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Kim YJ, Jo Y, Lee SE, Kim J, Choi JP, Lee N, Won H, Woo DH, Yum S. Synthetic ShK-like Peptide from the Jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai Has Human Voltage-Gated Potassium-Channel-Blocking Activity. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:217. [PMID: 38786608 PMCID: PMC11122761 DOI: 10.3390/md22050217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We identified a new human voltage-gated potassium channel blocker, NnK-1, in the jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai based on its genomic information. The gene sequence encoding NnK-1 contains 5408 base pairs, with five introns and six exons. The coding sequence of the NnK-1 precursor is 894 nucleotides long and encodes 297 amino acids containing five presumptive ShK-like peptides. An electrophysiological assay demonstrated that the fifth peptide, NnK-1, which was chemically synthesized, is an effective blocker of hKv1.3, hKv1.4, and hKv1.5. Multiple-sequence alignment with cnidarian Shk-like peptides, which have Kv1.3-blocking activity, revealed that three residues (3Asp, 25Lys, and 34Thr) of NnK-1, together with six cysteine residues, were conserved. Therefore, we hypothesized that these three residues are crucial for the binding of the toxin to voltage-gated potassium channels. This notion was confirmed by an electrophysiological assay with a synthetic peptide (NnK-1 mu) where these three peptides were substituted with 3Glu, 25Arg, and 34Met. In conclusion, we successfully identified and characterized a new voltage-gated potassium channel blocker in jellyfish that interacts with three different voltage-gated potassium channels. A peptide that interacts with multiple voltage-gated potassium channels has many therapeutic applications in various physiological and pathophysiological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ji Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea;
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yejin Jo
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jungeun Kim
- Personal Genomics Institute (PGI), Genome Research Foundation (GRF), Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.-P.C.)
| | - Jae-Pil Choi
- Personal Genomics Institute (PGI), Genome Research Foundation (GRF), Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (J.-P.C.)
| | - Nayoung Lee
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Hyokyoung Won
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
| | - Dong Ho Woo
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea;
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungshic Yum
- Ecological Risk Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.); (N.L.); (H.W.)
- KIOST School, University of Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
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Szekér P, Bodó T, Klima K, Csóti Á, Hanh NN, Murányi J, Hajdara A, Szántó TG, Panyi G, Megyeri M, Péterfi Z, Farkas S, Gyöngyösi N, Hornyák P. KcsA-Kv1.x chimeras with complete ligand-binding sites provide improved predictivity for screening selective Kv1.x blockers. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107155. [PMID: 38479597 PMCID: PMC11002876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107155] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the development of therapeutic interventions targeting autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions, lack of effective treatment still poses a high unmet need. Modulating chronically activated T cells through the blockade of the Kv1.3 potassium channel is a promising therapeutic approach; however, developing selective Kv1.3 inhibitors is still an arduous task. Phage display-based high throughput peptide library screening is a rapid and robust approach to develop promising drug candidates; however, it requires solid-phase immobilization of target proteins with their binding site preserved. Historically, the KcsA bacterial channel chimera harboring only the turret region of the human Kv1.3 channel was used for screening campaigns. Nevertheless, literature data suggest that binding to this type of chimera does not correlate well with blocking potency on the native Kv1.3 channels. Therefore, we designed and successfully produced advanced KcsA-Kv1.3, KcsA-Kv1.1, and KcsA-Kv1.2 chimeric proteins in which both the turret and part of the filter regions of the human Kv1.x channels were transferred. These T+F (turret-filter) chimeras showed superior peptide ligand-binding predictivity compared to their T-only versions in novel phage ELISA assays. Phage ELISA binding and competition results supported with electrophysiological data confirmed that the filter region of KcsA-Kv1.x is essential for establishing adequate relative affinity order among selected peptide toxins (Vm24 toxin, Hongotoxin-1, Kaliotoxin-1, Maurotoxin, Stichodactyla toxin) and consequently obtaining more reliable selectivity data. These new findings provide a better screening tool for future drug development efforts and offer insight into the target-ligand interactions of these therapeutically relevant ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tibor Gábor Szántó
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Panyi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Norbert Gyöngyösi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Ngo K, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Clancy CE, Vorobyov I. Harnessing AlphaFold to reveal state secrets: Prediction of hERG closed and inactivated states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.27.577468. [PMID: 38352360 PMCID: PMC10862728 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.27.577468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
To design safe, selective, and effective new therapies, there must be a deep understanding of the structure and function of the drug target. One of the most difficult problems to solve has been resolution of discrete conformational states of transmembrane ion channel proteins. An example is KV11.1 (hERG), comprising the primary cardiac repolarizing current, IKr. hERG is a notorious drug anti-target against which all promising drugs are screened to determine potential for arrhythmia. Drug interactions with the hERG inactivated state are linked to elevated arrhythmia risk, and drugs may become trapped during channel closure. However, the structural details of multiple conformational states have remained elusive. Here, we guided AlphaFold2 to predict plausible hERG inactivated and closed conformations, obtaining results consistent with myriad available experimental data. Drug docking simulations demonstrated hERG state-specific drug interactions aligning well with experimental results, revealing that most drugs bind more effectively in the inactivated state and are trapped in the closed state. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated ion conduction that aligned with earlier studies. Finally, we identified key molecular determinants of state transitions by analyzing interaction networks across closed, open, and inactivated states in agreement with earlier mutagenesis studies. Here, we demonstrate a readily generalizable application of AlphaFold2 as a novel method to predict discrete protein conformations and novel linkages from structure to function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Ngo
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Colleen E. Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, CA
- Center for Precision Medicine and Data Science, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Igor Vorobyov
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, CA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, CA
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Li M, Mao K, Huang M, Liao Y, Fu J, Pan K, Shi Q, Gao B. Venomics Reveals the Venom Complexity of Sea Anemone Heteractis magnifica. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:71. [PMID: 38393042 PMCID: PMC10890322 DOI: 10.3390/md22020071] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The venoms of various sea anemones are rich in diverse toxins, which usually play a dual role in capturing prey and deterring predators. However, the complex components of such venoms have not been well known yet. Here, venomics of integrating transcriptomic and proteomic technologies was applied for the first time to identify putative protein and peptide toxins from different tissues of the representative sea anemone, Heteractis magnifica. The transcriptomic analysis of H. magnifica identified 728 putative toxin sequences, including 442 and 381 from the tentacles and the column, respectively, and they were assigned to 68 gene superfamilies. The proteomic analysis confirmed 101 protein and peptide toxins in the venom, including 91 in the tentacles and 39 in the column. The integrated venomics also confirmed that some toxins such as the ShK-like peptides and defensins are co-expressed in both the tentacles and the column. Meanwhile, a homology analysis was conducted to predict the three-dimensional structures and potential activity of seven representative toxins. Altogether, this venomics study revealed the venom complexity of H. magnifica, which will help deepen our understanding of cnidarian toxins, thereby supporting the in-depth development of valuable marine drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
| | - Kailin Mao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
| | - Meiling Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
| | - Yanling Liao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
| | - Jinxing Fu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
| | - Kun Pan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
| | - Qiong Shi
- Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518057, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, Shenzhen 518081, China
| | - Bingmiao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (M.L.); (K.M.); (M.H.); (Y.L.); (J.F.); (K.P.)
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Zhao R, Qasim A, Sophanpanichkul P, Dai H, Nayak M, Sher I, Chill J, Goldstein SAN. Selective block of human Kv1.1 channels and an epilepsy-associated gain-of-function mutation by AETX-K peptide. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23381. [PMID: 38102952 PMCID: PMC10754259 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302061r] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the human voltage-gated K+ channel Kv1.1 has been associated with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, episodic ataxia, myokymia, and cardiorespiratory dysregulation. We report here that AETX-K, a sea anemone type I (SAK1) peptide toxin we isolated from a phage display library, blocks Kv1.1 with high affinity (Ki ~ 1.6 pM) and notable specificity, inhibiting other Kv channels we tested a million-fold less well. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was employed both to determine the three-dimensional structure of AETX-K, showing it to employ a classic SAK1 scaffold while exhibiting a unique electrostatic potential surface, and to visualize AETX-K bound to the Kv1.1 pore domain embedded in lipoprotein nanodiscs. Study of Kv1.1 in Xenopus oocytes with AETX-K and point variants using electrophysiology demonstrated the blocking mechanism to employ a toxin-channel configuration we have described before whereby AETX-K Lys23 , two positions away on the toxin interaction surface from the classical blocking residue, enters the pore deeply enough to interact with K+ ions traversing the pathway from the opposite side of the membrane. The mutant channel Kv1.1-L296 F is associated with pharmaco-resistant multifocal epilepsy in infants because it significantly increases K+ currents by facilitating opening and slowing closure of the channels. Consistent with the therapeutic potential of AETX-K for Kv1.1 gain-of-function-associated diseases, AETX-K at 4 pM decreased Kv1.1-L296 F currents to wild-type levels; further, populations of heteromeric channels formed by co-expression Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, as found in many neurons, showed a Ki of ~10 nM even though homomeric Kv1.2 channels were insensitive to the toxin (Ki > 2000 nM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiming Zhao
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Arwa Qasim
- Department of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Punyanuch Sophanpanichkul
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hui Dai
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Maha Nayak
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Inbal Sher
- Department of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Jordan Chill
- Department of Chemistry, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel
| | - Steve A. N. Goldstein
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology & Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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