1
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Lockwood TD. Coordination chemistry suggests that independently observed benefits of metformin and Zn 2+ against COVID-19 are not independent. Biometals 2024; 37:983-1022. [PMID: 38578560 PMCID: PMC11255062 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00590-5] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Independent trials indicate that either oral Zn2+ or metformin can separately improve COVID-19 outcomes by approximately 40%. Coordination chemistry predicts a mechanistic relationship and therapeutic synergy. Zn2+ deficit is a known risk factor for both COVID-19 and non-infectious inflammation. Most dietary Zn2+ is not absorbed. Metformin is a naked ligand that presumably increases intestinal Zn2+ bioavailability and active absorption by cation transporters known to transport metformin. Intracellular Zn2+ provides a natural buffer of many protease reactions; the variable "set point" is determined by Zn2+ regulation or availability. A Zn2+-interactive protease network is suggested here. The two viral cysteine proteases are therapeutic targets against COVID-19. Viral and many host proteases are submaximally inhibited by exchangeable cell Zn2+. Inhibition of cysteine proteases can improve COVID-19 outcomes and non-infectious inflammation. Metformin reportedly enhances the natural moderating effect of Zn2+ on bioassayed proteome degradation. Firstly, the dissociable metformin-Zn2+ complex could be actively transported by intestinal cation transporters; thereby creating artificial pathways of absorption and increased body Zn2+ content. Secondly, metformin Zn2+ coordination can create a non-natural protease inhibitor independent of cell Zn2+ content. Moderation of peptidolytic reactions by either or both mechanisms could slow (a) viral multiplication (b) viral invasion and (c) the pathogenic host inflammatory response. These combined actions could allow development of acquired immunity to clear the infection before life-threatening inflammation. Nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid®) opposes COVID-19 by selective inhibition the viral main protease by a Zn2+-independent mechanism. Pending safety evaluation, predictable synergistic benefits of metformin and Zn2+, and perhaps metformin/Zn2+/Paxlovid® co-administration should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Lockwood
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
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2
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Engin AB, Engin ED, Engin A. Can iron, zinc, copper and selenium status be a prognostic determinant in COVID-19 patients? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:103937. [PMID: 35882309 PMCID: PMC9307469 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.103937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In severe COVID-19, the levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), do not only regulate host immune responses, but modify the viral genome, as well. While low serum Fe concentration is an independent risk factor for the increased death rate, Zn controls oxidative stress, synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and viral replication. Therefore, Zn deficiency associates with a worse prognosis. Although Cu exposure inactivates the viral genome and exhibits spike protein dispersal, increase in Cu/Zn due to high serum Cu levels, are correlated with enhanced risk of infections. Se levels are significantly higher in surviving COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, both Zn and Se suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. Since the balance between the deficiency and oversupply of these metals due to a reciprocal relationship, has decisive effect on the prognosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, monitoring their concentrations may facilitate improved outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Basak Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Evren Doruk Engin
- Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Gumusdere Campus, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atilla Engin
- Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Ankara, Turkey
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3
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Bahrami A, Arabestani MR, Taheri M, Farmany A, Norozzadeh F, Hosseini SM, Nozari H, Nouri F. Exploring the Role of Heavy Metals and Their Derivatives on the Pathophysiology of COVID-19. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:2639-2650. [PMID: 34448983 PMCID: PMC8391869 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02893-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many aspects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its disease, COVID-19, have been studied to determine its properties, transmission mechanisms, and pathology. These efforts are aimed at identifying potential approaches to control or treat the disease. Early treatment of novel SARS-CoV-2 infection to minimize symptom progression has minimal evidence; however, many researchers and firms are working on vaccines, and only a few vaccines exist. COVID-19 is affected by several heavy metals and their nanoparticles. We investigated the effects of heavy metals and heavy metal nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 and their roles in COVID-19 pathogenesis. AgNPs, AuNPs, gold-silver hybrid NPs, copper nanoparticles, zinc oxide, vanadium, gallium, bismuth, titanium, palladium, silver grafted graphene oxide, and some quantum dots were tested to see if they could minimize the severity or duration of symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection when compared to standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bahrami
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Arabestani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abbas Farmany
- Dental Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Norozzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mostafa Hosseini
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hesam Nozari
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nouri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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4
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Abstract
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence revealed a multibasic furin cleavage site at the S1/S2 boundary of the spike protein distinguishing this virus from SARS-CoV. Furin, the best-characterized member of the mammalian proprotein convertases, is an ubiquitously expressed single pass type 1 transmembrane protein. Cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by furin promotes viral entry into lung cells. While furin knockout is embryonically lethal, its knockout in differentiated somatic cells is not, thus furin provides an exciting therapeutic target for viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections. Several peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors of furin have been recently reported, and select cocrystal structures have been solved, paving the way for further optimization and selection of clinical candidates. This perspective highlights furin structure, substrates, recent inhibitors, and crystal structures with emphasis on furin's role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, where the current data strongly suggest its inhibition as a promising therapeutic intervention for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam
Eldin A. Osman
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department
of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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5
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Torabi S, Bahreini F, Rezaei N. Gallium Components-Based Drug Delivery: A Potential Treatment for COVID-19. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2022; 22:e270122200590. [PMID: 35086461 DOI: 10.2174/1871526522666220127120617] [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: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
With severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) showing new characteristics and manifesting new variants, the efficacy of vaccination can be reduced. In the meanwhile, no SARS-CoV-2-specific drug has been introduced in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) yet, and currently used drugs have also shown serious side effects in patients under treatment. Thus, it is pivotal to continue researching potential therapeutics to treat COVID-19. Recently, studies have shown that Gallium maltolate disrupts the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and therefore has antiviral activity against this virus. Nevertheless, as Gallium compounds have manifested serious side effects in the human body (e.g., hemoglobin synthesis dysfunction and pulmonary complications), drug delivery methods should be recruited to minimize the possible side effects and to optimize the efficacy of the drug in the fight against COVID-19. Liposomes, as nanocarriers, not only increase the half-life of the conjugated compound but also have shown promising features in the delivery of COVID-19-specific drugs to the target tissue. Herein, we propose that conjugation of Gallium maltolate with liposome nanocarriers can be beneficial to target tissues infected with SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Torabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Bahreini
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies (RCID), Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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COVID-19 outpatients: early risk-stratified treatment with zinc plus low-dose hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin: a retrospective case series study. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 56:106214. [PMID: 33122096 PMCID: PMC7587171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the outpatient setting after early treatment with zinc, low-dose hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (triple therapy) dependent on risk stratification. This was a retrospective case series study in the general practice setting. A total of 141 COVID-19 patients with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the year 2020 were included. The main outcome measures were risk-stratified treatment decision and rates of hospitalisation and all-cause death. A median of 4 days [interquartile range (IQR) 3–6 days; available for n = 66/141 patients] after the onset of symptoms, 141 patients (median age 58 years, IQR 40–67 years; 73.0% male) received a prescription for triple therapy for 5 days. Independent public reference data from 377 confirmed COVID-19 patients in the same community were used as untreated controls. Of 141 treated patients, 4 (2.8%) were hospitalised, which was significantly fewer (P < 0.001) compared with 58 (15.4%) of 377 untreated patients [odds ratio (OR) = 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.5]. One patient (0.7%) in the treatment group died versus 13 patients (3.4%) in the untreated group (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.03–1.5; P = 0.12). No cardiac side effects were observed. Risk stratification-based treatment of COVID-19 outpatients as early as possible after symptom onset using triple therapy, including the combination of zinc with low-dose hydroxychloroquine, was associated with significantly fewer hospitalisations.
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7
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Wang S, Mulier S, Jonscher C, Ye S, Chen L, Feng Y, Li Y, Ni Y. Hypothesis: What is the Best We Can Do with Hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19? Clin Epidemiol 2020; 12:1139-1144. [PMID: 33116907 PMCID: PMC7585824 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s277889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are widespread anecdotal reports of seemingly successful treatment among the early (three to seven days from symptoms) stage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with the drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and randomized placebo-controlled trials of HCQ in outpatient settings are underway. In this note, we (1) report observational evidence and present scientific reasoning as to why early treatment with HCQ may succeed while treatment later in the disease progression is likely to fail and (2) hypothesize a public health regime under which HCQ may be used to mitigate the impact of the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuncong Wang
- Campus Gasthuisberg, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Mulier
- Campus Gasthuisberg, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Surgery, Delta Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charles Jonscher
- Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sheng Ye
- Primary Care NJ, Englewood, NJ, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Campus Gasthuisberg, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yuanbo Feng
- Campus Gasthuisberg, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yue Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai201318, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yicheng Ni
- Campus Gasthuisberg, Group of Biomedical Sciences, KU, Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Brewer J, Gomez Marti JL, Brufsky A. Potential interventions for SARS-CoV-2 infections: Zinc showing promise. J Med Virol 2020; 93:1201-1203. [PMID: 32940918 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Brewer
- Division Infectious Disease, St. Luke's Hospital, Plaza Infectious Disease, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Juan Luis Gomez Marti
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adam Brufsky
- Division of Hematology - Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Chen X, Geiger JD. Janus sword actions of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine against COVID-19. Cell Signal 2020; 73:109706. [PMID: 32629149 PMCID: PMC7333634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) and its analogue hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been thrust into our everyday vernacular because some believe, based on very limited basic and clinical data, that they might be helpful in preventing and/or lessening the severity of the pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, lacking is a temperance in enthusiasm for their possible use as well as sufficient perspective on their effects and side-effects. CQ and HCQ have well-known properties of being diprotic weak bases that preferentially accumulate in acidic organelles (endolysosomes and Golgi apparatus) and neutralize luminal pH of acidic organelles. These primary actions of CQ and HCQ are responsible for their anti-malarial effects; malaria parasites rely on acidic digestive vacuoles for survival. Similarly, de-acidification of endolysosomes and Golgi by CQ and HCQ may block severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) integration into host cells because SARS-CoV-2 may require an acidic environment for its entry and for its ability to bud and infect bystander cells. Further, de-acidification of endolysosomes and Golgi may underly the immunosuppressive effects of these two drugs. However, modern cell biology studies have shown clearly that de-acidification results in profound changes in the structure, function and cellular positioning of endolysosomes and Golgi, in signaling between these organelles and other subcellular organelles, and in fundamental cellular functions. Thus, studying the possible therapeutic effects of CQ and HCQ against COVID-19 must occur concurrent with studies of the extent to which these drugs affect organellar and cell biology. When comprehensively examined, a better understanding of the Janus sword actions of these and other drugs might yield better decisions and better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America.
| | - Jonathan D Geiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
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10
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Bernstein LR, Zhang L. Gallium maltolate has in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and is a potential treatment for COVID-19. Antivir Chem Chemother 2020; 28:2040206620983780. [PMID: 33353394 PMCID: PMC7768870 DOI: 10.1177/2040206620983780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallium has demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity in numerous animal studies, and has also demonstrated direct antiviral activity against the influenza A H1N1 virus and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Gallium maltolate (GaM), a small metal-organic coordination complex, has been tested in several Phase 1 clinical trials, in which no dose-limiting or other serious toxicity was reported, even at high daily oral doses for several months at a time. For these reasons, GaM may be considered a potential candidate to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and can result in severe, sometimes lethal, inflammatory reactions. In this study, we assessed the ability of GaM to inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in a culture of Vero E6 cells. METHODS The efficacy of GaM in inhibiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2 was determined in a screening assay using cultured Vero E6 cells. The cytotoxicity of GaM in uninfected cells was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) colorimetric assay. RESULTS The results showed that GaM inhibits viral replication in a dose-dependent manner, with the concentration that inhibits replication by 50% (EC50) being about 14 µM. No cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations up to at least 200 µM. CONCLUSION The in vitro activity of GaM against SARS-CoV-2, together with GaM's known anti-inflammatory activity, provide justification for testing GaM in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leike Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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11
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Storm L, Bikker FJ, Nazmi K, Hulst AG, der Riet-Van Oeveren DV, Veerman ECI, Hays JP, Kaman WE. Anthrax protective antigen is a calcium-dependent serine protease. Virulence 2018; 9:1085-1091. [PMID: 30052476 PMCID: PMC6086315 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1486139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis secretes a three component exotoxin-complex, which contributes to anthrax pathogenesis. Formation of this complex starts with the binding of protective antigen (PA) to its cellular receptor. In this study, we report that PA is a calcium-dependent serine protease and that the protein potentially uses this proteolytic activity for receptor binding. Additionally our findings shed new light on previous research describing the inhibition of anthrax toxins and exotoxin formation. Importantly, inhibition of the proteolytic activity of protective antigen could be a novel therapeutic strategy in fighting B. anthracis-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Storm
- a Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases , Erasmus University Medical Centre , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Floris J Bikker
- b Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam , University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Kamran Nazmi
- b Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam , University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Albert G Hulst
- c Department of CBRN Protection , Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO , Rijswijk , The Netherlands
| | - Debora V der Riet-Van Oeveren
- c Department of CBRN Protection , Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO , Rijswijk , The Netherlands
| | - Enno C I Veerman
- b Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam , University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - John P Hays
- a Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases , Erasmus University Medical Centre , Rotterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Wendy E Kaman
- a Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases , Erasmus University Medical Centre , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.,b Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam , University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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12
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Influence of organic solvents on the furin activity. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj90.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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13
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Frazzini V, Granzotto A, Bomba M, Massetti N, Castelli V, d'Aurora M, Punzi M, Iorio M, Mosca A, Delli Pizzi S, Gatta V, Cimini A, Sensi SL. The pharmacological perturbation of brain zinc impairs BDNF-related signaling and the cognitive performances of young mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9768. [PMID: 29950603 PMCID: PMC6021411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28083-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc (Zn2+) is a pleiotropic modulator of the neuronal and brain activity. The disruption of intraneuronal Zn2+ levels triggers neurotoxic processes and affects neuronal functioning. In this study, we investigated how the pharmacological modulation of brain Zn2+ affects synaptic plasticity and cognition in wild-type mice. To manipulate brain Zn2+ levels, we employed the Zn2+ (and copper) chelator 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (clioquinol, CQ). CQ was administered for two weeks to 2.5-month-old (m.o.) mice, and effects studied on BDNF-related signaling, metalloproteinase activity as well as learning and memory performances. CQ treatment was found to negatively affect short- and long-term memory performances. The CQ-driven perturbation of brain Zn2+ was found to reduce levels of BDNF, synaptic plasticity-related proteins and dendritic spine density in vivo. Our study highlights the importance of choosing "when", "where", and "how much" in the modulation of brain Zn2+ levels. Our findings confirm the importance of targeting Zn2+ as a therapeutic approach against neurodegenerative conditions but, at the same time, underscore the potential drawbacks of reducing brain Zn2+ availability upon the early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Frazzini
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
- AP-HP, GH Pitie-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix, Epilepsy Unit and Neurophysiology Department, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Manuela Bomba
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Noemi Massetti
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco d'Aurora
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Miriam Punzi
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Mariangela Iorio
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mosca
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Delli Pizzi
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), Assergi, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine - CeSI-MeT, Chieti, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
- Departments of Neurology and Pharmacology, Institute for Mind Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, USA.
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14
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Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Garten W, Klenk HD. The Antiviral Potential of Host Protease Inhibitors. ACTIVATION OF VIRUSES BY HOST PROTEASES 2018. [PMCID: PMC7122247 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-75474-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The replication of numerous pathogenic viruses depends on host proteases, which therefore emerged as potential antiviral drug targets. In some cases, e.g., for influenza viruses, their function during the viral propagation cycle is relatively well understood, where they cleave and activate viral surface glycoproteins. For other viruses, e.g., Ebola virus, the function of host proteases during replication is still not clear. Host proteases may also contribute to the pathogenicity of virus infection by activating proinflammatory cytokines. For some coronaviruses, human proteases can also serve in a nonproteolytical fashion simply as receptors for virus entry. However, blocking of such protein-protein contacts is challenging, because receptor surfaces are often flat and difficult to address with small molecules. In contrast, many proteases possess well-defined binding pockets. Therefore, they can be considered as well-druggable targets, especially, if they are extracellularly active. The number of their experimental crystal structures is steadily increasing, which is an important prerequisite for a rational structure-based inhibitor design using computational chemistry tools in combination with classical medicinal chemistry approaches. Moreover, host proteases can be considered as stable targets, and their inhibition should prevent rapid resistance developments, which is often observed when addressing viral proteins. Otherwise, the inhibition of host proteases can also affect normal physiological processes leading to a higher probability of side effects and a narrow therapeutic window. Therefore, they should be preferably used in combination therapies with additional antiviral drugs. This strategy should provide a stronger antiviral efficacy, allow to use lower drug doses, and minimize side effects. Despite numerous experimental findings on their antiviral activity, no small-molecule inhibitors of host proteases have been approved for the treatment of virus infections, so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wolfgang Garten
- Institut für Virologie, Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany
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Osadchuk TV, Shybyryn OV, Kibirev VK. Chemical structure and properties of low-molecular furin inhibitors. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2018; 88:5-25. [PMID: 29235831 DOI: 10.15407/ubj88.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The review is devoted to the analysis of the relationship between a chemical structure and properties of low-molecular weight inhibitors of furin, the most studied proprotein convertase, which is involved in the development of some pathologies, such as oncologic diseases, viral and bacterial infections, etc. The latest data concerning the influence of peptides, pseudo-peptides, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, some natural ones such as flavonoids, coumarins, and others on enzyme inactivation are considered. The power of furin inhibition is shown to rise with the increasing number of positively charged groups in the structure of these compounds. Peptidomimetics (Ki = 5-8 pM) are shown to be the most effective furin inhibitors. The synthesized substances, however, have not been used in practical application yet. Nowadays it is very important to find more selective inhibitors, improve their stability, bioavailability and safety for the human organism.
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Omotuyi OI, Hamada T. Human furin Cys198 imposes dihedral and positional restraints on His194 for optimal Ser386-proton transfer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2015; 33:2442-51. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1041552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Kibirev VK. Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking of novel bisamidinohydrazones as NON-peptide inhibitors of furin. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj87.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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18
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Liang JW, Wang Y, Du KJ, Li GY, Guan RL, Ji LN, Chao H. Synthesis, DNA interaction and anticancer activity of copper(II) complexes with 4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine derivatives. J Inorg Biochem 2014; 141:17-27. [PMID: 25172994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Three novel copper(II) complexes CuL(1)Cl2 (1) (L(1)=4'-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6'- 2″-terpyridine), CuL(2)Cl2 (2) (L(2)=4'-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2':6'-2″-terpyridine) and CuL(3)Cl2 (3) (L(3)=4'-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2,2':6'-2″-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. Absorption spectral titration experiments, ethidium bromide displacement assays, and cyclic voltammetric experiments were carried out and the results suggested that these complexes bound to DNA through an intercalative mode. Moreover, these complexes were found to cleave pBR322 DNA efficiently in the presence of glutathione (GSH), and exhibited good anticancer activity against HeLa, Hep-G2 and BEL-7402 cell lines. Nuclear chromatin cleavage was also observed by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining assays and comet assays. These results demonstrated that these three Cu(II) complexes caused DNA damage and induced the apoptosis of HeLa cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed the participation of reactive oxygen species which can be trapped by reactive oxygen species (ROS) radical scavengers and ROS sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Wen Liang
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Jie Du
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Guan-Ying Li
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Lin Guan
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Liang-Nian Ji
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Hui Chao
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China.
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McCormick NH, Hennigar SR, Kiselyov K, Kelleher SL. The biology of zinc transport in mammary epithelial cells: implications for mammary gland development, lactation, and involution. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2014; 19:59-71. [PMID: 24338187 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-013-9314-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc plays a critical role in a vast array of cellular functions including gene transcription, protein translation, cell proliferation, differentiation, bioenergetics, and programmed cell death. The mammary gland depends upon tight coordination of these processes during development and reproduction for optimal expansion, differentiation, and involution. For example, zinc is required for activation of matrix metalloproteinases, intracellular signaling cascades such as MAPK and PKC, and the activation of both mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and lysosomal-mediated cell death. In addition to functional needs, during lactation the mammary gland must balance providing optimal zinc for cellular requirements with the need to secrete a substantial amount of zinc into milk to meet the requirements of the developing neonate. Finally, the mammary gland exhibits the most profound example of programmed cell death, which is driven by both apoptotic and lysosomal-mediated cell death. Two families of zinc-specific transporters regulate zinc delivery for these diverse functions. Members of the ZIP family of zinc transporters (ZIP1-14) import zinc into the cytoplasm from outside the cell or from subcellular organelles, while members of the ZnT family (ZnT1-10) export zinc from the cytoplasm. Recently, the ion channel transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1) has also been implicated in zinc transport. Herein, we review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which mammary epithelial cells utilize zinc with a focus on the transport of zinc into discrete subcellular organelles for specific cellular functions during mammary gland development, lactation, and involution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas H McCormick
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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De UC, Mishra P, Pal PR, Dinda B, Basak A. Non-peptide Inhibitors of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexins (PCSKs): An Overall Review of Existing and New Data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4199/c00066ed1v01y201209pac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Vivoli M, Caulfield TR, Martínez-Mayorga K, Johnson AT, Jiao GS, Lindberg I. Inhibition of prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2 by 2,5-dideoxystreptamine derivatives. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 81:440-54. [PMID: 22169851 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.077040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2 are eukaryotic serine proteases involved in the proteolytic maturation of peptide hormone precursors and are implicated in a variety of pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we screened 45 compounds obtained by derivatization of a 2,5-dideoxystreptamine scaffold with guanidinyl and aryl substitutions for convertase inhibition. We identified four promising PC1/3 competitive inhibitors and three PC2 inhibitors that exhibited various inhibition mechanisms (competitive, noncompetitive, and mixed), with sub- and low micromolar inhibitory potency against a fluorogenic substrate. Low micromolar concentrations of certain compounds blocked the processing of the physiological substrate proglucagon. The best PC2 inhibitor effectively inhibited glucagon synthesis, a known PC2-mediated process, in a pancreatic cell line; no cytotoxicity was observed. We also identified compounds that were able to stimulate both 87 kDa PC1/3 and PC2 activity, behavior related to the presence of aryl groups on the dideoxystreptamine scaffold. By contrast, inhibitory activity was associated with the presence of guanidinyl groups. Molecular modeling revealed interactions of the PC1/3 inhibitors with the active site that suggest structural modifications to further enhance potency. In support of kinetic data suggesting that PC2 inhibition probably occurs via an allosteric mechanism, we identified several possible allosteric binding sites using computational searches. It is noteworthy that one compound was found to both inhibit PC2 and stimulate PC1/3. Because glucagon acts in functional opposition to insulin in blood glucose homeostasis, blocking glucagon formation and enhancing proinsulin cleavage with a single compound could represent an attractive therapeutic approach in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Vivoli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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Couture F, D'Anjou F, Day R. On the cutting edge of proprotein convertase pharmacology: from molecular concepts to clinical applications. Biomol Concepts 2011; 2:421-438. [PMID: 22308173 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2011.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the therapeutic targeting of proteases for the treatment of important diseases. Additionally new protein-based therapeutic strategies have the potential to widen the available treatments against these pathologies. In the last decade, accumulated evidence has confirmed that the family of proteases known as proprotein convertases (PCs) are potential targets for viral infections, osteoarthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease, among others. Nevertheless, there are still many unanswered questions about the relevance of targeting PCs in a therapeutic context, especially regarding the anticipated secondary effects of treatment, considering the observed embryonic lethality of some PC knockout mice. In this review, the benefits of PCs as pharmacological targets will be discussed, with focus on concepts and strategies, as well as on the state of advancement of actual and future inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Couture
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
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Wan MY, Wang HY, Zhang YZ, Feng H. Substrate specificity and thermostability of the dehairing alkaline protease from Bacillus pumilus. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2009; 159:394-403. [PMID: 19132554 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-008-8497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
An alkaline protease (DHAP) from Bacillus pumilus has shown great potential in hide dehairing. To get better insights on its catalytic properties for application, the substrate specificity and thermostability were investigated using five natural proteins and nine synthetic peptides. The results showed that DHAP could hydrolyze five proteins tested here in different specificity. Collagen, a component of animal skin, was more resistant to hydrolysis than casein, fibrin, and gelatin. Among the synthetic peptides, the enzyme showed activity mainly with tetrapeptide substrates with the catalytic efficiency in order of Phe>Leu>Ala at P1 site, although k(m) value for AAVA-pN is much lower than that for AAPL-pN and AAPF-pN. With tripeptide substrates, smaller side-chain group (Gly) at P1 site was not hydrolyzed by DHAP. The enzyme showed good thermostability below 60 degrees C, and lost activity so quickly above 70 degrees C. The thermostability was largely dependent on metal ion, especially Ca(2+), although other ions, like Mg(2+), Mn(2+), and Co(2+), could sustain stability at certain extent within limited time. Cu(2+), Fe(2+), as well as Al(3+), did not support the enzyme to retain activity at 60 degrees C even in 5 min. In addition, the selected metal ions could coordinate calcium in improvement or destruction of thermostability for DHAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Yuan Wan
- The Sichuan Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
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Kowalska D, Liu J, Appel JR, Ozawa A, Nefzi A, Mackin RB, Houghten RA, Lindberg I. Synthetic small-molecule prohormone convertase 2 inhibitors. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 75:617-25. [PMID: 19074544 DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.051334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The proprotein convertases are believed to be responsible for the proteolytic maturation of a large number of peptide hormone precursors. Although potent furin inhibitors have been identified, thus far, no small-molecule prohormone convertase 1/3 or prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) inhibitors have been described. After screening 38 small-molecule positional scanning libraries against recombinant mouse PC2, two promising chemical scaffolds were identified: bicyclic guanidines, and pyrrolidine bis-piperazines. A set of individual compounds was designed from each library and tested against PC2. Pyrrolidine bis-piperazines were irreversible, time-dependent inhibitors of PC2, exhibiting noncompetitive inhibition kinetics; the most potent inhibitor exhibited a K(i) value for PC2 of 0.54 microM. In contrast, the most potent bicyclic guanidine inhibitor exhibited a K(i) value of 3.3 microM. Cross-reactivity with other convertases was limited: pyrrolidine bis-piperazines exhibited K(i) values greater than 25 microM for PC1/3 or furin, whereas the K(i) values of bicyclic guanidines for these other convertases were more than 15 microM. We conclude that pyrrolidine bis-piperazines and bicyclic guanidines represent promising initial leads for the optimization of therapeutically active PC2 inhibitors. PC2-specific inhibitors may be useful in the pharmacological blockade of PC2-dependent cleavage events, such as glucagon production in the pancreas and ectopic peptide production in small-cell carcinoma, and to study PC2-dependent proteolytic events, such as opioid peptide production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kowalska
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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25
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Greene AC, Trent AM, Bachand GD. Controlling kinesin motor proteins in nanoengineered systems through a metal-binding on/off switch. Biotechnol Bioeng 2008; 101:478-86. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.21927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Wang S, Han J, Wang Y, Lu W, Chi C. Design of peptide inhibitors for furin based on the C-terminal fragment of histone H1.2. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2008. [PMID: 18850049 PMCID: PMC7110110 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2008.00470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian proprotein convertase furin has been found to play an important role in diverse physiological and pathological events, such as the activation of viral glycoproteins and bacterial exotoxins. Small, non‐toxic and highly active, furin inhibitors are considered to be attractive drug candidates for diseases caused by virus and bacteria. In this study, a series of peptide inhibitors were designed and synthesized based on the C‐terminal fragment of histone H1.2, which has an inhibitory effect on furin. Replacing the reactive site of inhibitors with the consensus substrate recognition sequence of furin has been found to increase inhibitory activity greatly. The most potent inhibitor, I4, with 14 amino acid residues has a Ki value of 17 nM for furin. Although most of the synthesized peptides were temporary inhibitors, the inhibitor I5, with nine amino acids, retained its full potency, even after a 3 h incubation period with furin at 37 °C. These inhibitors may potentially lead to the development of anti‐viral and antibacterial drug compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suming Wang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui 230027, China
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Coppola JM, Bhojani MS, Ross BD, Rehemtulla A. A small-molecule furin inhibitor inhibits cancer cell motility and invasiveness. Neoplasia 2008; 10:363-70. [PMID: 18392131 PMCID: PMC2288536 DOI: 10.1593/neo.08166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Furin, a member the proprotein convertase (PC) family, processes inactive precursor proteins to functional proteins within the Golgi/trans-Golgi network secretory pathway. Furin and other PC family members (furin/PCs) activate proteins vital to proper physiological functioning, including growth factors and hormones, receptors, plasma proteins, and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Additionally, the expression and activity of furin/PC are necessary for processing substrates important for cell transformation and tumor progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Furin processing of the remodeling protease membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) enhances cellular motility and invasiveness, contributing to aggression and metastatic potential cancer cells. Whereas overexpression and activity of furin/PC exacerbate the cancer phenotype, inhibition of its activity decreases or nullifies furin/PC-mediated effects, and thus, inhibition of furin may be a viable route to cancer therapy. Recently, we identified a small-molecule inhibitor of furin, named B3, by high-throughput screening with a K(i) and IC(50) of 12 microM. Here, we show that this cell-permeable, small-molecule compound inhibits furin-mediated cleavage of proMT1-MMP, resulting in decreased MMP-2 activation and cell motility in CHO cells expressing proMT1-MMP. Additionally, this molecule inhibited proMT1-MMP processing, complete MMP-2 maturation, and invasiveness of human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Coppola
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Mahaveer S Bhojani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Brian D Ross
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Bray DJ, Clegg JK, Jolliffe KA, Lindoy LF, Wei G. Synthesis and co-crystallisation behaviour of copper(II) complexes of two isomeric p -tolyl-terpyridines. J COORD CHEM 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/00958970701700987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Bray
- a School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney , 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - Jack K. Clegg
- a School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney , 2006, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Leonard F. Lindoy
- a School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney , 2006, NSW, Australia
| | - Gang Wei
- b CSIRO Industrial Physics , West Lindfield, 2070, NSW, Australia
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Bontemps Y, Scamuffa N, Calvo F, Khatib A. Potential opportunity in the development of new therapeutic agents based on endogenous and exogenous inhibitors of the proprotein convertases. Med Res Rev 2007; 27:631-48. [PMID: 17019676 PMCID: PMC7168524 DOI: 10.1002/med.20072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The proprotein convertases (PCs) are responsible for the endoproteolytic processing of various protein precursors (e.g., growth factors, receptors, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases) implicated in several diseases such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer disease. The potential clinical and pharmacological role of the PCs has fostered the development of various PC‐inhibitors. In this review we summarized the recent findings on PCs inhibitors, their mode of actions and potential use in the therapy of various diseases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 27, No. 5, 631–648, 2007
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Bontemps
- INSERM, U 716, Equipe AVENIR, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Paris 75010, France
- Université Paris 7, Paris 75251, France
| | - Nathalie Scamuffa
- INSERM, U 716, Equipe AVENIR, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Paris 75010, France
- Université Paris 7, Paris 75251, France
| | - Fabien Calvo
- INSERM, U 716, Equipe AVENIR, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Paris 75010, France
- Université Paris 7, Paris 75251, France
| | - Abdel‐Majid Khatib
- INSERM, U 716, Equipe AVENIR, Institut de Génétique Moléculaire, Paris 75010, France
- Université Paris 7, Paris 75251, France
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Coppola JM, Hamilton CA, Bhojani MS, Larsen MJ, Ross BD, Rehemtulla A. Identification of inhibitors using a cell-based assay for monitoring Golgi-resident protease activity. Anal Biochem 2007; 364:19-29. [PMID: 17316541 PMCID: PMC1995463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2007.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2006] [Revised: 01/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive real-time quantification of cellular protease activity allows monitoring of enzymatic activity and identification of activity modulators within the protease's natural milieu. We developed a protease activity assay based on differential localization of a recombinant reporter consisting of a Golgi retention signal and a protease cleavage sequence fused to alkaline phosphatase (AP). When expressed in mammalian cells, this protein localizes to Golgi bodies and, on protease-mediated cleavage, AP translocates to the extracellular medium where its activity is measured. We used this system to monitor the Golgi-associated protease furin, a pluripotent enzyme with a key role in tumorigenesis, viral propagation of avian influenza, ebola, and HIV as well as in activation of anthrax, pseudomonas, and diphtheria toxins. This technology was adapted for high-throughput screening of 39,000-compound small molecule libraries, leading to identification of furin inhibitors. Furthermore, this strategy was used to identify inhibitors of another Golgi protease, the beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme (BACE). BACE cleavage of the APP leads to formation of the Abeta peptide, a key event that leads to Alzheimer's disease. In conclusion, we describe a customizable noninvasive technology for real-time assessment of Golgi protease activity used to identify inhibitors of furin and BACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Coppola
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor MI 48109
| | - Christin A. Hamilton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor MI 48109
| | - Mahaveer S. Bhojani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor MI 48109
| | - Martha J. Larsen
- Center for Chemical Genomics, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor MI 48109
| | - Brian D. Ross
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor MI 48109
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor MI 48109
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Jiao GS, Cregar L, Wang J, Millis SZ, Tang C, O'Malley S, Johnson AT, Sareth S, Larson J, Thomas G. Synthetic small molecule furin inhibitors derived from 2,5-dideoxystreptamine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:19707-12. [PMID: 17179036 PMCID: PMC1750872 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0606555104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Furin plays a crucial role in embryogenesis and homeostasis and in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and viral and bacterial infections. Thus, inhibition of furin may provide a feasible and promising approach for therapeutic intervention of furin-mediated disease mechanisms. Here, we report on a class of small molecule furin inhibitors based on 2,5-dideoxystreptamine. Derivatization of 2,5-dideoxystreptamine by the addition of guanidinylated aryl groups yielded a set of furin inhibitors with nanomolar range potency against furin when assayed in a biochemical cleavage assay. Moreover, a subset of these furin inhibitors protected RAW 264.7 macrophage cells from toxicity caused by furin-dependent processing of anthrax protective antigen. These inhibitors were found to behave as competitive inhibitors of furin and to be relatively specific for furin. Molecular modeling revealed that these inhibitors may target the active site of furin as they showed site occupancy similar to the alkylating inhibitor decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-CH(2)Cl. The compounds presented here are bona fide synthetic small molecule furin inhibitors that exhibit potency in the nanomolar range, suggesting that they may serve as valuable tools for studying furin action and potential therapeutics agents for furin-dependent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Sheng Jiao
- Departments of Chemistry, PanThera Biopharma LLC, 99-193 Aiea Heights Drive, Suite 136, Aiea, HI 96701, USA.
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Komiyama T, Swanson JA, Fuller RS. Protection from anthrax toxin-mediated killing of macrophages by the combined effects of furin inhibitors and chloroquine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2005; 49:3875-82. [PMID: 16127065 PMCID: PMC1195394 DOI: 10.1128/aac.49.9.3875-3882.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell surface proteolytic processing of anthrax protective antigen by furin or other furin-related proteases is required for its oligomerization, endocytosis, and function as a translocon for anthrax lethal and edema factors. Countering toxin lethality is essential to developing effective chemotherapies for anthrax infections that have proceeded beyond the stage at which antibiotics are effective. The primary target for toxin is the macrophage, which can be killed by lethal factor via both necrotic and apoptotic pathways. Here we show that three high-affinity inhibitors of furin efficiently blocked killing of murine J774A.1 macrophages by recombinant protective antigen plus lethal factor: RRD-eglin and RRDG-eglin, developed by engineering the protein protease inhibitor eglin c, and the peptide boronic acid inhibitor acetyl-Arg-Glu-Lys-boroArg pinanediol. Inhibition of killing was dose dependent and correlated with prevention of protective antigen processing. Previous studies have shown that weak bases, such as chloroquine, which neutralize acidic compartments, also interfere with toxin-dependent killing. Here we show that combining furin inhibitors and chloroquine strongly augments the inhibition of toxin-dependent killing, suggesting that combined use of antifurin drugs and chloroquine might provide enhanced therapeutic benefits. Reversible furin inhibitors protected against anthrax toxin killing for at least 5 h, but by 8 h, toxin-dependent killing resumed even though furin inhibitors were still active. An irreversible chloromethylketone inhibitor did not exhibit this loss of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Komiyama
- Department of Biological Chemistry, 1301 E. Catherine Road, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0606, USA
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Abstract
The discovery of mammalian subtilases, proprotein convertases (PCs) or subtilisin-like proprotein convertases (SPCs), in 1990 was a result of sustained efforts in searching for enzyme/s responsible for maturation of inactive protein precursors. Since then, seven PCs have so far been discovered that cleave at the carboxy-terminal of a basic amino acid characterized by the consensus sequence Arg/Lys/His-X-X/Lys/Arg-Arg downward arrow, where X denotes any amino acid other than Cys. Two additional PC subtypes--called subtilisin kexin isozyme 1 (SKI-1) or site 1 protease (S1P) and neural apoptosis regulated convertase 1 (NARC-1), also known as PCSK9--that cleave at the carboxy terminus of nonbasic amino acids were discovered later. Numerous studies revealed various important functional roles of PCs in health and diseases such as tumorigenesis, diabetes, viral infections, bacterial pathogenesis, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenarative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Owing to these findings, PCs became a promising frontier for treatment of diverse pathologies. Thus modulation of PC activity with designed inhibitors is an attractive proposition not only for intervention of diseases, but also for biochemical characterization of these enzymes. Various physiological and bioengineered proteins as well as small molecules such as peptide, peptidomimetic, and nonpeptide compounds as inhibitors of PCs have been described in the literature. Among the strategies used for design of PC inhibitors, the most successful is the one based on bioengineered serpin proteins, of which the best example is alpha1-PDX, the double mutant variant of alpha1-antitrypsin (from A(355)IPM(358) to R(355)IPR(358)). Others include small peptide inhibitors with C-terminal carboxyl function modified with a potent neucleophile or those containing pseudo or isosteric peptide bond at the scissile site of a suitable peptide substrate. Among nonpeptide PC inhibitors, the number is very limited. So far, these include 20-carbon atoms containing alicyclic diterpenes of andrographolide family and heterocyclic compounds that are ligands of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions. Overall, these molecules display only a modest enzyme inhibition; however, they may serve as important lead structures for further development of more potent and specific nonpeptide PC inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents. Many PC inhibitors display their functional properties in proliferation, fertilization, tumorigenesis, obesity, embryogenesis, or diabetes via their inhibitory action on PC activities.
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Fugère M, Day R. Cutting back on pro-protein convertases: the latest approaches to pharmacological inhibition. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2005; 26:294-301. [PMID: 15925704 PMCID: PMC7119077 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2005.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2004] [Revised: 03/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The secretory pathway in cells possesses an elaborate set of endoproteolytic enzymes that carry out a crucial step in protein precursor maturation. This step is proteolytic activation by cleavage at specific pairs of basic residues. These enzymes, named pro-protein convertases (PCs), are responsible for generating bioactive peptides and activating several enzymes and growth factors that are implicated in many important physiological events. PCs have roles in several pathologies including viral infections and cancers and, thus, are promising targets for therapeutic applications. Recent structural and homology-modeling studies demonstrate more similarity than expected at the catalytic site of the seven PCs, which makes the development of selective drugs to target individual PCs frustrating. Based on this information, we review the latest strategies to inhibit PCs, which might lead to the development of specific compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fugère
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Département de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada
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