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Cho DY, Rivers NJ, Lim DJ, Zhang S, Skinner D, Yang L, Menon AJ, Kelly OJ, Jones MP, Bicknel BT, Grayson JW, Harris E, Rowe SM, Woodworth BA. Glutathione and bicarbonate nanoparticles improve mucociliary transport in cystic fibrosis epithelia. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2024; 14:1026-1035. [PMID: 37975554 PMCID: PMC11098968 DOI: 10.1002/alr.23301] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by thick mucus and impaired mucociliary transport (MCT). Loss of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR) leads to acidification and oxidation of airway surface mucus. Replacing bicarbonate (HCO3 -) topically fails due to rapid reabsorption and neutralization, while the scavenging antioxidant, glutathione sulfhydryl (GSH), is also rapidly degraded. The objective of this study is to investigate GSH/NaHCO3 nanoparticles as novel strategy for CF airway disease. METHODS GSH/NaHCO3 poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were tested on primary CF (F508del/F508del) epithelial cultures to evaluate dose-release curves, surface pH, toxicity, and MCT indices using micro-optical coherence tomography. In vivo tests were performed in three rabbits to assess safety and toxicity. After 1 week of daily injections, histopathology, computed tomography (CT), and blood chemistries were performed and compared to three controls. Fluorescent nanoparticles were injected into a rabbit with maxillary sinusitis and explants visualized with confocal microscopy. RESULTS Sustained release of GSH and HCO3 - with no cellular toxicity was observed over 2 weeks. Apical surface pH gradually increased from 6.54 ± 0.13 (baseline) to 7.07 ± 0.10 (24 h) (p < 0.001) and 6.87 ± 0.05 at 14 days (p < 0.001). MCT, ciliary beat frequency, and periciliary liquid were significantly increased. When injected into the maxillary sinuses of rabbits, there were no changes to histology, CT, or blood chemistries. Nanoparticles penetrated rabbit sinusitis mucus on confocal microscopy. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that GSH/NaHCO3 - nanoparticles are a promising treatment option for viscous mucus in CF and other respiratory diseases of mucus obstruction such as chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Yeon Cho
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs, Birmingham Alabama, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Rivers
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Dong-Jin Lim
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Shaoyan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Daniel Skinner
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Lydia Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Adithya J. Menon
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Olivia Jo Kelly
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Martin P. Jones
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Brenton T. Bicknel
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Jessica W. Grayson
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Elex Harris
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Steven M. Rowe
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Bradford A. Woodworth
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Gregory Fleming James Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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Bej R, Stevens CA, Nie C, Ludwig K, Degen GD, Kerkhoff Y, Pigaleva M, Adler JM, Bustos NA, Page TM, Trimpert J, Block S, Kaufer BB, Ribbeck K, Haag R. Mucus-Inspired Self-Healing Hydrogels: A Protective Barrier for Cells against Viral Infection. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2401745. [PMID: 38815174 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202401745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Mucus is a dynamic biological hydrogel, composed primarily of the glycoprotein mucin, exhibits unique biophysical properties and forms a barrier protecting cells against a broad-spectrum of viruses. Here, this work develops a polyglycerol sulfate-based dendronized mucin-inspired copolymer (MICP-1) with ≈10% repeating units of activated disulfide as cross-linking sites. Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) analysis of MICP-1 reveals an elongated single-chain fiber morphology. MICP-1 shows potential inhibitory activity against many viruses such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and SARS-CoV-2 (including variants such as Delta and Omicron). MICP-1 produces hydrogels with viscoelastic properties similar to healthy human sputum and with tuneable microstructures using linear and branched polyethylene glycol-thiol (PEG-thiol) as cross-linkers. Single particle tracking microrheology, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (Cryo-SEM) are used to characterize the network structures. The synthesized hydrogels exhibit self-healing properties, along with viscoelastic properties that are tuneable through reduction. A transwell assay is used to investigate the hydrogel's protective properties against viral infection against HSV-1. Live-cell microscopy confirms that these hydrogels can protect underlying cells from infection by trapping the virus, due to both network morphology and anionic multivalent effects. Overall, this novel mucin-inspired copolymer generates mucus-mimetic hydrogels on a multi-gram scale. These hydrogels can be used as models for disulfide-rich airway mucus research, and as biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Bej
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Corey Alfred Stevens
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chuanxiong Nie
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Ludwig
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - George D Degen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yannic Kerkhoff
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Pigaleva
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia M Adler
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole A Bustos
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Taylor M Page
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Block
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt B Kaufer
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Ribbeck
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Plender EG, Prodanov T, Hsieh P, Nizamis E, Harvey WT, Sulovari A, Munson KM, Kaufman EJ, O'Neal WK, Valdmanis PN, Marschall T, Bloom JD, Eichler EE. Structural and genetic diversity in the secreted mucins, MUC5AC and MUC5B. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585560. [PMID: 38562829 PMCID: PMC10983947 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The secreted mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B play critical defensive roles in airway pathogen entrapment and mucociliary clearance by encoding large glycoproteins with variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs). These polymorphic and degenerate protein coding VNTRs make the loci difficult to investigate with short reads. We characterize the structural diversity of MUC5AC and MUC5B by long-read sequencing and assembly of 206 human and 20 nonhuman primate (NHP) haplotypes. We find that human MUC5B is largely invariant (5761-5762aa); however, seven haplotypes have expanded VNTRs (6291-7019aa). In contrast, 30 allelic variants of MUC5AC encode 16 distinct proteins (5249-6325aa) with cysteine-rich domain and VNTR copy number variation. We grouped MUC5AC alleles into three phylogenetic clades: H1 (46%, ~5654aa), H2 (33%, ~5742aa), and H3 (7%, ~6325aa). The two most common human MUC5AC variants are smaller than NHP gene models, suggesting a reduction in protein length during recent human evolution. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) and Tajima's D analyses reveal that East Asians carry exceptionally large MUC5AC LD blocks with an excess of rare variation (p<0.05). To validate this result, we used Locityper for genotyping MUC5AC haplogroups in 2,600 unrelated samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. We observed signatures of positive selection in H1 and H2 among East Asians and a depletion of the likely ancestral haplogroup (H3). In Africans and Europeans, H3 alleles show an excess of common variation and deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, consistent with heterozygote advantage and balancing selection. This study provides a generalizable strategy to characterize complex protein coding VNTRs for improved disease associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Plender
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Basic Sciences Division and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Timofey Prodanov
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Digital Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - PingHsun Hsieh
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Evangelos Nizamis
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William T Harvey
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Arvis Sulovari
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Katherine M Munson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Eli J Kaufman
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wanda K O'Neal
- Marsico Lung Institute/UNC CF Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, 27599, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul N Valdmanis
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tobias Marschall
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Bioinformatics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Digital Medicine, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jesse D Bloom
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Basic Sciences Division and Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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4
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Gallego P, Garcia-Bonete MJ, Trillo-Muyo S, Recktenwald CV, Johansson MEV, Hansson GC. The intestinal MUC2 mucin C-terminus is stabilized by an extra disulfide bond in comparison to von Willebrand factor and other gel-forming mucins. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1969. [PMID: 37031240 PMCID: PMC10082768 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37666-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The MUC2 mucin polymer is the main building unit of the intestinal mucus layers separating intestinal microbiota from the host epithelium. The MUC2 mucin is a large glycoprotein with a C-terminal domain similar to the MUC5AC and MUC5B mucins and the von Willebrand factor (VWF). A structural model of the C-terminal part of MUC2, MUC2-C, was generated by combining Cryo-electron microscopy, AlphaFold prediction, information of its glycosylation, and small angle X-ray scattering information. The globular VWD4 assembly in the N-terminal of MUC2-C is followed by 3.5 linear VWC domains that form an extended flexible structure before the C-terminal cystine-knot. All gel-forming mucins and VWF form tail-tail disulfide-bonded dimers in their C-terminal cystine-knot domain, but interestingly the MUC2 mucin has an extra stabilizing disulfide bond on the N-terminal side of the VWD4 domain, likely essential for a stable intestinal mucus barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Gallego
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria-Jose Garcia-Bonete
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sergio Trillo-Muyo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian V Recktenwald
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin E V Johansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnar C Hansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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5
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Fass D, Thornton DJ. Mucin networks: Dynamic structural assemblies controlling mucus function. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 79:102524. [PMID: 36753925 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Contrary to first appearances, mucus structural biology is not an oxymoron. Though mucus hydrogels derive their characteristics largely from intrinsically disordered, heavily glycosylated polypeptide segments, the secreted mucin glycoproteins that constitute mucus undergo an orderly assembly process controlled by folded domains at their termini. Recent structural studies revealed how mucin complexes promote disulphide-mediated polymerization to produce the mucus gel scaffold. Additional protein-protein and protein-glycan interactions likely tune the mesoscale properties, stability, and activities of mucins. Evidence is emerging that even intrinsically disordered glycosylated segments have specific structural roles in the production and properties of mucus. Though soft-matter biophysical approaches to understanding mucus remain highly relevant, high-resolution structural studies of mucins and other mucus components are providing new perspectives on these vital, protective hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Fass
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - David J Thornton
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research and the Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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6
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Ilani T, Reznik N, Yeshaya N, Feldman T, Vilela P, Lansky Z, Javitt G, Shemesh M, Brenner O, Elkis Y, Varsano N, Jaramillo AM, Evans CM, Fass D. The disulfide catalyst QSOX1 maintains the colon mucosal barrier by regulating Golgi glycosyltransferases. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111869. [PMID: 36245281 PMCID: PMC9841341 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucus is made of enormous mucin glycoproteins that polymerize by disulfide crosslinking in the Golgi apparatus. QSOX1 is a catalyst of disulfide bond formation localized to the Golgi. Both QSOX1 and mucins are highly expressed in goblet cells of mucosal tissues, leading to the hypothesis that QSOX1 catalyzes disulfide-mediated mucin polymerization. We found that knockout mice lacking QSOX1 had impaired mucus barrier function due to production of defective mucus. However, an investigation on the molecular level revealed normal disulfide-mediated polymerization of mucins and related glycoproteins. Instead, we detected a drastic decrease in sialic acid in the gut mucus glycome of the QSOX1 knockout mice, leading to the discovery that QSOX1 forms regulatory disulfides in Golgi glycosyltransferases. Sialylation defects in the colon are known to cause colitis in humans. Here we show that QSOX1 redox control of sialylation is essential for maintaining mucosal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Ilani
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nava Reznik
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noa Yeshaya
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Feldman
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Patrick Vilela
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zipora Lansky
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gabriel Javitt
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Shemesh
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ori Brenner
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Neta Varsano
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana M Jaramillo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher M Evans
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deborah Fass
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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7
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Hill DB, Button B, Rubinstein M, Boucher RC. Physiology and pathophysiology of human airway mucus. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:1757-1836. [PMID: 35001665 PMCID: PMC9665957 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00004.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The mucus clearance system is the dominant mechanical host defense system of the human lung. Mucus is cleared from the lung by cilia and airflow, including both two-phase gas-liquid pumping and cough-dependent mechanisms, and mucus transport rates are heavily dependent on mucus concentration. Importantly, mucus transport rates are accurately predicted by the gel-on-brush model of the mucociliary apparatus from the relative osmotic moduli of the mucus and periciliary-glycocalyceal (PCL-G) layers. The fluid available to hydrate mucus is generated by transepithelial fluid transport. Feedback interactions between mucus concentrations and cilia beating, via purinergic signaling, coordinate Na+ absorptive vs Cl- secretory rates to maintain mucus hydration in health. In disease, mucus becomes hyperconcentrated (dehydrated). Multiple mechanisms derange the ion transport pathways that normally hydrate mucus in muco-obstructive lung diseases, e.g., cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). A key step in muco-obstructive disease pathogenesis is the osmotic compression of the mucus layer onto the airway surface with the formation of adherent mucus plaques and plugs, particularly in distal airways. Mucus plaques create locally hypoxic conditions and produce airflow obstruction, inflammation, infection, and, ultimately, airway wall damage. Therapies to clear adherent mucus with hydrating and mucolytic agents are rational, and strategies to develop these agents are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Hill
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Brian Button
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael Rubinstein
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Richard C Boucher
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Abstract
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Mucus hydrogels at biointerfaces are crucial for protecting
against
foreign pathogens and for the biological functions of the underlying
cells. Since mucus can bind to and host both viruses and bacteria,
establishing a synthetic model system that can emulate the properties
and functions of native mucus and can be synthesized at large scale
would revolutionize the mucus-related research that is essential for
understanding the pathways of many infectious diseases. The synthesis
of such biofunctional hydrogels in the laboratory is highly challenging,
owing to their complex chemical compositions and the specific chemical
interactions that occur throughout the gel network. In this perspective,
we discuss the basic chemical structures and diverse physicochemical
interactions responsible for the unique properties and functions of
mucus hydrogels. We scrutinize the different approaches for preparing
mucus-inspired hydrogels, with specific examples. We also discuss
recent research and what it reveals about the challenges that must
be addressed and the opportunities to be considered to achieve desirable de novo synthetic mucus hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Bej
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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9
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Kishimoto H, Ridley C, Thornton DJ. The lipophilic cyclic peptide cyclosporin A induces aggregation of gel-forming mucins. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6153. [PMID: 35418571 PMCID: PMC9008041 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are good candidates for orally delivered therapeutics, however, issues remain in their development due to low intestinal permeability. Although some of the biological factors have been reported that regulate intestinal permeation of cyclic peptides, the influence of the mucus barrier, a major hurdle to epithelial drug delivery, on cyclic peptide bioavailability is unclear. In this study, we show that the lipophilic cyclic peptide, cyclosporin A (CsA), interacted with, and likely induced aggregation, of polymeric, gel-forming mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B) which underpin the mucus gel-networks in the gastrointestinal tract. Under similar conditions, two other cyclic peptides (daptomycin and polymyxin B) did not cause mucin aggregation. Using rate-zonal centrifugation, purified MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B mucins sedimented faster in the presence of CsA, with a significant increase in mucins in the pellet fraction. In contrast, mucin sedimentation profiles were largely unaltered after treatment with daptomycin or polymyxin B. CsA increased MUC5B sedimentation was concentration-dependent, and sedimentation studies using recombinant mucin protein domains suggests CsA most likely causes aggregation of the relatively non-O-glycosylated N-terminal and C-terminal regions of MUC5B. Furthermore, the aggregation of the N-terminal region, but not the C-terminal region, was affected by pH. CsA has partially N-methylated amide groups, this unique molecular structure, not present in daptomycin and polymyxin B, may potentially be involved in interaction with gel-forming mucin. Taken together, our results indicate that the interaction of gel-forming mucins with the cyclic peptide CsA is mediated at the N- and C-terminal domains of mucin polymers under physiological conditions. Our findings demonstrate that the mucus barrier is an important physiological factor regulating the intestinal permeation of cyclic peptides in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisanao Kishimoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1, Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan. .,Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Caroline Ridley
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - David J Thornton
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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10
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Helical self-assembly of a mucin segment suggests an evolutionary origin for von Willebrand factor tubules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2116790119. [PMID: 35377815 PMCID: PMC9169620 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116790119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteins with mechanical functions often require specialized assembly processes to form covalent oligomers. Progress in tissue bioengineering and repair will benefit from an understanding of how to harness and manipulate these processes. Here, we show that a particular supramolecular assembly mode was pre-encoded in the ancient domain organization common to gel-forming mucins and von Willebrand factor, glycoproteins that are deceptively different due to their divergence for distinct mechanical tasks. This finding highlights symmetry principles and building blocks retooled in nature to construct polymers with wide-ranging properties. These building blocks and knowledge of their self-assembly can be used to design new polymeric structures. The glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) contributes to hemostasis by stanching injuries in blood vessel walls. A distinctive feature of VWF is its assembly into long, helical tubules in endothelial cells prior to secretion. When VWF is released into the bloodstream, these tubules unfurl to release linear polymers that bind subendothelial collagen at wound sites, recruit platelets, and initiate the clotting cascade. VWF evolved from gel-forming mucins, the polymeric glycoproteins that coat and protect exposed epithelia. Despite the divergent function of VWF in blood vessel repair, sequence conservation and shared domain organization imply that VWF retained key aspects of the mucin bioassembly mechanism. Here, we show using cryo-electron microscopy that the ability to form tubules, a property hitherto thought to have arisen as a VWF adaptation to the vasculature, is a feature of the amino-terminal region of mucin. This segment of the human intestinal gel-forming mucin (MUC2) was found to self-assemble into tubules with a striking resemblance to those of VWF itself. To facilitate a comparison, we determined the residue-resolution structure of tubules formed by the homologous segment of VWF. The structures of the MUC2 and VWF tubules revealed the flexible joints and the intermolecular interactions required for tubule formation. Steric constraints in full-length MUC2 suggest that linear filaments, a previously observed supramolecular assembly form, are more likely than tubules to be the physiological mucin storage intermediate. Nevertheless, MUC2 tubules indicate a possible evolutionary origin for VWF tubules and elucidate design principles present in mucins and VWF.
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Soltermann F, Struwe WB, Kukura P. Label-free methods for optical in vitro characterization of protein-protein interactions. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:16488-16500. [PMID: 34342317 PMCID: PMC8359934 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp01072g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions are involved in the regulation and function of the majority of cellular processes. As a result, much effort has been aimed at the development of methodologies capable of quantifying protein-protein interactions, with label-free methods being of particular interest due to the associated simplified workflows and minimisation of label-induced perturbations. Here, we review recent advances in optical technologies providing label-free in vitro measurements of affinities and kinetics. We provide an overview and comparison of existing techniques and their principles, discussing advantages, limitations, and recent applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Soltermann
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of OxfordUK
| | - Weston B. Struwe
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of OxfordUK
| | - Philipp Kukura
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of OxfordUK
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12
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Kursula P. Small-angle X-ray scattering for the proteomics community: current overview and future potential. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:415-422. [PMID: 34210208 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1951242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Proteins are biological nanoparticles. For structural proteomics and hybrid structural biology, complementary methods are required that allow both high throughput and accurate automated data analysis. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a method for observing the size and shape of particles, such as proteins and complexes, in solution. SAXS data can be used to model both the structure, oligomeric state, conformational changes, and flexibility of biomolecular samples.Areas covered: The key principles of SAXS, its sample requirements, and its current and future applications for structural proteomics are briefly reviewed. Recent technical developments in SAXS experiments are discussed, and future potential of the method in structural proteomics is evaluated.Expert opinion: SAXS is a method suitable for several aspects of integrative structural proteomics, with current technical developments allowing for higher throughput and time-resolved studies, as well as the analysis of complex samples, such as membrane proteins. Increasing automation and streamlined data analysis are expected to equip SAXS for structure-based screening workflows. Originally, structural genomics had a heavy focus on folded, crystallizable proteins and complexes - SAXS is a method allowing an expansion of this focus to flexible and disordered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petri Kursula
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Biocenter Oulu & Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Gelardi M, Giancaspro R, Cassano M. Role of fern test in rhinosinusitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2021; 11:1712-1713. [PMID: 34176227 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Gelardi
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Rossana Giancaspro
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Cassano
- Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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14
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Javitt G, Khmelnitsky L, Albert L, Bigman LS, Elad N, Morgenstern D, Ilani T, Levy Y, Diskin R, Fass D. Assembly Mechanism of Mucin and von Willebrand Factor Polymers. Cell 2020; 183:717-729.e16. [PMID: 33031746 PMCID: PMC7599080 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The respiratory and intestinal tracts are exposed to physical and biological hazards accompanying the intake of air and food. Likewise, the vasculature is threatened by inflammation and trauma. Mucin glycoproteins and the related von Willebrand factor guard the vulnerable cell layers in these diverse systems. Colon mucins additionally house and feed the gut microbiome. Here, we present an integrated structural analysis of the intestinal mucin MUC2. Our findings reveal the shared mechanism by which complex macromolecules responsible for blood clotting, mucociliary clearance, and the intestinal mucosal barrier form protective polymers and hydrogels. Specifically, cryo-electron microscopy and crystal structures show how disulfide-rich bridges and pH-tunable interfaces control successive assembly steps in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Remarkably, a densely O-glycosylated mucin domain performs an organizational role in MUC2. The mucin assembly mechanism and its adaptation for hemostasis provide the foundation for rational manipulation of barrier function and coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Javitt
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Lev Khmelnitsky
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Lis Albert
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Lavi Shlomo Bigman
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nadav Elad
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - David Morgenstern
- De Botton Institute for Protein Profiling, Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tal Ilani
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yaakov Levy
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ron Diskin
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Deborah Fass
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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Hughes GW, Ridley C, Collins R, Roseman A, Ford R, Thornton DJ. The MUC5B mucin polymer is dominated by repeating structural motifs and its topology is regulated by calcium and pH. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17350. [PMID: 31758042 PMCID: PMC6874590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The polymeric mucin MUC5B provides the structural and functional framework of respiratory mucus, conferring both viscoelastic and antimicrobial properties onto this vital protective barrier. Whilst it is established that MUC5B forms disulfide-linked linear polymers, how this relates to their packaging in secretory granules, and their molecular form in mucus remain to be fully elucidated. Moreover, the role of the central heavily O-glycosylated mucin domains in MUC5B conformation is incompletely described. Here we have completed a detailed structural analysis on native MUC5B polymers purified from saliva and subsequently investigated how MUC5B conformation is affected by changes in calcium concentration and pH, factors important for mucin intragranular packaging and post-secretory expansion. The results identify that MUC5B has a beaded structure repeating along the polymer axis and suggest that these repeating motifs arise from distinct glycosylation patterns. Moreover, we demonstrate that the conformation of these highly entangled linear polymers is sensitive to calcium concentration and changes in pH. In the presence of calcium (Ca2+, 10 mM) at pH 5.0, MUC5B adopted a compact conformation which was lost either upon removal of calcium with EGTA, or by increasing the pH to 7.4. These results suggest a pathway of mucin collapse to enable intracellular packaging and mechanisms driving mucin expansion following secretion. They also point to the importance of the tight control of calcium and pH during different stages of mucin biosynthesis and secretion, and in the generation of correct mucus barrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Hughes
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Caroline Ridley
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard Collins
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Alan Roseman
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Robert Ford
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - David J Thornton
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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