Understanding the role of intermolecular interactions between lissoclimides and the eukaryotic ribosome

Harnessing natural inhibitors of protein synthesis for cancer therapy: A comprehensive review

Cancer treatment remains a formidable challenge in modern medicine, necessitating a nuanced understanding of its molecular underpinnings and the identification of novel therapeutic modalities. Among the intricate web of cellular pathways implicated in oncogenesis, protein synthesis has emerged as a fundamental process warranting meticulous investigation. This review elucidates the multifaceted role of protein synthesis pathways in tumor initiation and progression, highlighting the potential of targeting key nodes within these pathways as viable therapeutic strategies. Natural products have long served as a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential owing to their structural diversity and evolutionary honing. Within this framework, we provide a thorough examination of natural inhibitors of protein synthesis as promising candidates for cancer therapy, drawing upon recent advancements and mechanistic insights. By synthesizing current evidence and elucidating key challenges and opportunities, this review aims to galvanize further research into the development of natural product-based anticancer therapeutics, thereby advancing the clinical armamentarium against malignancies.

Concentration and time-dependent amyloidogenic characteristics of intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Stm1

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Stm1 protein is a ribosomal association factor, which plays an important role in preserving ribosomes in a nutrition-deprived environment. It is also shown to take part in apoptosis-like cell death. Stm1 N-terminal region (Stm1_N1-113) is shown to recognize purine motif DNA triplex and G-quadruplex. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of Stm1_N1-113 (enriched in positively-charged Lysine and Arginine; negatively-charged Aspartate; polar-uncharged Threonine, Asparagine, Proline and Serine; hydrophobic Alanine, Valine, and Glycine) collected after 0 and 24 h indicate that the protein assumes beta-sheet conformation at the higher concentrations in contrast to intrinsically disordered conformation seen for its monomeric form found in the crystal structure. Thioflavin-T kinetics experiments indicate that the lag phase is influenced by the salt concentration. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images collected for a variety of Stm1_N1-113 concentrations (in the range of 1-400 μM) in the presence of 150 mM NaCl at 0, 24, and 48 h indicate a threshold concentration requirement to observe the time-dependent amyloid formation. This is prominent seen at the physiological salt concentration of 150 mM NaCl with the fibrillation observed for 400 μM concentration at 48 h, whereas oligomerization or proto-fibrillation is seen for the other concentrations. Such concentration-dependent fibrillation of Stm1_N1-113 explains that amyloid fibrils formed during the overexpression of Stm1_N1-113 may act as a molecular device to trigger apoptosis-like cell death.

mRNA decoding in human is kinetically and structurally distinct from bacteria

In all species, ribosomes synthesize proteins by faithfully decoding messenger RNA (mRNA) nucleotide sequences using aminoacyl-tRNA substrates. Current knowledge of the decoding mechanism derives principally from studies on bacterial systems1. Although key features are conserved across evolution2, eukaryotes achieve higher-fidelity mRNA decoding than bacteria3. In human, changes in decoding fidelity are linked to ageing and disease and represent a potential point of therapeutic intervention in both viral and cancer treatment4-6. Here we combine single-molecule imaging and cryogenic electron microscopy methods to examine the molecular basis of human ribosome fidelity to reveal that the decoding mechanism is both kinetically and structurally distinct from that of bacteria. Although decoding is globally analogous in both species, the reaction coordinate of aminoacyl-tRNA movement is altered on the human ribosome and the process is an order of magnitude slower. These distinctions arise from eukaryote-specific structural elements in the human ribosome and in the elongation factor eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) that together coordinate faithful tRNA incorporation at each mRNA codon. The distinct nature and timing of conformational changes within the ribosome and eEF1A rationalize how increased decoding fidelity is achieved and potentially regulated in eukaryotic species.

E-site drug specificity of the human pathogen Candida albicans ribosome

Candida albicans is a widespread commensal fungus with substantial pathogenic potential and steadily increasing resistance to current antifungal drugs. It is known to be resistant to cycloheximide (CHX) that binds to the E-transfer RNA binding site of the ribosome. Because of lack of structural information, it is neither possible to understand the nature of the resistance nor to develop novel inhibitors. To overcome this issue, we determined the structure of the vacant C. albicans 80S ribosome at 2.3 angstroms and its complexes with bound inhibitors at resolutions better than 2.9 angstroms using cryo-electron microscopy. Our structures reveal how a change in a conserved amino acid in ribosomal protein eL42 explains CHX resistance in C. albicans and forms a basis for further antifungal drug development.

Structure of the translating Neurospora ribosome arrested by cycloheximide

Ribosomes translate RNA into proteins. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) is widely used to inhibit eukaryotic ribosomes engaged in translation elongation. However, the lack of structural data for actively translating polyribosomes stalled by CHX leaves unanswered the question of which elongation step is inhibited. We elucidated CHX's mechanism of action based on the cryo-electron microscopy structure of actively translating Neurospora crassa ribosomes bound with CHX at 2.7-Å resolution. The ribosome structure from this filamentous fungus contains clearly resolved ribosomal protein eL28, like higher eukaryotes but unlike budding yeast, which lacks eL28. Despite some differences in overall structures, the ribosomes from Neurospora, yeast, and humans all contain a highly conserved CHX binding site. We also sequenced classic Neurospora CHX-resistant alleles. These mutations, including one at a residue not previously observed to affect CHX resistance in eukaryotes, were in the large subunit proteins uL15 and eL42 that are part of the CHX-binding pocket. In addition to A-site transfer RNA (tRNA), P-site tRNA, messenger RNA, and CHX that are associated with the translating N. crassa ribosome, spermidine is present near the CHX binding site close to the E site on the large subunit. The tRNAs in the peptidyl transferase center are in the A/A site and the P/P site. The nascent peptide is attached to the A-site tRNA and not to the P-site tRNA. The structural and functional data obtained show that CHX arrests the ribosome in the classical PRE translocation state and does not interfere with A-site reactivity.

A Path to the Atomic-Resolution Structures of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Ribosomes

Resolving first crystal structures of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes by our group has been based on the knowledge accumulated over the decades of studies, starting with the first electron microscopy images of the ribosome obtained by J. Pallade in 1955. In 1983, A. Spirin, then a Director of the Protein Research Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, initiated the first study aimed at solving the structure of ribosomes using X-ray structural analysis. In 1999, our group in collaboration with H. Noller published the first crystal structure of entire bacterial ribosome in a complex with its major functional ligands, such as messenger RNA and three transport RNAs at the A, P, and E sites. In 2011, our laboratory published the first atomic-resolution structure of eukaryotic ribosome solved by the X-ray diffraction analysis that confirmed the conserved nature of the main ribosomal functional components, such as the decoding and peptidyl transferase centers, was confirmed, and eukaryote-specific elements of the ribosome were described. Using X-ray structural analysis, we investigated general principles of protein biosynthesis inhibition in eukaryotic ribosomes, along with the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Structural differences between bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes that determine the differences in their inhibition were established. These and subsequent atomic-resolution structures of the functional ribosome demonstrated for the first time the details of binding of messenger and transport RNAs, which was the first step towards understanding how the ribosome structure ultimately determines its functions.

Discovery of C13-Aminobenzoyl Cycloheximide Derivatives that Potently Inhibit Translation Elongation

Employed for over half a century to study protein synthesis, cycloheximide (CHX, 1) is a small molecule natural product that reversibly inhibits translation elongation. More recently, CHX has been applied to ribosome profiling, a method for mapping ribosome positions on mRNA genome-wide. Despite CHX's extensive use, CHX treatment often results in incomplete translation inhibition due to its rapid reversibility, prompting the need for improved reagents. Here, we report the concise synthesis of C13-amide-functionalized CHX derivatives with increased potencies toward protein synthesis inhibition. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) revealed that C13-aminobenzoyl CHX (8) occupies the same site as CHX, competing with the 3' end of E-site tRNA. We demonstrate that 8 is superior to CHX for ribosome profiling experiments, enabling more effective capture of ribosome conformations through sustained stabilization of polysomes. Our studies identify powerful chemical reagents to study protein synthesis and reveal the molecular basis of their enhanced potency.

Inhibition of the Eukaryotic 80S Ribosome as a Potential Anticancer Therapy: A Structural Perspective

Simple Summary

Unravelling the molecular basis of ribosomal inhibition by small molecules is crucial to characterise the function of potential anticancer drugs. After approval of the ribosome inhibitor homoharringtonine for treatment of CML, it became clear that acting on the rate of protein synthesis can be a valuable way to prevent indefinite growth of cancers. The present review discusses the state-of-the-art structural knowledge of the binding modes of inhibitors targeting the cytosolic ribosome, with the ambition of providing not only an overview of what has been achieved so far, but to stimulate further investigations to yield more potent and specific anticancer drugs.

Abstract

Protein biosynthesis is a vital process for all kingdoms of life. The ribosome is the massive ribonucleoprotein machinery that reads the genetic code, in the form of messenger RNA (mRNA), to produce proteins. The mechanism of translation is tightly regulated to ensure that cell growth is well sustained. Because of the central role fulfilled by the ribosome, it is not surprising that halting its function can be detrimental and incompatible with life. In bacteria, the ribosome is a major target of inhibitors, as demonstrated by the high number of small molecules identified to bind to it. In eukaryotes, the design of ribosome inhibitors may be used as a therapy to treat cancer cells, which exhibit higher proliferation rates compared to healthy ones. Exciting experimental achievements gathered during the last few years confirmed that the ribosome indeed represents a relevant platform for the development of anticancer drugs. We provide herein an overview of the latest structural data that helped to unveil the molecular bases of inhibition of the eukaryotic ribosome triggered by small molecules.

Natural products targeting the elongation phase of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis

Covering: 2000 to 2020 The translation of mRNA into proteins is a precisely regulated, complex process that can be divided into three main stages, i.e. initiation, elongation, termination, and recycling. This contribution is intended to highlight how natural products interfere with the elongation phase of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis. Cycloheximide, isolated from Streptomyces griseus, has long been the prototype inhibitor of eukaryotic translation elongation. In the last three decades, a variety of natural products from different origins were discovered to also address the elongation step in different manners, including interference with the elongation factors eEF1 and eEF2 as well as binding to A-, P- or E-sites of the ribosome itself. Recent advances in the crystallization of the ribosomal machinery together with natural product inhibitors allowed characterizing similarities as well as differences in their mode of action. Since aberrations in protein synthesis are commonly observed in tumors, and malfunction or overexpression of translation factors can cause cellular transformation, the protein synthesis machinery has been realized as an attractive target for anticancer drugs. The therapeutic use of the first natural products that reached market approval, plitidepsin (Aplidin®) and homoharringtonine (Synribo®), will be introduced. In addition, we will highlight two other potential indications for translation elongation inhibitors, i.e. viral infections and genetic disorders caused by premature termination of translation.

A Quick Guide to Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Eukaryotic Protein Synthesis

Eukaryotic ribosome and cap-dependent translation are attractive targets in the antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic therapies. Currently, a broad array of small-molecule drugs is known that specifically inhibit protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Many of them are well-studied ribosome-targeting antibiotics that block translocation, the peptidyl transferase center or the polypeptide exit tunnel, modulate the binding of translation machinery components to the ribosome, and induce miscoding, premature termination or stop codon readthrough. Such inhibitors are widely used as anticancer, anthelmintic and antifungal agents in medicine, as well as fungicides in agriculture. Chemicals that affect the accuracy of stop codon recognition are promising drugs for the nonsense suppression therapy of hereditary diseases and restoration of tumor suppressor function in cancer cells. Other compounds inhibit aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, translation factors, and components of translation-associated signaling pathways, including mTOR kinase. Some of them have antidepressant, immunosuppressive and geroprotective properties. Translation inhibitors are also used in research for gene expression analysis by ribosome profiling, as well as in cell culture techniques. In this article, we review well-studied and less known inhibitors of eukaryotic protein synthesis (with the exception of mitochondrial and plastid translation) classified by their targets and briefly describe the action mechanisms of these compounds. We also present a continuously updated database (http://eupsic.belozersky.msu.ru/) that currently contains information on 370 inhibitors of eukaryotic protein synthesis.

The Recurring Roles of Chlorine in Synthetic and Biological Studies of the Lissoclimides

Halogenated natural products number in the thousands, but only in rare cases are the evolutionary advantages conferred by the halogens understood. We set out to investigate the lissoclimide family of cytotoxins, which includes several chlorinated members, because of our long-standing interest in the synthesis of chlorinated secondary metabolites.Our initial success in this endeavor was a semisynthesis of chlorolissoclimide (CL) from the commercially available sesquiterpenoid sclareolide. Featuring a highly selective and efficient-and plausibly biomimetic-C-H chlorination, we were able to access enough CL for collaborative studies, including X-ray cocrystallography with the eukaryotic ribosome. Through this experiment, we learned that CL's chlorine atom engages in a novel halogen-π dispersion interaction with a neighboring nucleobase in the ribosome E-site.Owing to the limitations of our semisynthesis approach, we established an analogue-oriented approach to access numerous lissoclimide compounds to both improve our understanding of structure-activity relationships and to learn more about the halogen-π interaction. In the course of these studies, we made over a dozen lissoclimide-like compounds, the most interesting of which contained chlorine-bearing carbons with unnatural configurations. Rationalizing the retained potency of these compounds that appeared to be a poor fit for the lissoclimide binding pocket, we came to realize that the chlorine atoms would engage in these same halogen-π interactions even at the expense of a chair to twist-boat conformational change, which also permitted the compounds to fit in the binding site.Finally, because neither of the first two approaches could easily access the most potent natural lissoclimides, we designed a synthesis that took advantage of rarely used terminal epoxides to initiate polyene cyclizations. In this case, the chlorine atom was incorporated early and helped control the stereochemical outcome of the key step.Over the course of this project, three different synthesis approaches were designed and executed, and our ability to access numerous lissoclimides fueled a range of collaborative biological studies. Further, chlorine played impactful roles throughout various aspects of both synthesis and biology. We remain inspired to learn more about the mechanism of action of these compounds and to deeply investigate the potentially valuable halogen-π dispersion interaction in the context of small molecule/nucleic acid binding. In that context, our work offers an instance wherein we might have gained a rudimentary understanding of the evolutionary importance of the halogen in a halogenated natural product.

A single H/ACA small nucleolar RNA mediates tumor suppression downstream of oncogenic RAS

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a diverse group of non-coding RNAs that direct chemical modifications at specific residues on other RNA molecules, primarily on ribosomal RNA (rRNA). SnoRNAs are altered in several cancers; however, their role in cell homeostasis as well as in cellular transformation remains poorly explored. Here, we show that specific subsets of snoRNAs are differentially regulated during the earliest cellular response to oncogenic RAS^G12V expression. We describe a novel function for one H/ACA snoRNA, SNORA24, which guides two pseudouridine modifications within the small ribosomal subunit, in RAS-induced senescence in vivo. We find that in mouse models, loss of Snora24 cooperates with RAS^G12V to promote the development of liver cancer that closely resembles human steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From a clinical perspective, we further show that human HCCs with low SNORA24 expression display increased lipid content and are associated with poor patient survival. We next asked whether ribosomes lacking SNORA24-guided pseudouridine modifications on 18S rRNA have alterations in their biophysical properties. Single-molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analyses revealed that these ribosomes exhibit perturbations in aminoacyl-transfer RNA (aa-tRNA) selection and altered pre-translocation ribosome complex dynamics. Furthermore, we find that HCC cells lacking SNORA24-guided pseudouridine modifications have increased translational miscoding and stop codon readthrough frequencies. These findings highlight a role for specific snoRNAs in safeguarding against oncogenic insult and demonstrate a functional link between H/ACA snoRNAs regulated by RAS and the biophysical properties of ribosomes in cancer.

A Chlorine-Atom-Controlled Terminal-Epoxide-Initiated Bicyclization Cascade Enables a Synthesis of the Potent Cytotoxins Haterumaimides J and K

Haterumaimide J (hatJ) is reportedly the most cytotoxic member of the lissoclimide family of labdane diterpenoids. The unusual functional group arrangement of hatJ-C18 oxygenation and C2 chlorination-resisted our efforts at synthesis until we adopted an approach based on rarely studied terminal epoxide-based cation-π bicyclizations that is described herein. Using the C2-chlorine atom as a key stereocontrol element and a furan as a nucleophilic terminator, the key structural features of hatJ were rapidly constructed. The 18-step stereoselective synthesis features applications of chiral pool starting materials, and catalyst-, substrate-, and auxiliary-based stereocontrol. Access to hatJ and its acetylated congener hatK permitted their biological evaluation against aggressive human cancer cell lines.