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Perri M, Licausi F. Thiol dioxygenases: from structures to functions. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:545-556. [PMID: 38622038 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.03.007] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Thiol oxidation to dioxygenated sulfinic acid is catalyzed by an enzyme family characterized by a cupin fold. These proteins act on free thiol-containing molecules to generate central metabolism precursors and signaling compounds in bacteria, fungi, and animal cells. In plants and animals, they also oxidize exposed N-cysteinyl residues, directing proteins to proteolysis. Enzyme kinetics, X-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy studies prompted the formulation and testing of hypotheses about the mechanism of action and the different substrate specificity of these enzymes. Concomitantly, the physiological role of thiol dioxygenation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes has been studied through genetic and physiological approaches. Further structural characterization is necessary to enable precise and safe manipulation of thiol dioxygenases (TDOs) for therapeutic, industrial, and agricultural applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Perri
- Plant Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francesco Licausi
- Plant Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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2
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Duan Y, Yao RQ, Ling H, Zheng LY, Fan Q, Li Q, Wang L, Zhou QY, Wu LM, Dai XG, Yao YM. Organellophagy regulates cell death:A potential therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00203-0. [PMID: 38740259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated alterations in organelle structure and function have a significant connection with cell death, as well as the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases. Maintaining cell viability and inhibiting the release of inflammatory cytokines are essential measures to treat inflammatory diseases. Recently, many studies have showed that autophagy selectively targets dysfunctional organelles, thereby sustaining the functional stability of organelles, alleviating the release of multiple cytokines, and maintaining organismal homeostasis. Organellophagy dysfunction is critically engaged in different kinds of cell death and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF REVIEW We summarized the current knowledge of organellophagy (e.g., mitophagy, reticulophagy, golgiphagy, lysophagy, pexophagy, nucleophagy, and ribophagy) and the underlying mechanisms by which organellophagy regulates cell death. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW We outlined the potential role of organellophagy in the modulation of cell fate during the inflammatory response to develop an intervention strategy for the organelle quality control in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Duan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Chenzhou Hospital (the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou), Southern Medical University, Chenzhou 423000, China; Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ren-Qi Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Hua Ling
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Chenzhou Hospital (the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou), Southern Medical University, Chenzhou 423000, China
| | - Li-Yu Zheng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Chenzhou Hospital (the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou), Southern Medical University, Chenzhou 423000, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Qi-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Emergency, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Le-Min Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Chenzhou Hospital (the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou), Southern Medical University, Chenzhou 423000, China
| | - Xin-Gui Dai
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Chenzhou Hospital (the First People's Hospital of Chenzhou), Southern Medical University, Chenzhou 423000, China.
| | - Yong-Ming Yao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Medical Innovation Research Division and Fourth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
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3
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Kim J, Byun I, Kim DY, Joh H, Kim HJ, Lee MJ. Targeted protein degradation directly engaging lysosomes or proteasomes. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:3253-3272. [PMID: 38369971 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00344b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has been established as a viable alternative to attenuate the function of a specific protein of interest in both biological and clinical contexts. The unique TPD mode-of-action has allowed previously undruggable proteins to become feasible targets, expanding the landscape of "druggable" properties and "privileged" target proteins. As TPD continues to evolve, a range of innovative strategies, which do not depend on recruiting E3 ubiquitin ligases as in proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have emerged. Here, we present an overview of direct lysosome- and proteasome-engaging modalities and discuss their perspectives, advantages, and limitations. We outline the chemical composition, biochemical activity, and pharmaceutical characteristics of each degrader. These alternative TPD approaches not only complement the first generation of PROTACs for intracellular protein degradation but also offer unique strategies for targeting pathologic proteins located on the cell membrane and in the extracellular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiseong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Insuk Byun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Hyunhi Joh
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Hak Joong Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
| | - Min Jae Lee
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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4
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Zhou P, Wang J, Wang J, Liu X. When autophagy meets placenta development and pregnancy complications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1327167. [PMID: 38371923 PMCID: PMC10869551 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1327167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a common biological phenomenon in eukaryotes that has evolved and reshaped to maintain cellular homeostasis. Under the pressure of starvation, hypoxia, and immune damage, autophagy provides energy and nutrients to cells, which benefits cell survival. In mammals, autophagy is an early embryonic nutrient supply system involved in early embryonic development, implantation, and pregnancy maintenance. Recent studies have found that autophagy imbalance in placental tissue plays a key role in the occurrence and development of pregnancy complications, such as gestational hypertension, gestational obesity, premature birth, miscarriage, and intrauterine growth restriction. This mini-review summarizes the molecular mechanism of autophagy regulation, the autophagy pathways, and related factors involved in placental tissue and comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Junqi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Benxi Central Hospital of China Medical University, Benxi, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Bonnet LV, Palandri A, Flores-Martin JB, Hallak ME. Arginyltransferase 1 modulates p62-driven autophagy via mTORC1/AMPk signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:87. [PMID: 38297346 PMCID: PMC10832197 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01499-9] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginyltransferase (Ate1) orchestrates posttranslational protein arginylation, a pivotal regulator of cellular proteolytic processes. In eukaryotic cells, two interconnected systems-the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and macroautophagy-mediate proteolysis and cooperate to maintain quality protein control and cellular homeostasis. Previous studies have shown that N-terminal arginylation facilitates protein degradation through the UPS. Dysregulation of this machinery triggers p62-mediated autophagy to ensure proper substrate processing. Nevertheless, how Ate1 operates through this intricate mechanism remains elusive. METHODS We investigated Ate1 subcellular distribution through confocal microscopy and biochemical assays using cells transiently or stably expressing either endogenous Ate1 or a GFP-tagged Ate1 isoform transfected in CHO-K1 or MEFs, respectively. To assess Ate1 and p62-cargo clustering, we analyzed their colocalization and multimerization status by immunofluorescence and nonreducing immunoblotting, respectively. Additionally, we employed Ate1 KO cells to examine the role of Ate1 in autophagy. Ate1 KO MEFs cells stably expressing GFP-tagged Ate1-1 isoform were used as a model for phenotype rescue. Autophagy dynamics were evaluated by analyzing LC3B turnover and p62/SQSTM1 levels under both steady-state and serum-starvation conditions, through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. We determined mTORC1/AMPk activation by assessing mTOR and AMPk phosphorylation through immunoblotting, while mTORC1 lysosomal localization was monitored by confocal microscopy. RESULTS Here, we report a multifaceted role for Ate1 in the autophagic process, wherein it clusters with p62, facilitates autophagic clearance, and modulates its signaling. Mechanistically, we found that cell-specific inactivation of Ate1 elicits overactivation of the mTORC1/AMPk signaling hub that underlies a failure in autophagic flux and subsequent substrate accumulation, which is partially rescued by ectopic expression of Ate1. Statistical significance was assessed using a two-sided unpaired t test with a significance threshold set at P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncover a critical housekeeping role of Ate1 in mTORC1/AMPk-regulated autophagy, as a potential therapeutic target related to this pathway, that is dysregulated in many neurodegenerative and cancer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V Bonnet
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Anabela Palandri
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jesica B Flores-Martin
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marta E Hallak
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CIQUIBIC, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Huang J, De Veirman L, Van Breusegem F. Cysteine thiol sulfinic acid in plant stress signaling. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024. [PMID: 38251793 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Cysteine thiols are susceptible to various oxidative posttranslational modifications (PTMs) due to their high chemical reactivity. Thiol-based PTMs play a crucial role in regulating protein functions and are key contributors to cellular redox signaling. Although reversible thiol-based PTMs, such as disulfide bond formation, S-nitrosylation, and S-glutathionylation, have been extensively studied for their roles in redox regulation, thiol sulfinic acid (-SO2 H) modification is often perceived as irreversible and of marginal significance in redox signaling. Here, we revisit this narrow perspective and shed light on the redox regulatory roles of -SO2 H in plant stress signaling. We provide an overview of protein sulfinylation in plants, delving into the roles of hydrogen peroxide-mediated and plant cysteine oxidase-catalyzed formation of -SO2 H, highlighting the involvement of -SO2 H in specific regulatory signaling pathways. Additionally, we compile the existing knowledge of the -SO2 H reducing enzyme, sulfiredoxin, offering insights into its molecular mechanisms and biological relevance. We further summarize current proteomic techniques for detecting -SO2 H and furnish a list of experimentally validated cysteine -SO2 H sites across various species, discussing their functional consequences. This review aims to spark new insights and discussions that lead to further investigations into the functional significance of protein -SO2 H-based redox signaling in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Huang
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsy De Veirman
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Van Breusegem
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
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Rashan EH, Bartlett AK, Khana DB, Zhang J, Jain R, Smith AJ, Baker ZN, Cook T, Caldwell A, Chevalier AR, Pfleger BF, Yuan P, Amador-Noguez D, Simcox JA, Pagliarini DJ. ACAD10 and ACAD11 enable mammalian 4-hydroxy acid lipid catabolism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.09.574893. [PMID: 38260250 PMCID: PMC10802472 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.09.574893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) is a central catabolic pathway with broad implications for organismal health. However, various fatty acids are largely incompatible with standard FAO machinery until they are modified by other enzymes. Included among these are the 4-hydroxy acids (4-HAs)-fatty acids hydroxylated at the 4 (γ) position-which can be provided from dietary intake, lipid peroxidation, and certain drugs of abuse. Here, we reveal that two atypical and poorly characterized acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs), ACAD10 and ACAD11, drive 4-HA catabolism in mice. Unlike other ACADs, ACAD10 and ACAD11 feature kinase domains N-terminal to their ACAD domains that phosphorylate the 4-OH position as a requisite step in the conversion of 4-hydroxyacyl-CoAs into 2-enoyl-CoAs-conventional FAO intermediates. Our ACAD11 cryo-EM structure and molecular modeling reveal a unique binding pocket capable of accommodating this phosphorylated intermediate. We further show that ACAD10 is mitochondrial and necessary for catabolizing shorter-chain 4-HAs, whereas ACAD11 is peroxisomal and enables longer-chain 4-HA catabolism. Mice lacking ACAD11 accumulate 4-HAs in their plasma while comparable 3- and 5-hydroxy acids remain unchanged. Collectively, this work defines ACAD10 and ACAD11 as the primary gatekeepers of mammalian 4-HA catabolism and sets the stage for broader investigations into the ramifications of aberrant 4-HA metabolism in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edrees H. Rashan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Abigail K. Bartlett
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Daven B. Khana
- Department of Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Raghav Jain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Andrew J. Smith
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Zakery N. Baker
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Taylor Cook
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Alana Caldwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Autumn R. Chevalier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Brian F. Pfleger
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Daniel Amador-Noguez
- Department of Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Judith A. Simcox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David J. Pagliarini
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Lee SCES, Pyo AHA, Koritzinsky M. Longitudinal dynamics of the tumor hypoxia response: From enzyme activity to biological phenotype. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj6409. [PMID: 37992163 PMCID: PMC10664991 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj6409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Poor oxygenation (hypoxia) is a common spatially heterogeneous feature of human tumors. Biological responses to tumor hypoxia are orchestrated by the decreased activity of oxygen-dependent enzymes. The affinity of these enzymes for oxygen positions them along a continuum of oxygen sensing that defines their roles in launching reactive and adaptive cellular responses. These responses encompass regulation of all steps in the central dogma, with rapid perturbation of the metabolome and proteome followed by more persistent reprogramming of the transcriptome and epigenome. Core hypoxia response genes and pathways are commonly regulated at multiple inflection points, fine-tuning the dependencies on oxygen concentration and hypoxia duration. Ultimately, shifts in the activity of oxygen-sensing enzymes directly or indirectly endow cells with intrinsic hypoxia tolerance and drive processes that are associated with aggressive phenotypes in cancer including angiogenesis, migration, invasion, immune evasion, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Che-Eun S. Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Hye An Pyo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianne Koritzinsky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Lee J, Sung KW, Bae EJ, Yoon D, Kim D, Lee JS, Park DH, Park DY, Mun SR, Kwon SC, Kim HY, Min JO, Lee SJ, Suh YH, Kwon YT. Targeted degradation of ⍺-synuclein aggregates in Parkinson's disease using the AUTOTAC technology. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 37355598 PMCID: PMC10290391 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00630-7] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are currently no disease-modifying therapeutics for Parkinson's disease (PD). Although extensive efforts were undertaken to develop therapeutic approaches to delay the symptoms of PD, untreated α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates cause cellular toxicity and stimulate further disease progression. PROTAC (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera) has drawn attention as a therapeutic modality to target α-syn. However, no PROTACs have yet shown to selectively degrade α-syn aggregates mainly owing to the limited capacity of the proteasome to degrade aggregates, necessitating the development of novel approaches to fundamentally eliminate α-syn aggregates. METHODS We employed AUTOTAC (Autophagy-Targeting Chimera), a macroautophagy-based targeted protein degradation (TPD) platform developed in our earlier studies. A series of AUTOTAC chemicals was synthesized as chimeras that bind both α-syn aggregates and p62/SQSTM1/Sequestosome-1, an autophagic receptor. The efficacy of Autotacs was evaluated to target α-syn aggregates to phagophores and subsequently lysosomes for hydrolysis via p62-dependent macroautophagy. The target engagement was monitored by oligomerization and localization of p62 and autophagic markers. The therapeutic efficacy to rescue PD symptoms was characterized in cultured cells and mice. The PK/PD (pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics) profiles were investigated to develop an oral drug for PD. RESULTS ATC161 induced selective degradation of α-syn aggregates at DC50 of ~ 100 nM. No apparent degradation was observed with monomeric α-syn. ATC161 mediated the targeting of α-syn aggregates to p62 by binding the ZZ domain and accelerating p62 self-polymerization. These p62-cargo complexes were delivered to autophagic membranes for lysosomal degradation. In PD cellular models, ATC161 exhibited therapeutic efficacy to reduce cell-to-cell transmission of α-syn and to rescue cells from the damages in DNA and mitochondria. In PD mice established by injecting α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into brain striata via stereotaxic surgery, oral administration of ATC161 at 10 mg/kg induced the degradation of α-syn aggregates and reduced their propagation. ATC161 also mitigated the associated glial inflammatory response and improved muscle strength and locomotive activity. CONCLUSION AUTOTAC provides a platform to develop drugs for PD. ATC161, an oral drug with excellent PK/PD profiles, induces selective degradation of α-syn aggregates in vitro and in vivo. We suggest that ATC161 is a disease-modifying drug that degrades the pathogenic cause of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Lee
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-Ro 254, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03077, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Woon Sung
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-Ro 254, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03077, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Bae
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dabin Yoon
- AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-Ro 254, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03077, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical Education, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Dasarang Kim
- AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-Ro 254, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03077, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Saem Lee
- AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-Ro 254, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03077, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Ha Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel Youngjae Park
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ran Mun
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Chul Kwon
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Kim
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Ok Min
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Neuramedy Co. Ltd, Seoul, 04796, Republic of Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Dementia, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Suh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong Tae Kwon
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-Ro 254, Jongno-Gu, Seoul, 03077, Republic of Korea.
- Convergence Research Center for Dementia, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Heo AJ, Kim SB, Kwon YT, Ji CH. The N-degron pathway: From basic science to therapeutic applications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194934. [PMID: 36990317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The N-degron pathway is a degradative system in which single N-terminal (Nt) amino acids regulate the half-lives of proteins and other biological materials. These determinants, called N-degrons, are recognized by N-recognins that link them to the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) or autophagy-lysosome system (ALS). In the UPS, the Arg/N-degron pathway targets the Nt-arginine (Nt-Arg) and other N-degrons to assemble Lys48 (K48)-linked Ub chains by UBR box N-recognins for proteasomal proteolysis. In the ALS, Arg/N-degrons are recognized by the N-recognin p62/SQSTSM-1/Sequestosome-1 to induce cis-degradation of substrates and trans-degradation of various cargoes such as protein aggregates and subcellular organelles. This crosstalk between the UPS and ALP involves reprogramming of the Ub code. Eukaryotic cells developed diverse ways to target all 20 principal amino acids for degradation. Here we discuss the components, regulation, and functions of the N-degron pathways, with an emphasis on the basic mechanisms and therapeutic applications of Arg/N-degrons and N-recognins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ah Jung Heo
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Bin Kim
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Tae Kwon
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-ro 254, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03077, Republic of Korea; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea; SNU Dementia Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-799, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Hoon Ji
- Cellular Degradation Biology Center and Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; AUTOTAC Bio Inc., Changkyunggung-ro 254, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03077, Republic of Korea.
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Lee SJ, Kim HY, Lee MJ, Kim SB, Kwon YT, Ji CH. Characterization and chemical modulation of p62/SQSTM1/Sequestosome-1 as an autophagic N-recognin. Methods Enzymol 2023. [PMID: 37532402 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
In the Arg/N-degron pathway, single N-terminal (Nt) residues function as N-degrons recognized by UBR box-containing N-recognins that induce substrate ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Recent studies led to the discovery of the autophagic Arg/N-degron pathway, in which the autophagic receptor p62/SQSTM1/Sequestosome-1 acts as an N-recognin that binds the Nt-Arg and other destabilizing residues as N-degrons. Upon binding to Nt-Arg, p62 undergoes self-polymerization associated with its cargoes, accelerating the macroautophagic delivery of p62-cargo complexes to autophagosomes leading to degradation by lysosomal hydrolases. This autophagic mechanism is emerging as an important pathway that modulates the lysosomal degradation of various biomaterial ranging from protein aggregates and subcellular organelles to invading pathogens. Chemical mimics of the physiological N-degrons were developed to exert therapeutic efficacy in pathophysiological processes associated with neurodegeneration and other related diseases. Here, we describe the methods to monitor the activities of p62 in a dual role as an N-recognin and an autophagic receptor. The topic includes self-polymerization (for cargo condensation), its interaction with LC3 on autophagic membranes (for cargo targeting), and the degradation of p62-cargo complexes by lysosomal hydrolases. We also discuss the development and use of small molecule mimics of N-degrons that modulate p62-dependent macroautophagy in biological and pathophysiological processes.
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