn M, Werner U, Jung J, Dittrich W, Schiebler W, Schauder R, Rao E, Langer T. Production of a novel heterodimeric two-chain insulin-Fc fusion protein. Protein Eng Des Sel 2020; 33:5959880. [PMID: 33159202 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. The physiological role of insulin is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Under certain pathological conditions the insulin levels can be reduced leading to the metabolic disorder diabetes mellitus (DM). For type 1 DM and, dependent on the disease progression for type 2 DM, insulin substitution becomes indispensable. To relieve insulin substitution therapy for patients, novel insulin analogs with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles aiming for long-lasting or fast-acting insulins have been developed. The next step in the evolution of novel insulins should be insulin analogs with a time action profile beyond 1-2 days, preferable up to 1 week. Nowadays, insulin is produced in a recombinant manner. This approach facilitates the design and production of further insulin-analogs or insulin-fusion proteins. The usage of the Fc-domain from immunoglobulin as a fusion partner for therapeutic proteins and peptides is widely used to extend their plasma half-life. Insulin consists of two chains, the A- and B-chain, which are connected by two disulfide-bridges. To produce a novel kind of Fc-fusion protein we have fused the A-chain as well as the B-chain to Fc-fragments containing either 'knob' or 'hole' mutations. The 'knob-into-hole' technique is frequently used to force heterodimerization of the Fc-domain. Using this approach, we were able to produce different variants of two-chain-insulin-Fc-protein (tcI-Fc-protein) variants. The tcI-Fc-fusion variants retained activity as shown in in vitro assays. Finally, prolonged blood glucose lowering activity was demonstrated in normoglycemic rats. Overall, we describe here the production of novel insulin-Fc-fusion proteins with prolonged times of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Faust
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Biologics Research, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Ochs
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Biologics Research, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Provadis School of International Management and Technology AG, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marcus Korn
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D TA Diabetes, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulrich Werner
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D TA Diabetes, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jennifer Jung
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Biologics Research, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Werner Dittrich
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Biologics Research, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Werner Schiebler
- Provadis School of International Management and Technology AG, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rolf Schauder
- Provadis School of International Management and Technology AG, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ercole Rao
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Biologics Research, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Langer
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Biologics Research, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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21
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Kabotso DEK, Smiley D, Mayer JP, Gelfanov VM, Perez-Tilve D, DiMarchi RD, Pohl NLB, Liu F. Addition of Sialic Acid to Insulin Confers Superior Physical Properties and Bioequivalence. J Med Chem 2020; 63:6134-6143. [PMID: 32406685 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Native insulin is susceptible to biophysical aggregation and fibril formation, promoted by manual agitation and elevated temperatures. The safety of the drug and its application to alternative forms of administration could be enhanced through the identification of chemical modifications that strengthen its physical stability without compromising its biological properties. Complex polysialic acids (PSAs) exist naturally and provide a means to enhance the physical properties of peptide therapeutics. A set of insulin analogues site-specifically derivatized with sialic acid were prepared in an overall yield of 50-60%. Addition of a single or multiple sialic acids conferred remarkable enhancement to the biophysical stability of human insulin while maintaining its potency. The time to the onset of fibrillation was extended by more than 10-fold relative to that of the native hormone. These results demonstrate that simplified sialic acid conjugates represent a viable alternative to complex natural PSAs in increasing the stability of therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E K Kabotso
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31 Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.,Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - David Smiley
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - John P Mayer
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Vasily M Gelfanov
- Novo Nordisk Indianapolis Research Center, 5225 Exploration Dr., Indianapolis, Indiana 46241, United States
| | - Diego Perez-Tilve
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati-College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Richard D DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Nicola L B Pohl
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center, 530 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, Washington 98109, United States
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22
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Østergaard M, Mishra NK, Jensen KJ. The ABC of Insulin: The Organic Chemistry of a Small Protein. Chemistry 2020; 26:8341-8357. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mads Østergaard
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Copenhagen Thorvaldsensvej 40 1871 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | - Narendra Kumar Mishra
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Copenhagen Thorvaldsensvej 40 1871 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | - Knud J. Jensen
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Copenhagen Thorvaldsensvej 40 1871 Frederiksberg C Denmark
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23
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Rege NK, Liu M, Dhayalan B, Chen YS, Smith NA, Rahimi L, Sun J, Guo H, Yang Y, Haataja L, Phillips NFB, Whittaker J, Smith BJ, Arvan P, Ismail-Beigi F, Weiss MA. "Register-shift" insulin analogs uncover constraints of proteotoxicity in protein evolution. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:3080-3098. [PMID: 32005662 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Globular protein sequences encode not only functional structures (the native state) but also protein foldability, i.e. a conformational search that is both efficient and robustly minimizes misfolding. Studies of mutations associated with toxic misfolding have yielded insights into molecular determinants of protein foldability. Of particular interest are residues that are conserved yet dispensable in the native state. Here, we exploited the mutant proinsulin syndrome (a major cause of permanent neonatal-onset diabetes mellitus) to investigate whether toxic misfolding poses an evolutionary constraint. Our experiments focused on an invariant aromatic motif (PheB24-PheB25-TyrB26) with complementary roles in native self-assembly and receptor binding. A novel class of mutations provided evidence that insulin can bind to the insulin receptor (IR) in two different modes, distinguished by a "register shift" in this motif, as visualized by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Register-shift variants are active but defective in cellular foldability and exquisitely susceptible to fibrillation in vitro Indeed, expression of the corresponding proinsulin variant induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, a general feature of the mutant proinsulin syndrome. Although not present among vertebrate insulin and insulin-like sequences, a prototypical variant ([GlyB24]insulin) was as potent as WT insulin in a rat model of diabetes. Although in MD simulations the shifted register of receptor engagement is compatible with the structure and allosteric reorganization of the IR-signaling complex, our results suggest that this binding mode is associated with toxic misfolding and so is disallowed in evolution. The implicit threat of proteotoxicity limits sequence variation among vertebrate insulins and insulin-like growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nischay K Rege
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Ming Liu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, Australia; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, Heping District, 300052 China
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Leili Rahimi
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Jinhong Sun
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, Australia
| | - Huan Guo
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, Australia
| | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Leena Haataja
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, Australia
| | - Nelson F B Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Jonathan Whittaker
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Brian J Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Peter Arvan
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, Australia
| | - Faramarz Ismail-Beigi
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
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24
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Zheng N, Karra P, VandenBerg MA, Kim JH, Webber MJ, Holland WL, Chou DHC. Synthesis and Characterization of an A6-A11 Methylene Thioacetal Human Insulin Analogue with Enhanced Stability. J Med Chem 2019; 62:11437-11443. [PMID: 31804076 PMCID: PMC7217704 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Insulin has been a life-saving drug for millions of people with diabetes. However, several challenges exist which limit therapeutic benefits and reduce patient convenience. One key challenge is the fibrillation propensity, which necessitates refrigeration for storage. To address this limitation, we chemically synthesized and evaluated a methylene thioacetal human insulin analogue (SCS-Ins). The synthesized SCS-Ins showed enhanced serum stability and aggregation resistance while retaining bioactivity compared with native insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Prasoona Karra
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Michael A. VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jin Hwan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Matthew J. Webber
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - William L. Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
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25
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Xiong X, Blakely A, Karra P, VandenBerg MA, Ghabash G, Whitby F, Zhang YW, Webber MJ, Holland WL, Hill CP, Chou DHC. Novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency. Chem Sci 2019; 11:195-200. [PMID: 32110371 PMCID: PMC7012051 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc04555d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel four-disulfide insulin analog was designed with retained bioactivity and increased fibrillation stability.
Although insulin was first purified and used therapeutically almost a century ago, there is still a need to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient convenience. A key challenge is the requirement for refrigeration to avoid inactivation of insulin by aggregation/fibrillation. Here, in an effort to mitigate this problem, we introduced a 4th disulfide bond between a C-terminal extended insulin A chain and residues near the C-terminus of the B chain. Insulin activity was retained by an analog with an additional disulfide bond between residues A22 and B22, while other linkages tested resulted in much reduced potency. Furthermore, the A22-B22 analog maintains the native insulin tertiary structure as demonstrated by X-ray crystal structure determination. We further demonstrate that this four-disulfide analog has similar in vivo potency in mice compared to native insulin and demonstrates higher aggregation stability. In conclusion, we have discovered a novel four-disulfide insulin analog with high aggregation stability and potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Alan Blakely
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Prasoona Karra
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA
| | - Michael A VandenBerg
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , IN 46556 , USA
| | - Gabrielle Ghabash
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Frank Whitby
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Yi Wolf Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
| | - Matthew J Webber
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering , University of Notre Dame , IN 46556 , USA
| | - William L Holland
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA
| | - Christopher P Hill
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Utah , Salt Lake City UT 84112 , USA . ;
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Mao R, Chen Y, Chi Z, Wang Y. Insulin and its single-chain analogue. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:8737-8751. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10170-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Weiss MA, Lawrence MC. A thing of beauty: Structure and function of insulin's "aromatic triplet". Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20 Suppl 2:51-63. [PMID: 30230175 PMCID: PMC6159917 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The classical crystal structure of insulin was determined in 1969 by D.C. Hodgkin et al. following a 35-year program of research. This structure depicted a hexamer remarkable for its self-assembly as a zinc-coordinated trimer of dimer. Prominent at the dimer interface was an "aromatic triplet" of conserved residues at consecutive positions in the B chain: PheB24 , PheB25 and TyrB26 . The elegance of this interface inspired the Oxford team to poetry: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" (John Keats as quoted by Blundell, T.L., et al. Advances in Protein Chemistry 26:279-286 [1972]). Here, we revisit this aromatic triplet in light of recent advances in the structural biology of insulin bound as a monomer to fragments of the insulin receptor. Such co-crystal structures have defined how these side chains pack at the primary hormone-binding surface of the receptor ectodomain. On receptor binding, the B-chain β-strand (residues B24-B28) containing the aromatic triplet detaches from the α-helical core of the hormone. Whereas TyrB26 lies at the periphery of the receptor interface and may functionally be replaced by a diverse set of substitutions, PheB24 and PheB25 engage invariant elements of receptor domains L1 and αCT. These critical contacts were anticipated by the discovery of diabetes-associated mutations at these positions by Donald Steiner et al. at the University of Chicago. Conservation of PheB24 , PheB25 and TyrB26 among vertebrate insulins reflects the striking confluence of structure-based evolutionary constraints: foldability, protective self-assembly and hormonal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Michael C. Lawrence
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, AUSTRALIA
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, AUSTRALIA
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Glidden MD, Yang Y, Smith NA, Phillips NB, Carr K, Wickramasinghe NP, Ismail-Beigi F, Lawrence MC, Smith BJ, Weiss MA. Solution structure of an ultra-stable single-chain insulin analog connects protein dynamics to a novel mechanism of receptor binding. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:69-88. [PMID: 29114034 PMCID: PMC5766920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.808667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Domain-minimized insulin receptors (IRs) have enabled crystallographic analysis of insulin-bound "micro-receptors." In such structures, the C-terminal segment of the insulin B chain inserts between conserved IR domains, unmasking an invariant receptor-binding surface that spans both insulin A and B chains. This "open" conformation not only rationalizes the inactivity of single-chain insulin (SCI) analogs (in which the A and B chains are directly linked), but also suggests that connecting (C) domains of sufficient length will bind the IR. Here, we report the high-resolution solution structure and dynamics of such an active SCI. The hormone's closed-to-open transition is foreshadowed by segmental flexibility in the native state as probed by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy and multiple conformer simulations of crystallographic protomers as described in the companion article. We propose a model of the SCI's IR-bound state based on molecular-dynamics simulations of a micro-receptor complex. In this model, a loop defined by the SCI's B and C domains encircles the C-terminal segment of the IR α-subunit. This binding mode predicts a conformational transition between an ultra-stable closed state (in the free hormone) and an active open state (on receptor binding). Optimization of this switch within an ultra-stable SCI promises to circumvent insulin's complex global cold chain. The analog's biphasic activity, which serendipitously resembles current premixed formulations of soluble insulin and microcrystalline suspension, may be of particular utility in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Glidden
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Yanwu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Nelson B Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Kelley Carr
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | | | - Faramarz Ismail-Beigi
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Brian J Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106; Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.
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