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Mou J, Ning XL, Wang XY, Hou SY, Meng FB, Zhou C, Wu JW, Li C, Jia T, Wu X, Wu Y, Chen Y, Li GB. X-ray Structure-Guided Discovery of a Potent Benzimidazole Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor That Shows Activity in a Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8730-8756. [PMID: 38817193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The secretory glutaminyl cyclase (sQC) and Golgi-resident glutaminyl cyclase (gQC) are responsible for N-terminal protein pyroglutamation and associated with various human diseases. Although several sQC/gQC inhibitors have been reported, only one inhibitor, PQ912, is currently undergoing clinic trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. We report an X-ray crystal structure of sQC complexed with PQ912, revealing that the benzimidazole makes "anchor" interactions with the active site zinc ion and catalytic triad. Structure-guided design and optimization led to a series of new benzimidazole derivatives exhibiting nanomolar inhibition for both sQC and gQC. In a MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model, BI-43 manifested efficacy in mitigating locomotor deficits through reversing dopaminergic neuronal loss, reducing microglia, and decreasing levels of the sQC/gQC substrates, α-synuclein, and CCL2. This study not only offers structural basis and new leads for drug discovery targeting sQC/gQC but also provides evidence supporting sQC/gQC as potential targets for PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Mou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiang-Li Ning
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin-Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shu-Yan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fan-Bo Meng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing-Wei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoai Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongping Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guo-Bo Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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2
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Szczęśniak K, Veillard F, Scavenius C, Chudzik K, Ferenc K, Bochtler M, Potempa J, Mizgalska D. The Bacteroidetes Q-rule and glutaminyl cyclase activity increase the stability of extracytoplasmic proteins. mBio 2023; 14:e0098023. [PMID: 37750700 PMCID: PMC10653852 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00980-23] [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: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Exclusively in the Bacteroidetes phylum, most proteins exported across the inner membrane via the Sec system and released into the periplasm by type I signal peptidase have N-terminal glutamine converted to pyroglutamate. The reaction is catalyzed by the periplasmic enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC), which is essential for the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and other periodontopathogens. Apparently, pyroglutamyl formation stabilizes extracytoplasmic proteins and/or protects them from proteolytic degradation in the periplasm. Given the role of P. gingivalis as the keystone pathogen in periodontitis, P. gingivalis QC is a promising target for the development of drugs to treat and/or prevent this highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease leading to tooth loss and associated with severe systemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Szczęśniak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Florian Veillard
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Carsten Scavenius
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kamila Chudzik
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Ferenc
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Matthias Bochtler
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Potempa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Danuta Mizgalska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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3
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Coimbra JRM, Moreira PI, Santos AE, Salvador JAR. Therapeutic potential of glutaminyl cyclases: Current status and emerging trends. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103644. [PMID: 37244566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) activity has been identified as a key effector in distinct biological processes. Human glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT) and glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like (QPCTL) are considered attractive therapeutic targets in many human disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, and a range of inflammatory conditions, as well as for cancer immunotherapy, because of their capacity to modulate cancer immune checkpoint proteins. In this review, we explore the biological functions and structures of QPCT/L enzymes and highlight their therapeutic relevance. We also summarize recent developments in the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors targeting these enzymes, including an overview of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judite R M Coimbra
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I Moreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armanda E Santos
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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4
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Chen D, Chen Q, Qin X, Tong P, Peng L, Zhang T, Xia C. Development and evolution of human glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors (QCIs): an alternative promising approach for disease-modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1209863. [PMID: 37600512 PMCID: PMC10435661 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1209863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human glutaminyl cyclase (hQC) is drawing considerable attention and emerging as a potential druggable target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its close involvement in the pathology of AD via the post-translational pyroglutamate modification of amyloid-β. A recent phase 2a study has shown promising early evidence of efficacy for AD with a competitive benzimidazole-based QC inhibitor, PQ912, which also demonstrated favorable safety profiles. This finding has sparked new hope for the treatment of AD. In this review, we briefly summarize the discovery and evolution of hQC inhibitors, with a particular interest in classic Zinc binding group (ZBG)-containing chemicals reported in recent years. Additionally, we highlight several high-potency inhibitors and discuss new trends and challenges in the development of QC inhibitors as an alternative and promising disease-modifying therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Qingxiu Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaofei Qin
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peipei Tong
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Liping Peng
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Basic Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chunli Xia
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
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Niu Y, Lin P. Advances of computer-aided drug design (CADD) in the development of anti-Azheimer's-disease drugs. Drug Discov Today 2023:103665. [PMID: 37302540 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that progressively destroys memory and thinking skills. Currently there is no treatment to prevent or cure AD; targeting the direct cause of neuronal degeneration would constitute a rational strategy and hopefully offer better options for the treatment of AD. This paper first summarizes the physiological and pathological pathogenesis of AD and then discusses the representative drug candidates for targeted therapy of AD and their binding mode with their targets. Finally, the applications of computer-aided drug design in discovering anti-AD drugs are reviewed. Teaser.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Niu
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, China; Institute of modern physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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6
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Kanoh S, Shiraki K, Wada M, Tanaka T, Kitamura M, Kato K, Hirano A. Chromatographic purification of histidine-tagged proteins using zirconia particles modified with phosphate groups. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1703:464112. [PMID: 37285623 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) is one of the most common purification techniques for histidine-tagged proteins (His-tagged proteins). IMAC enables the purification of His-tagged proteins at high purity on the basis of coordination bonds between His-tags and metal ions (such as Ni2+, Co2+, and Cu2+) immobilized on the matrices in columns. However, IMAC requires low-pH solutions or high-concentration imidazole solutions for eluting His-tagged proteins, which can affect protein conformation and activity. The present study provides a His-tagged protein purification method using zirconia particles modified with phosphate groups. This method is based on the electrostatic attractions between a His-tag moiety of proteins and phosphate groups on the zirconia particles; this method requires only high-concentration salt solutions at pH 7.0 for eluting the proteins. A column packed with phosphate-modified zirconia particles was demonstrated to enable the purification of two model His-tagged proteins-His-tagged green fluorescent protein and His-tagged alkaline phosphatase fused with maltose binding protein. Thus, this chromatography method is useful for purifying His-tagged proteins without any pH stress or additives. Additionally, because of the mechanical properties of the zirconia particles, this technique enables high-performance purification at a high flow rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Kanoh
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan; Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shiraki
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Momoyo Wada
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tanaka
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kitamura
- NGK Spark Plug-AIST Healthcare Materials Cooperative Research Laboratory, Nagoya, Aichi 463-8560, Japan
| | - Katsuya Kato
- NGK Spark Plug-AIST Healthcare Materials Cooperative Research Laboratory, Nagoya, Aichi 463-8560, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hirano
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan.
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Tsai KC, Zhang YX, Kao HY, Fung KM, Tseng TS. Pharmacophore-driven identification of human glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors from foods, plants and herbs unveils the bioactive property and potential of Azaleatin in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Food Funct 2022; 13:12632-12647. [PMID: 36416361 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02507h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of disabilities in old age and a rapidly growing condition in the elderly population. AD brings significant burden and has a devastating impact on public health, society and the global economy. Thus, developing new therapeutics to combat AD is imperative. Human glutaminyl cyclase (hQC), which catalyzes the formation of neurotoxic pyroglutamate (pE)-modified β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, is linked to the amyloidogenic process that leads to the initiation of AD. Hence, hQC is an essential target for developing anti-AD therapeutics. Here, we systematically screened and identified hQC inhibitors from natural products by pharmacophore-driven inhibitor screening coupled with biochemical and biophysical examinations. We employed receptor-ligand pharmacophore generation to build pharmacophore models and Phar-MERGE and Phar-SEN for inhibitor screening through ligand-pharmacophore mapping. About 11 and 24 hits identified from the Natural Product and Traditional Chinese Medicine databases, respectively, showed diverse hQC inhibitory abilities. Importantly, the inhibitors TCM1 (Azaleatin; IC50 = 1.1 μM) and TCM2 (Quercetin; IC50 = 4.3 μM) found in foods and plants exhibited strong inhibitory potency against hQC. Furthermore, the binding affinity and molecular interactions were analyzed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular modeling/simulations to explore the possible modes of action of Azaleatin and Quercetin. Our study successfully screened and characterized the foundational biochemical and biophysical properties of Azaleatin and Quercetin toward targeting hQC, unveiling their bioactive potential in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng-Chang Tsai
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Xuan Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Yun Kao
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Kit-Man Fung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Sheng Tseng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Upregulation of Glutaminyl Cyclase Contributes to ERS-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4154697. [PMID: 36479306 PMCID: PMC9722295 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4154697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) is responsible for converting the N-terminal glutaminyl and glutamyl of the proteins into pyroglutamate (pE) through cyclization. It has been confirmed that QC catalyzes the formation of neurotoxic pE-modified Aβ in the brain of AD patients. But the effects of upregulated QC in diverse diseases have not been much clear until recently. Here, RNA sequencing was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PC12 cells with QC overexpressing or knockdown. A total of 697 DEGs were identified in QC overexpressing cells while only 77 in QC knockdown cells. Multiple bioinformatic approaches revealed that the DEGs in QC overexpressing group were enriched in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related signaling pathways. The gene expression patterns of 23 DEGs were confirmed by RT-qPCR, in which the genes related to ERS showed the highest consistency. We also revealed the protein levels of GRP78, PERK, CHOP, and PARP-1, and caspase family was significantly upregulated by overexpressing QC. Moreover, overexpressing QC significantly increased apoptosis of PC12 cells in a time dependent manner. However, no significant alteration was observed in QC knockdown cells. Therefore, our study indicated that upregulated QC could induce ERS and apoptosis, which consequently trigger diseases by catalyzing the generation of pE-modified mediators.
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao Z, Peng W, Wang P, Xu X, Zhao C. Glutaminyl cyclases, the potential targets of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 931:175178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Bresser K, Logtenberg MEW, Toebes M, Proost N, Sprengers J, Siteur B, Boeije M, Kroese LJ, Schumacher TN. QPCTL regulates macrophage and monocyte abundance and inflammatory signatures in the tumor microenvironment. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2049486. [PMID: 35309731 PMCID: PMC8932921 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2049486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like protein (QPCTL) catalyzes the formation of pyroglutamate residues at the NH2-terminus of proteins, thereby influencing their biological properties. A number of studies have implicated QPCTL in the regulation of chemokine stability. Furthermore, QPCTL activity has recently been shown to be critical for the formation of the high-affinity SIRPα binding site of the CD47 “don’t-eat-me” protein. Based on the latter data, interference with QPCTL activity —and hence CD47 maturation—may be proposed as a means to promote anti-tumor immunity. However, the pleiotropic activity of QPCTL makes it difficult to predict the effects of QPCTL inhibition on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using a syngeneic mouse melanoma model, we demonstrate that QPCTL deficiency alters the intra-tumoral monocyte-to-macrophage ratio, results in a profound increase in the presence of pro-inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) relative to immunosuppressive TGF-β1-driven CAFs, and leads to an increased IFN and decreased TGF-β transcriptional response signature in tumor cells. Importantly, the functional relevance of the observed TME remodeling is demonstrated by the synergy between QPCTL deletion and anti PD-L1 therapy, sensitizing an otherwise refractory melanoma model to anti-checkpoint therapy. Collectively, these data provide support for the development of strategies to interfere with QPCTL activity as a means to promote tumor-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaspar Bresser
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meike E. W. Logtenberg
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille Toebes
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie Proost
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Justin Sprengers
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Siteur
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Boeije
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lona J. Kroese
- Transgenic Facility, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ton N. Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Functional Analysis of the GPI Transamidase Complex by Screening for Amino Acid Mutations in Each Subunit. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185462. [PMID: 34576938 PMCID: PMC8465894 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor modification is a posttranslational modification of proteins that has been conserved in eukaryotes. The biosynthesis and transfer of GPI to proteins are carried out in the endoplasmic reticulum. Attachment of GPI to proteins is mediated by the GPI-transamidase (GPI-TA) complex, which recognizes and cleaves the C-terminal GPI attachment signal of precursor proteins. Then, GPI is transferred to the newly exposed C-terminus of the proteins. GPI-TA consists of five subunits: PIGK, GPAA1, PIGT, PIGS, and PIGU, and the absence of any subunit leads to the loss of activity. Here, we analyzed functionally important residues of the five subunits of GPI-TA by comparing conserved sequences among homologous proteins. In addition, we optimized the purification method for analyzing the structure of GPI-TA. Using purified GPI-TA, preliminary single particle images were obtained. Our results provide guidance for the structural and functional analysis of GPI-TA.
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12
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Xu C, Zou H, Yu X, Xie Y, Cai J, Shang Q, Ouyang N, Wang Y, Xu P, He Z, Wu H. Repurposing FDA-Approved Compounds for the Discovery of Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitors as Drugs Against Alzheimer's Disease. ChemistryOpen 2021; 10:877-881. [PMID: 33377311 PMCID: PMC8409088 DOI: 10.1002/open.202000235] [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: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative causes of dementia, the pathology of which is still not much clear. It's challenging to discover the disease modifying agents for the prevention and treatment of AD over the years. Emerging evidence has been accumulated to reveal the crucial role of up-regulated glutaminyl cyclase (QC) in the initiation of AD. In the current study, the QC inhibitory potency of a library consisting of 1621 FDA-approved compounds was assessed. A total of 54 hits, 3.33 % of the pool, exhibited QC inhibitory activities. The Ki of the top 5 compounds with the highest QC inhibitory activities were measured. Among these selected hits, compounds affecting neuronal signaling pathways and other mechanisms were recognized. Moreover, several polyphenol derivatives with QC inhibitory activities were also identified. Frameworks and subsets contained in these hits were analyzed. Taken together, our results may contribute to the discovery and development of novel QC inhibitors as potential anti-AD agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Haoman Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Xi Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Yazhou Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Jiaxin Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Qi Shang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Na Ouyang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Yinan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Pan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Zhendan He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Health Science CenterShenzhen University3688 Nanhai RoadShenzhen518055China
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13
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Coimbra JRM, Salvador JAR. A patent review of glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors (2004-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:809-836. [PMID: 33896339 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1917549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) enzymes catalyze the post-translational processing of several substrates with N-terminal glutamine or glutamate to form pyroglutamate (pE) residue. In addition to physiological functions, emerging evidence demonstrates that human QCs play a part in pathological processes in diverse diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), inflammatory and cancer diseases.Areas covered: In recent years, efforts to effectively develop QC small-molecule inhibitors have been made and different chemical classes have been disclosed. This review summarizes the patents/applications regarding QC inhibitors released from 2004 (first patent) to now. The patents are mostly described in terms of chemical structures, biochemical/pharmacological activities, and potential clinical applications.Expert opinion: For more than 15 years of research, the knowledge on the QC activity domain has considerably increased and therapeutic potential of QC inhibitors has been explored. An important number of studies and patents have been published to expand the use of QC inhibitors. QC enzymes are pharmacologically interesting targets to be used as an AD-modifying therapy, or for other QC-associated disorder. Distinct classes of chemical scaffolds and potential clinical uses have been claimed by various organizations. For the coming years, there is much to experience in the QC field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judite R M Coimbra
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Xu C, Wang YN, Wu H. Glutaminyl Cyclase, Diseases, and Development of Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6549-6565. [PMID: 34000808 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pyroglutamate (pE) modification, catalyzed mainly by glutaminyl cyclase (QC), is prevalent throughout nature and is particularly important in mammals including humans for the maturation of hormones, peptides, and proteins. In humans, the upregulation of QC is involved in multiple diseases and conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, melanomas, thyroid carcinomas, accelerated atherosclerosis, septic arthritics, etc. This upregulation catalyzes the generation of modified mediators such as pE-amyloid beta (Aß) and pE-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) peptides. Not surprisingly, QC has emerged as a reasonable target for the development of therapeutics to combat these diseases and conditions. In this manuscript the deleterious effects of upregulated QC resulting in disease manifestation are reviewed, along with progress on the development of QC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yi-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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15
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Lamers S, Feng Q, Cheng Y, Yu S, Sun B, Lukman M, Jiang J, Ruiz-Carrillo D. Structural and kinetic characterization of Porphyromonas gingivalis glutaminyl cyclase. Biol Chem 2021; 402:759-768. [PMID: 33823093 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a bacterial species known to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis, that more recently has been as well associated with Alzheimer's disease. P. gingivalis expresses a glutaminyl cyclase (PgQC) whose human ortholog is known to participate in the beta amyloid peptide metabolism. We have elucidated the crystal structure of PgQC at 1.95 Å resolution in unbound and in inhibitor-complexed forms. The structural characterization of PgQC confirmed that PgQC displays a mammalian fold rather than a bacterial fold. Our biochemical characterization indicates that PgQC uses a mammalian-like catalytic mechanism enabled by the residues Asp149, Glu182, Asp183, Asp218, Asp267 and His299. In addition, we could observe that a non-conserved Trp193 may drive differences in the binding affinity of ligands which might be useful for drug development. With a screening of a small molecule library, we have identified a benzimidazole derivative rendering PgQC inhibition in the low micromolar range that might be amenable for further medicinal chemistry development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan Lamers
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Qiaoli Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Yili Cheng
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Sihong Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai201204, China
| | - Maxwell Lukman
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
| | - David Ruiz-Carrillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu215123, China
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16
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Taudte N, Linnert M, Rahfeld JU, Piechotta A, Ramsbeck D, Buchholz M, Kolenko P, Parthier C, Houston JA, Veillard F, Eick S, Potempa J, Schilling S, Demuth HU, Stubbs MT. Mammalian-like type II glutaminyl cyclases in Porphyromonas gingivalis and other oral pathogenic bacteria as targets for treatment of periodontitis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100263. [PMID: 33837744 PMCID: PMC7948796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a targeted therapy would significantly improve the treatment of periodontitis and its associated diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) from the oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia represent attractive target enzymes for small-molecule inhibitor development, as their action is likely to stabilize essential periplasmic and outer membrane proteins by N-terminal pyroglutamination. In contrast to other microbial QCs that utilize the so-called type I enzymes, these oral pathogens possess sequences corresponding to type II QCs, observed hitherto only in animals. However, whether differences between these bacteroidal QCs and animal QCs are sufficient to enable development of selective inhibitors is not clear. To learn more, we recombinantly expressed all three QCs. They exhibit comparable catalytic efficiencies and are inhibited by metal chelators. Crystal structures of the enzymes from P. gingivalis (PgQC) and T. forsythia (TfQC) reveal a tertiary structure composed of an eight-stranded β-sheet surrounded by seven α-helices, typical of animal type II QCs. In each case, an active site Zn ion is tetrahedrally coordinated by conserved residues. Nevertheless, significant differences to mammalian enzymes are found around the active site of the bacteroidal enzymes. Application of a PgQC-selective inhibitor described here for the first time results in growth inhibition of two P. gingivalis clinical isolates in a dose-dependent manner. The insights gained by these studies will assist in the development of highly specific small-molecule bacteroidal QC inhibitors, paving the way for alternative therapies against periodontitis and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Taudte
- Periotrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Miriam Linnert
- Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jens-Ulrich Rahfeld
- Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Anke Piechotta
- Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Ramsbeck
- Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mirko Buchholz
- Periotrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Halle (Saale), Germany; Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Petr Kolenko
- Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Charles-Tanford-Proteinzentrum, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christoph Parthier
- Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Charles-Tanford-Proteinzentrum, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - John A Houston
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Florian Veillard
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sigrun Eick
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Potempa
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stephan Schilling
- Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany; Angewandte Biowissenschaften und Prozesstechnik, Hochschule Anhalt, Köthen, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Department of Molecular Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Milton T Stubbs
- Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Charles-Tanford-Proteinzentrum, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; ZIK HALOmem, Charles-Tanford-Proteinzentrum, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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17
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Dileep KV, Sakai N, Ihara K, Kato-Murayama M, Nakata A, Ito A, Sivaraman DM, Shin JW, Yoshida M, Shirouzu M, Zhang KYJ. Piperidine-4-carboxamide as a new scaffold for designing secretory glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 170:415-423. [PMID: 33373636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common chronic neurodegenerative disease, has become a major public health concern. Despite years of research, therapeutics for AD are limited. Overexpression of secretory glutaminyl cyclase (sQC) in AD brain leads to the formation of a highly neurotoxic pyroglutamate variant of amyloid beta, pGlu-Aβ, which acts as a potential seed for the aggregation of full length Aβ. Preventing the formation of pGlu-Aβ through inhibition of sQC has become an attractive disease-modifying therapy in AD. In this current study, through a pharmacophore assisted high throughput virtual screening, we report a novel sQC inhibitor (Cpd-41) with a piperidine-4-carboxamide moiety (IC50 = 34 μM). Systematic molecular docking, MD simulations and X-ray crystallographic analysis provided atomistic details of the binding of Cpd-41 in the active site of sQC. The unique mode of binding and moderate toxicity of Cpd-41 make this molecule an attractive candidate for designing high affinity sQC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Dileep
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Naoki Sakai
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ihara
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kato-Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakata
- Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit for Drug Discovery Platform, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - D M Sivaraman
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics Circuit, Centre for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Department of Pathology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram 695 011, Kerala, India
| | - Jay W Shin
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics Circuit, Centre for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit for Drug Discovery Platform, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
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18
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Regulation of CD47 expression in cancer cells. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100862. [PMID: 32920329 PMCID: PMC7494507 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CD47 is overexpressed in various types of cancers and it can directly bind with SIRPα, which is mainly located on macrophages. The binding of CD47-SIRPα transmits a “don't eat me” signal, which can prevent cancer cells from immune clearance. Targeting the phagocytosis checkpoint of CD47-SIRPα axis has shown remarkable anticancer effect in preclinical and clinical research, which indicates the potential application of CD47-SIRPα blockade for cancer treatment. In this case, the comprehensive description of the regulation of CD47 in different types of cancer cells has significant implications for furthering our understanding of the role of CD47 in cancer. Based on the current reports, we summarized the regulatory factors, i.e., cytokines, oncogenes, microRNAs as well as enzymes, of CD47 expression in cancer cells. Accordingly, we also proposed several points needing further research, hoping to provide useful insights for the future investigation on the regulation of CD47 in cancers. Cytokines, oncogenes, microRNAs and enzymes regulate CD47 expression in cancer. CD47 expression could be regulated at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational modification level. Further studies are required to determine other factors that regulate CD47 expression.
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19
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Arens R, Scheeren FA. Genetic Screening for Novel Regulators of Immune Checkpoint Molecules. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:692-705. [PMID: 32605801 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory and stimulatory immune checkpoint molecules play important roles in regulating immune responses. An increasing number of these immune regulators are currently being evaluated as targets in putative anti-cancer therapies. Recently, sophisticated genetic screens have been performed to increase our understanding of immune checkpoint pathways and their immunomodulatory regulators. Here, we summarize novel insights obtained by these screens and discuss new directions to advance possible strategies to treat malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Arens
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ferenc A Scheeren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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20
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Kupski O, Funk LM, Sautner V, Seifert F, Worbs B, Ramsbeck D, Meyer F, Diederichsen U, Buchholz M, Schilling S, Demuth HU, Tittmann K. Hydrazides Are Potent Transition-State Analogues for Glutaminyl Cyclase Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Biochemistry 2020; 59:2585-2591. [PMID: 32551535 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyloidogenic plaques are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and typically consist of high percentages of modified Aβ peptides bearing N-terminally cyclized glutamate residues. The human zinc(II) enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC) was shown in vivo to catalyze the cyclization of N-terminal glutamates of Aβ peptides in a pathophysiological side reaction establishing QC as a druggable target for therapeutic treatment of AD. Here, we report crystallographic snapshots of human QC catalysis acting on the neurohormone neurotensin that delineate the stereochemical course of catalysis and suggest that hydrazides could mimic the transition state of peptide cyclization and deamidation. This hypothesis is validated by a sparse-matrix inhibitor screening campaign that identifies hydrazides as the most potent metal-binding group compared to classic Zn binders. The structural basis of hydrazide inhibition is illuminated by X-ray structure analysis of human QC in complex with a hydrazide-bearing peptide inhibitor and reveals a pentacoordinated Zn complex. Our findings inform novel strategies in the design of potent and highly selective QC inhibitors by employing hydrazides as the metal-binding warhead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kupski
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Structural Dynamics, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lisa-Marie Funk
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Structural Dynamics, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Viktor Sautner
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Structural Dynamics, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Seifert
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Brigitte Worbs
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August University Göttingen, Tammannstraß 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Ramsbeck
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy und Immunology IZI, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Franc Meyer
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, Georg-August University Göttingen, Tammannstraße 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ulf Diederichsen
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August University Göttingen, Tammannstraß 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mirko Buchholz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy und Immunology IZI, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Stephan Schilling
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy und Immunology IZI, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy und Immunology IZI, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Kai Tittmann
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Julia-Lermontowa-Weg 3, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Structural Dynamics, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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21
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Abstract
A diverse range of N-terminally truncated and modified forms of amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers have been discovered in Alzheimer’s disease brains, including the pyroglutamate-Aβ (AβpE3). AβpE3 species are shown to be more neurotoxic when compared with the full-length Aβ peptide. Findings visibly suggest that glutaminyl cyclase (QC) catalyzed the generation of cerebral AβpE3, and therapeutic effects are achieved by reducing its activity. In recent years, efforts to effectively develop QC inhibitors have been pursued worldwide. The inhibitory activity of current QC inhibitors is mainly triggered by zinc-binding groups that coordinate Zn2+ ion in the active site and other common features. Herein, we summarized the current state of discovery and evolution of QC inhibitors as a potential Alzheimer’s disease-modifying strategy.
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22
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Wang X, Wang L, Yu X, Li Y, Liu Z, Zou Y, Zheng Y, He Z, Wu H. Glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in both AD and LPS-induced inflammatory model mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105770. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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23
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Xu A, He F, Yu C, Qu Y, Zhang Q, Lv J, Zhang X, Ran Y, Wei C, Wu J. The Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Glutaminyl Cyclase and Isoglutaminyl Cyclase for Alzheimer's Disease. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201902852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Xu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Feng He
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Chenggong Yu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Ying Qu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Qiuqiong Zhang
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Jiahui Lv
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Xiangna Zhang
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Yingying Ran
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Chao Wei
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Jingde Wu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
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24
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Vijayan DK, Zhang KY. Human glutaminyl cyclase: Structure, function, inhibitors and involvement in Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res 2019; 147:104342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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25
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Glutaminyl cyclase is an enzymatic modifier of the CD47- SIRPα axis and a target for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Med 2019; 25:612-619. [PMID: 30833751 PMCID: PMC7025889 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can evade immune surveillance through the expression of inhibitory ligands that bind their cognate receptors on immune effector cells. Expression of programmed death ligand 1 in tumor microenvironments is a major immune checkpoint for tumor-specific T cell responses as it binds to programmed cell death protein-1 on activated and dysfunctional T cells1. The activity of myeloid cells such as macrophages and neutrophils is likewise regulated by a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals. In particular, cell surface expression of the CD47 protein creates a 'don't eat me' signal on tumor cells by binding to SIRPα expressed on myeloid cells2-5. Using a haploid genetic screen, we here identify glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like protein (QPCTL) as a major component of the CD47-SIRPα checkpoint. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that QPCTL is critical for pyroglutamate formation on CD47 at the SIRPα binding site shortly after biosynthesis. Genetic and pharmacological interference with QPCTL activity enhances antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and cellular cytotoxicity of tumor cells. Furthermore, interference with QPCTL expression leads to a major increase in neutrophil-mediated killing of tumor cells in vivo. These data identify QPCTL as a novel target to interfere with the CD47 pathway and thereby augment antibody therapy of cancer.
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26
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Kutyshenko VP, Mikoulinskaia GV, Chernyshov SV, Yegorov AY, Prokhorov DA, Uversky VN. Effect of C-terminal His-tag and purification routine on the activity and structure of the metalloenzyme, l-alanyl-d-glutamate peptidase of the bacteriophage T5. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 124:810-818. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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27
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Lin W, Zheng X, Fang D, Zhou S, Wu W, Zheng K. Identifying hQC Inhibitors of Alzheimer's Disease by Effective Customized Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening, Molecular Dynamic Simulation, and Binding Free Energy Analysis. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2018; 187:1173-1192. [PMID: 30187344 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-018-2780-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human glutaminyl cyclase (hQC) appeared as a promising new target with its inhibitors attracted much attention for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in recent years. But so far, only a few compounds have been reported as hQC inhibitors. To find novel and potent hQC inhibitors, a high-specificity ZBG (zinc-binding groups)-based pharmacophore model comprising customized ZBG feature was first generated using HipHop algorithm in Discovery Studio software for screening out hQC inhibitors from the SPECS database. After purification by docking studies and drug-like ADMET properties filters, four potential hit compounds were retrieved. Subsequently, these hit compounds were subjected to 30-ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulations to explore their binding modes at the active side of hQC. MD simulations demonstrated that these hit compounds formed a chelating interaction with the zinc ion, which was consistent with the finding that the electrostatic interaction was the major driving force for binding to hQC confirmed with MMPBSA energy decomposition. Higher binding affinities of these compounds were also verified by the binding free energy calculations comparing with the references. Thus, these identified compounds might be potential hQC candidates and could be used for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicong Lin
- Department of Physical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaojie Zheng
- Department of Physical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Danqing Fang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated Second Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Shengfu Zhou
- Department of Physical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Physical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Kangcheng Zheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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The structure of the human glutaminyl cyclase–SEN177 complex indicates routes for developing new potent inhibitors as possible agents for the treatment of neurological disorders. J Biol Inorg Chem 2018; 23:1219-1226. [DOI: 10.1007/s00775-018-1605-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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29
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Li M, Dong Y, Yu X, Li Y, Zou Y, Zheng Y, He Z, Liu Z, Quan J, Bu X, Wu H. Synthesis and Evaluation of Diphenyl Conjugated Imidazole Derivatives as Potential Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitors for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2017; 60:6664-6677. [PMID: 28700245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High expression of glutaminyl cyclase (QC) contributes to the initiation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by catalyzing the generation of neurotoxic pyroglutamate (pE)-modified β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Preventing the generation of pE-Aβs by QC inhibition has been suggested as a novel approach to a disease-modifying therapy for AD. In this work, a series of diphenyl conjugated imidazole derivatives (DPCIs) was rationally designed and synthesized. Analogues with this scaffold exhibited potent inhibitory activity against human QC (hQC) and good in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Further assessments corroborated that the selected hQC inhibitor 28 inhibits the activity of hQC, dramatically reduces the generation of pE-Aβs in cultured cells and in vivo, and improves the behavior of AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Li
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China.,College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yao Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China.,College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China.,College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yongdong Zou
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yizhi Zheng
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhendan He
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Junmin Quan
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of Chemical Biology & Biotechnology, Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School , Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China.,College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University , Shenzhen 518060, China.,Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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30
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Identification of potential glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors from lead-like libraries by in silico and in vitro fragment-based screening. Mol Divers 2017; 21:175-186. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-016-9717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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31
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Hielscher-Michael S, Griehl C, Buchholz M, Demuth HU, Arnold N, Wessjohann LA. Natural Products from Microalgae with Potential against Alzheimer's Disease: Sulfolipids Are Potent Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitors. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:md14110203. [PMID: 27827845 PMCID: PMC5128746 DOI: 10.3390/md14110203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many new enzymes, like glutaminyl cyclase (QC), could be associated with pathophysiological processes and represent targets for many diseases, so that enzyme-inhibiting properties of natural substances are becoming increasingly important. In different studies, the pathophysiology connection of QC to various diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) was described. Algae are known for the ability to synthesize complex and highly-diverse compounds with specific enzyme inhibition properties. Therefore, we screened different algae species for the presence of QC inhibiting metabolites using a new "Reverse Metabolomics" technique including an Activity-correlation Analysis (AcorA), which is based on the correlation of bioactivities to mass spectral data with the aid of mathematic informatics deconvolution. Thus, three QC inhibiting compounds from microalgae belonging to the family of sulfolipids were identified. The compounds showed a QC inhibition of 81% and 76% at concentrations of 0.25 mg/mL and 0.025 mg/mL, respectively. Thus, for the first time, sulfolipids are identified as QC inhibiting compounds and possess substructures with the required pharmacophore qualities. They represent a new lead structure for QC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hielscher-Michael
- Group Algae Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biosciences and Process Technology, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06366 Köthen, Germany.
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Carola Griehl
- Group Algae Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biosciences and Process Technology, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06366 Köthen, Germany.
| | - Mirko Buchholz
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Norbert Arnold
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Ludger A Wessjohann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Li M, Dong Y, Yu X, Zou Y, Zheng Y, Bu X, Quan J, He Z, Wu H. Inhibitory effect of flavonoids on human glutaminyl cyclase. Bioorg Med Chem 2016; 24:2280-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2016.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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33
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Dammers C, Gremer L, Neudecker P, Demuth HU, Schwarten M, Willbold D. Purification and Characterization of Recombinant N-Terminally Pyroglutamate-Modified Amyloid-β Variants and Structural Analysis by Solution NMR Spectroscopy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139710. [PMID: 26436664 PMCID: PMC4593648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly and is characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline. Pathological hallmark of AD brains are intracellular neurofibrillary tangles and extracellular amyloid plaques. The major component of these plaques is the highly heterogeneous amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, varying in length and modification. In recent years pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β (pEAβ) peptides have increasingly moved into the focus since they have been described to be the predominant species of all N-terminally truncated Aβ. Compared to unmodified Aβ, pEAβ is known to show increased hydrophobicity, higher toxicity, faster aggregation and β-sheet stabilization and is more resistant to degradation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a particularly powerful method to investigate the conformations of pEAβ isoforms in solution and to study peptide/ligand interactions for drug development. However, biophysical characterization of pEAβ and comparison to its non-modified variant has so far been seriously hampered by the lack of highly pure recombinant and isotope-enriched protein. Here we present, to our knowledge, for the first time a reproducible protocol for the production of pEAβ from a recombinant precursor expressed in E. coli in natural isotope abundance as well as in uniformly [U-15N]- or [U-13C, 15N]-labeled form, with yields of up to 15 mg/l E. coli culture broth. The chemical state of the purified protein was evaluated by RP-HPLC and formation of pyroglutamate was verified by mass spectroscopy. The recombinant pyroglutamate-modified Aβ peptides showed characteristic sigmoidal aggregation kinetics as monitored by thioflavin-T assays. The quality and quantity of produced pEAβ40 and pEAβ42 allowed us to perform heteronuclear multidimensional NMR spectroscopy in solution and to sequence-specifically assign the backbone resonances under near-physiological conditions. Our results suggest that the presented method will be useful in obtaining cost-effective high-quality recombinant pEAβ40 and pEAβ42 for further physiological and biochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Dammers
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Lothar Gremer
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Neudecker
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Dep. Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Melanie Schwarten
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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34
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Wang YM, Huang KF, Tsai IH. Snake venom glutaminyl cyclases: Purification, cloning, kinetic study, recombinant expression, and comparison with the human enzyme. Toxicon 2014; 86:40-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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35
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Huang KF, Hsu HL, Karim S, Wang AHJ. Structural and functional analyses of a glutaminyl cyclase from Ixodes scapularis reveal metal-independent catalysis and inhibitor binding. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2014; 70:789-801. [PMID: 24598748 PMCID: PMC8494195 DOI: 10.1107/s1399004713033488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) from mammals and Drosophila are zinc-dependent enzymes that catalyze N-terminal pyroglutamate formation of numerous proteins and peptides. These enzymes have been found to be critical for the oviposition and embryogenesis of ticks, implying that they are possible physiological targets for tick control. Here, 1.10-1.15 Å resolution structures of a metal-independent QC from the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis (Is-QC) are reported. The structures exhibit the typical scaffold of mammalian QCs but have two extra disulfide bridges that stabilize the central β-sheet, resulting in an increased thermal stability. Is-QC contains ~0.5 stoichiometric zinc ions, which could be removed by 1 mM EDTA. Compared with the Zn-bound form, apo-Is-QC has a nearly identical active-site structure and stability, but unexpectedly possesses significantly increased QC activities towards both synthetic and physiological substrates. Enzyme-kinetic analysis revealed that apo-Is-QC has a stronger substrate-binding affinity, suggesting that bound zinc interferes with substrate binding during catalysis. The structures of Is-QC bound to the inhibitor PBD150 revealed similar binding modes to both forms of Is-QC, with the exception of the inhibitor imidazole ring, which is consistent with the comparable inhibition activities of the inhibitor towards both forms of Is-QC. These findings have implications for the design of new QC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Fa Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Core Facilities for Protein Structural Analysis, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Core Facilities for Protein Structural Analysis, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shahid Karim
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, 18 College Drive #5018, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Andrew H.-J. Wang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Core Facilities for Protein Structural Analysis, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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36
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Abstract
Recombinant human Glutaminyl Cyclase expressed in E. coli is produced as inclusion bodies. Lack of glycosylation is the main origin of its accumulation in insoluble aggregates. Mutation of single isolated hydrophobic amino acids into negative amino acids was not able to circumvent inclusion bodies formation. On the contrary, substitution with carboxyl-terminal residues of two or three aromatic residues belonging to extended hydrophobic patches on the protein surface provided soluble but still active forms of the protein. These mutants could be expressed in isotopically enriched forms for NMR studies and the maximal attainable concentration was sufficient for the acquisition of 1H-15N HSQC spectra that represent the starting point for future drug development projects targeting Alzheimer’s disease.
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37
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Zhu X, Li T, Gu X, Zhang S, Liu Y, Wang Y, Tan X. Structural and functional investigation into acetyl-coenzyme A synthase and methyltransferase from human pathogen Clostridium difficile. Metallomics 2013; 5:551-8. [PMID: 23599026 DOI: 10.1039/c3mt20257g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Methyltransferase (MeTrCd) and acetyl-coenzyme A synthase (ACSCd) are two key enzymes in the acetyl-coenzyme A synthesis pathway of the human pathogen Clostridium difficile. The pathway is absent in humans and is essential for the survival of the pathogen. MeTrCd and ACSCd were cloned, expressed in E. coli, and characterized for the first time. Structural and functional investigations of the two enzymes were performed using homology structure modeling, fluorescence spectroscopy, and steady state/pre-steady state kinetics. The conformational change and methyl transfer activity of MeTrCd were shown to be pH dependent. The kinetic studies of MeTrCd at the optimal pH 5.1 yield the parameters kcat (2.63 s(-1)), Km (17.8 μM) and kcat/Km (0.15 μM(-1) s(-1)). The active site metal cluster (A-cluster) of ACSCd, [Fe4S4][NipNid], was characterized using metal analysis, structural modeling, and UV/Vis spectra of the characteristic features of [Fe4S4] cubane. Nip, as a labile metal, can be removed by treatment with chelators, resulting in the loss of ACS activity. Three bidentate chelators (1,10-phenanthroline, 8-hydroxyquinoline, and 2,2-dipyridyl) exhibited excellent inhibition effects on ACSCd methyl group transfer and acetyl-coenzyme A synthesis activity. These inhibitory effects were further examined using antibacterial activity assays against Clostridium difficile. These results provide a new strategy to find new potential antibiotics for the treatment of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Chemistry & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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38
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Kolenko P, Koch B, Rahfeld JU, Schilling S, Demuth HU, Stubbs MT. Structure of glutaminyl cyclase from Drosophila melanogaster in space group I4. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2013; 69:358-61. [PMID: 23545638 PMCID: PMC3614157 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309113005575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The structure of ligand-free glutaminyl cyclase (QC) from Drosophila melanogaster (DmQC) has been determined in a novel crystal form. The protein crystallized in space group I4, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 122.3, c = 72.7 Å. The crystal diffracted to a resolution of 2 Å at the home source. The structure was solved by molecular replacement and was refined to an R factor of 0.169. DmQC exhibits a typical α/β-hydrolase fold. The electron density of three monosaccharides could be localized. The accessibility of the active site will facilitate structural studies of novel inhibitor-binding modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Kolenko
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, MLU, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120 Halle, Germany.
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39
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Kehlen A, Haegele M, Menge K, Gans K, Immel UD, Hoang-Vu C, Klonisch T, Demuth HU. Role of glutaminyl cyclases in thyroid carcinomas. Endocr Relat Cancer 2013. [PMID: 23183267 DOI: 10.1530/erc-12-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CCL2 is a chemokine known to recruit monocytes/macrophages to sites of inflammation. CCL2 is also associated with tumor progression in several cancer types. Recently, we showed that the N-terminus of CCL2 is modified to a pyroglutamate (pE)-residue by both glutaminyl cyclases (QC (QPCT)) and its isoenzyme (isoQC (QPCTL)). The pE-residue increases stability against N-terminal degradation by aminopeptidases. Here, we report an upregulation of QPCT expression in tissues of patients with thyroid carcinomas compared with goiter tissues, whereas QPCTL was not regulated. In thyroid carcinoma cell lines, QPCT gene expression correlates with the mRNA levels of its substrate CCL2. Both QPCT and CCL2 are regulated in a NF-κB-dependent pathway shown by stimulation with TNFa and IL1b as well as by inhibition with the IKK2 inhibitor and RNAi of p50. In the culture supernatant of thyroid carcinoma cells, equal amounts of pECCL2 and total CCL2 were detected by two ELISAs discriminating between total CCL2 and pECCL2, concluding that all CCL2 is secreted as pECCL2. Activation of the CCL2/CCR2 pathway by recombinant CCL2 increased tumor cell migration of FTC238 cells in scratch assays as well as thyroid carcinoma cell-derived CCL2-induced migration of monocytic THP1 cells. Suppression of CCL2 signaling by CCR2 antagonist, IKK2 inhibitor, and QPCT RNAi reduced FTC238 cell growth measured by WST8 proliferation assays. Our results reveal new evidence for a novel role of QC in thyroid carcinomas and provide an intriguing rationale for the use of QC inhibitors as a means of blocking pECCL2 formation and preventing thyroid cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Kehlen
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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40
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Sharma A, Srivastava A. Pronounced influence of pH, metal-ion and solvent isotope on the thermoresponse of synthetic amphiphilic polypeptides. Polym Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3py00741c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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41
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Truong L, Hevener KE, Rice AJ, Patel K, Johnson ME, Lee H. High-level expression, purification, and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus dihydroorotase (PyrC) as a cleavable His-SUMO fusion. Protein Expr Purif 2012; 88:98-106. [PMID: 23246866 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2012.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that causes a variety of mild to lethal human diseases. The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant strains makes the discovery of new antimicrobial agents critical. Dihydroorotase (PyrC), the third enzyme in the bacterial pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, is structurally and mechanistically distinct from its mammalian counterpart. It has been confirmed to be essential in S. aureus making it an attractive antibacterial drug target. No protocol to express and purify S. aureus PyrC (SaPyrC) has been reported. To obtain the SaPyrC enzyme and overcome anticipated solubility problems, the SaPyrC gene was cloned into the pET-SUMO vector. The N-terminal His-SUMO fused SaPyrC was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with an HRV 3C protease recognition site inserted between the SUMO tag and SaPyrC to allow for improved cleavage by HRV protease. Purification of cleaved protein using HisTrap affinity and gel filtration columns resulted in native SaPyrC with estimated 95% purity and 40% yield. Both His-SUMO tagged and native SaPyrC form dimers, and enzyme characterization studies have shown that the His-SUMO tag affects enzyme activity slightly. Forward and reverse kinetic rate constants for both tagged and native SaPyrC were determined, and pH profiling studies revealed the optimal pH values for forward and reverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Truong
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 900 S. Ashland Ave., Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60607-7173, USA
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42
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Koch B, Buchholz M, Wermann M, Heiser U, Schilling S, Demuth HU. Probing Secondary Glutaminyl Cyclase (QC) Inhibitor Interactions Applying an in silico-Modeling/Site-Directed Mutagenesis Approach: Implications for Drug Development. Chem Biol Drug Des 2012; 80:937-46. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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43
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Koch B, Kolenko P, Buchholz M, Carrillo DR, Parthier C, Wermann M, Rahfeld JU, Reuter G, Schilling S, Stubbs MT, Demuth HU. Crystal structures of glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) from Drosophila melanogaster reveal active site conservation between insect and mammalian QCs. Biochemistry 2012; 51:7383-92. [PMID: 22897232 DOI: 10.1021/bi300687g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs), which catalyze the formation of pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) at the N-terminus of a variety of peptides and proteins, have attracted particular attention for their potential role in Alzheimer's disease. In a transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) fruit fly model, oral application of the potent competitive QC inhibitor PBD150 was shown to reduce the burden of pGlu-modified Aβ. In contrast to mammals such as humans and rodents, there are at least three DmQC species, one of which (isoDromeQC) is localized to mitochondria, whereas DromeQC and an isoDromeQC splice variant possess signal peptides for secretion. Here we present the recombinant expression, characterization, and crystal structure determination of mature DromeQC and isoDromeQC, revealing an overall fold similar to that of mammalian QCs. In the case of isoDromeQC, the putative extended substrate binding site might be affected by the proximity of the N-terminal residues. PBD150 inhibition of DromeQC is roughly 1 order of magnitude weaker than that of the human and murine QCs. The inhibitor binds to isoDromeQC in a fashion similar to that observed for human QCs, whereas it adopts alternative binding modes in a DromeQC variant lacking the conserved cysteines near the active center and shows a disordered dimethoxyphenyl moiety in wild-type DromeQC, providing an explanation for the lower affinity. Our biophysical and structural data suggest that isoDromeQC and human QC are similar with regard to functional aspects. The two Dm enzymes represent a suitable model for further in-depth analysis of the catalytic mechanism of animal QCs, and isoDromeQC might serve as a model system for the structure-based design of potential AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Koch
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Rajagopal C, Mains RE, Eipper BA. Signaling from the secretory granule to the nucleus. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 47:391-406. [PMID: 22681236 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2012.694845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurons and endocrine cells use a complex array of signaling molecules to communicate with each other and with various targets. The majority of these signaling molecules are stored in specialized organelles awaiting release on demand: 40-60 nm vesicles carry conventional or small molecule neurotransmitters, and 200-400 nm granules contain bioactive peptides. The supply of small molecule neurotransmitters is tightly regulated by local feedback of synthetic rates and transport processes at sites of release. The larger granules that contain bioactive peptides present the secretory cell with special challenges, as the peptide precursors are inserted into the lumen of the secretory pathway in the cell soma and undergo biosynthetic processing while being transported to distant sites for eventual secretion. One solution to this dilemma in information handling has been to employ proteolytic cleavage of secretory granule membrane proteins to produce cytosolic fragments that can signal to the nucleus, affecting gene expression. The use of regulated intramembrane proteolysis to signal from secretory granules to the nucleus is compared to its much better understood role in relaying information from the endoplasmic reticulum by SREBP and ATF6 and from the plasma membrane by cadherins, Notch and ErbB4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Rajagopal
- Department of Molecular, Microbial and Structural Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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45
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Inhibition of glutaminyl cyclase attenuates cell migration modulated by monocyte chemoattractant proteins. Biochem J 2012; 442:403-12. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20110535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
QC (glutaminyl cyclase) catalyses the formation of N-terminal pGlu (pyroglutamate) in peptides and proteins. pGlu formation in chemoattractants may participate in the regulation of macrophage activation and migration. However, a clear molecular mechanism for the regulation is lacking. The present study examines the role of QC-mediated pGlu formation on MCPs (monocyte chemoattractant proteins) in inflammation. We demonstrated in vitro the pGlu formation on MCPs by QC using MS. A potent QC inhibitor, PBD150, significantly reduced the N-terminal uncyclized-MCP-stimulated monocyte migration, whereas pGlu-containing MCP-induced cell migration was unaffected. QC small interfering RNA revealed a similar inhibitory effect. Lastly, we demonstrated that inhibiting QC can attenuate cell migration by lipopolysaccharide. These results strongly suggest that QC-catalysed N-terminal pGlu formation of MCPs is required for monocyte migration and provide new insights into the role of QC in the inflammation process. Our results also suggest that QC could be a drug target for some inflammatory disorders.
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Jawhar S, Wirths O, Bayer TA. Pyroglutamate amyloid-β (Aβ): a hatchet man in Alzheimer disease. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:38825-32. [PMID: 21965666 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r111.288308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β (Aβ(pE3)) peptides are gaining considerable attention as potential key participants in the pathology of Alzheimer disease (AD) due to their abundance in AD brain, high aggregation propensity, stability, and cellular toxicity. Transgenic mice that produce high levels of Aβ(pE3-42) show severe neuron loss. Recent in vitro and in vivo experiments have proven that the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase catalyzes the formation of Aβ(pE3). In this minireview, we summarize the current knowledge on Aβ(pE3), discussing its discovery, biochemical properties, molecular events determining formation, prevalence in the brains of AD patients, Alzheimer mouse models, and potential as a target for therapy and as a diagnostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadim Jawhar
- Department of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Cynis H, Hoffmann T, Friedrich D, Kehlen A, Gans K, Kleinschmidt M, Rahfeld JU, Wolf R, Wermann M, Stephan A, Haegele M, Sedlmeier R, Graubner S, Jagla W, Müller A, Eichentopf R, Heiser U, Seifert F, Quax PHA, de Vries MR, Hesse I, Trautwein D, Wollert U, Berg S, Freyse EJ, Schilling S, Demuth HU. The isoenzyme of glutaminyl cyclase is an important regulator of monocyte infiltration under inflammatory conditions. EMBO Mol Med 2011; 3:545-58. [PMID: 21774078 PMCID: PMC3377097 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic inflammatory disorders are characterized by detrimental cytokine and chemokine expression. Frequently, the chemotactic activity of cytokines depends on a modified N-terminus of the polypeptide. Among those, the N-terminus of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (CCL2 and MCP-1) is modified to a pyroglutamate (pE-) residue protecting against degradation in vivo. Here, we show that the N-terminal pE-formation depends on glutaminyl cyclase activity. The pE-residue increases stability against N-terminal degradation by aminopeptidases and improves receptor activation and signal transduction in vitro. Genetic ablation of the glutaminyl cyclase iso-enzymes QC (QPCT) or isoQC (QPCTL) revealed a major role of isoQC for pE1-CCL2 formation and monocyte infiltration. Consistently, administration of QC-inhibitors in inflammatory models, such as thioglycollate-induced peritonitis reduced monocyte infiltration. The pharmacologic efficacy of QC/isoQC-inhibition was assessed in accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE3*Leiden mice, showing attenuated atherosclerotic pathology following chronic oral treatment. Current strategies targeting CCL2 are mainly based on antibodies or spiegelmers. The application of small, orally available inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclases represents an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat CCL2-driven disorders such as atherosclerosis/restenosis and fibrosis.
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Ruiz-Carrillo D, Koch B, Parthier C, Wermann M, Dambe T, Buchholz M, Ludwig HH, Heiser U, Rahfeld JU, Stubbs MT, Schilling S, Demuth HU. Structures of Glycosylated Mammalian Glutaminyl Cyclases Reveal Conformational Variability near the Active Center. Biochemistry 2011; 50:6280-8. [DOI: 10.1021/bi200249h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Ruiz-Carrillo
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Birgit Koch
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christoph Parthier
- Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Wermann
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tresfore Dambe
- PSF AG, Robert-Roessle-Strasse 10, D-13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Buchholz
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Heiser
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Milton T. Stubbs
- Institut für Biochemie und Biotechnologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Mitteldeutsches Zentrum für Struktur und Dynamik der Proteine (MZP), Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, D-06099 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Bousquet-Moore D, Mains RE, Eipper BA. Peptidylgycine α-amidating monooxygenase and copper: a gene-nutrient interaction critical to nervous system function. J Neurosci Res 2011; 88:2535-45. [PMID: 20648645 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptidylgycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), a highly conserved copper-dependent enzyme, is essential for the synthesis of all amidated neuropeptides. Biophysical studies revealed that the binding of copper to PAM affects its structure, and cell biological studies demonstrated that the endocytic trafficking of PAM was sensitive to copper. We review data indicating that genetic reduction of PAM expression and mild copper deficiency in mice cause similar alterations in several physiological functions known to be regulated by neuropeptides: thermal regulation, seizure sensitivity, and anxiety-like behavior.
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Huang WL, Wang YR, Ko TP, Chia CY, Huang KF, Wang AHJ. Crystal Structure and Functional Analysis of the Glutaminyl Cyclase from Xanthomonas campestris. J Mol Biol 2010; 401:374-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2010.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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