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Wu Z, Lamao Q, Gu M, Jin X, Liu Y, Tian F, Yu Y, Yuan P, Gao S, Fulford TS, Uldrich AP, Wong CC, Wei W. Unsynchronized butyrophilin molecules dictate cancer cell evasion of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell killing. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:362-373. [PMID: 38374404 PMCID: PMC10978999 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01135-z] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are specialized effector cells that have gained prominence as immunotherapy agents due to their ability to target and kill cells with altered pyrophosphate metabolites. In our effort to understand how cancer cells evade the cell-killing activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, we performed a comprehensive genome-scale CRISPR screening of cancer cells. We found that four molecules belonging to the butyrophilin (BTN) family, specifically BTN2A1, BTN3A1, BTN3A2, and BTN3A3, are critically important and play unique, nonoverlapping roles in facilitating the destruction of cancer cells by primary Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. The coordinated function of these BTN molecules was driven by synchronized gene expression, which was regulated by IFN-γ signaling and the RFX complex. Additionally, an enzyme called QPCTL was shown to play a key role in modifying the N-terminal glutamine of these BTN proteins and was found to be a crucial factor in Vγ9Vδ2 T cell killing of cancer cells. Through our research, we offer a detailed overview of the functional genomic mechanisms that underlie how cancer cells escape Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Moreover, our findings shed light on the importance of the harmonized expression and function of gene family members in modulating T-cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeguang Wu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Qiezhong Lamao
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Meichao Gu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Xuanxuan Jin
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Yuan
- EdiGene Inc., Life Science Park, Changping District, 102206, Beijing, China
| | - Shuaixin Gao
- Center for Precision Medicine Multi-Omics Research, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas S Fulford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Adam P Uldrich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Cl Wong
- State Key Laboratory for Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Clinical Research Institute, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, 100871, Beijing, China.
| | - Wensheng Wei
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University Genome Editing Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
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2
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Zhao P, Xie L, Yu L, Wang P. Targeting CD47-SIRPα axis for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma immunotherapy. Genes Dis 2024; 11:205-217. [PMID: 37588232 PMCID: PMC10425755 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.12.008] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) and signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) protects healthy cells from macrophage attack, which is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis. Overexpression of CD47 occurs widely across various tumor cell types and transmits the "don't eat me" signal to macrophages to avoid phagocytosis through binding to SIRPα. Blockade of the CD47-SIRPα axis is therefore a promising approach for cancer treatment. Lymphoma is the most common hematological malignancy and is an area of unmet clinical need. This review mainly described the current strategies targeting the CD47-SIRPα axis, including antibodies, SIRPα Fc fusion proteins, small molecule inhibitors, and peptides both in preclinical studies and clinical trials with Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zhao
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
| | - Longyan Xie
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, China
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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3
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Coimbra JRM, Moreira PI, Santos AE, Salvador JAR. Therapeutic potential of glutaminyl cyclases: Current status and emerging trends. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103644. [PMID: 37244566 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103644] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) activity has been identified as a key effector in distinct biological processes. Human glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT) and glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like (QPCTL) are considered attractive therapeutic targets in many human disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, and a range of inflammatory conditions, as well as for cancer immunotherapy, because of their capacity to modulate cancer immune checkpoint proteins. In this review, we explore the biological functions and structures of QPCT/L enzymes and highlight their therapeutic relevance. We also summarize recent developments in the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors targeting these enzymes, including an overview of preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judite R M Coimbra
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula I Moreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armanda E Santos
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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4
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Chen D, Chen Q, Qin X, Tong P, Peng L, Zhang T, Xia C. Development and evolution of human glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors (QCIs): an alternative promising approach for disease-modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1209863. [PMID: 37600512 PMCID: PMC10435661 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1209863] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human glutaminyl cyclase (hQC) is drawing considerable attention and emerging as a potential druggable target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its close involvement in the pathology of AD via the post-translational pyroglutamate modification of amyloid-β. A recent phase 2a study has shown promising early evidence of efficacy for AD with a competitive benzimidazole-based QC inhibitor, PQ912, which also demonstrated favorable safety profiles. This finding has sparked new hope for the treatment of AD. In this review, we briefly summarize the discovery and evolution of hQC inhibitors, with a particular interest in classic Zinc binding group (ZBG)-containing chemicals reported in recent years. Additionally, we highlight several high-potency inhibitors and discuss new trends and challenges in the development of QC inhibitors as an alternative and promising disease-modifying therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Qingxiu Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaofei Qin
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Peipei Tong
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Liping Peng
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Basic Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chunli Xia
- School of Bioengineering, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
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5
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Upregulation of Glutaminyl Cyclase Contributes to ERS-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4154697. [PMID: 36479306 PMCID: PMC9722295 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4154697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) is responsible for converting the N-terminal glutaminyl and glutamyl of the proteins into pyroglutamate (pE) through cyclization. It has been confirmed that QC catalyzes the formation of neurotoxic pE-modified Aβ in the brain of AD patients. But the effects of upregulated QC in diverse diseases have not been much clear until recently. Here, RNA sequencing was applied to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PC12 cells with QC overexpressing or knockdown. A total of 697 DEGs were identified in QC overexpressing cells while only 77 in QC knockdown cells. Multiple bioinformatic approaches revealed that the DEGs in QC overexpressing group were enriched in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) related signaling pathways. The gene expression patterns of 23 DEGs were confirmed by RT-qPCR, in which the genes related to ERS showed the highest consistency. We also revealed the protein levels of GRP78, PERK, CHOP, and PARP-1, and caspase family was significantly upregulated by overexpressing QC. Moreover, overexpressing QC significantly increased apoptosis of PC12 cells in a time dependent manner. However, no significant alteration was observed in QC knockdown cells. Therefore, our study indicated that upregulated QC could induce ERS and apoptosis, which consequently trigger diseases by catalyzing the generation of pE-modified mediators.
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6
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Park E, Song KH, Kim D, Lee M, Van Manh N, Kim H, Hong KB, Lee J, Song JY, Kang S. 2-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles as Glutaminyl Cyclases Inhibitors Increase Phagocytosis through Modification of CD47-SIRPα Checkpoint. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1459-1467. [PMID: 36105338 PMCID: PMC9465712 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclases (QC, isoQC) convert N-terminal glutamine or glutamate into pyroglutamate (pGlu) on substrates. IsoQC has recently been demonstrated to promote pGlu formation on the N-terminus of CD47, the SIRPα binding site, contributing to the "don't eat me" cancer immune signaling of CD47-SIRPα. We developed new QC inhibitors by applying a structure-based optimization approach starting from fragments identified through library screening. Screening of metal binding fragments identified 5-(1H-benzimidazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (9) as a potent fragment, and further modification provided 5-(1-(3-methoxy-4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine (22b) as a potent QC inhibitor. Treatment with 22b in A549 and H1975 lung cancer cells decreased the CD47/αhCD47-CC2C6 interaction, indicative of the CD47/SIRPα interaction, and enhanced the increased phagocytic activity of both THP-1 and U937 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsun Park
- College
of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hee Song
- Division
of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea
Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Darong Kim
- New
Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk
Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic
of Korea
| | - Minyoung Lee
- Medifron
DBT, 517ho, JEI-Platz,
186, Gasan digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08502, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Van Manh
- College
of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Kim
- Medifron
DBT, 517ho, JEI-Platz,
186, Gasan digital 1-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08502, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Bum Hong
- New
Drug Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk
Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu 41061, Republic
of Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- College
of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie-Young Song
- Division
of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea
Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Soosung Kang
- College
of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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7
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Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao Z, Peng W, Wang P, Xu X, Zhao C. Glutaminyl cyclases, the potential targets of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 931:175178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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8
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Li HN, Zhang HM, Li XR, Wang J, Xu T, Li SY, Dong ML, Wang G, Cui XQ, Yang X, Wu YL, Liao XH, Du YY. MiR-205-5p/GGCT Attenuates Growth and Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Regulating CD44. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6537106. [PMID: 35213720 PMCID: PMC8944316 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains the most common endocrine malignancy, despite marked achieves in recent decades, and the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression for PTC are incompletely elucidated. Accumulating evidence show that γ-glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT), an enzyme participating in glutathione homeostasis and is elevated in multiple types of tumors, represents an attractive therapeutic target. Using bioinformatics, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blot assays, we found that GGCT expression was upregulated in PTC and correlated with more aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and worse prognosis. GGCT knockdown inhibited the growth and metastasis ability of PTC cells both in vitro and in vivo and reduced the expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, CD44, MMP2, and MMP9) while increasing epithelial marker (E-cadherin) in PTC cells. We confirmed binding of microRNA-205-5p (miR-205-5p) on the 3'-UTR regions of GGCT by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA-RNA pull-down assay. Delivery of miR-205-5p reversed the pro-malignant capacity of GGCT both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we found that GGCT interacted with and stabilized CD44 in PTC cells by co-immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry assays. Our findings illustrate a novel signaling pathway, miR-205-5p/GGCT/CD44, that involves in the carcinogenesis and progression of PTC. Development of miR-205-mimics or GGCT inhibitors as potential therapeutics for PTC may have remarkable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ning Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui-Min Zhang
- College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing-Rui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology research center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Yu Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Lu Dong
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qing Cui
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Lin Wu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing-Hua Liao
- College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xing-Hua Liao, Ph.D., College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, People’s Republic of China.
| | - Ya-Ying Du
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, Hubei 430030, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ya-Ying Du, M.D., Ph.D., Surgeon of Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Deputy Dean for Clinical Affairs, Laboratory of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, People’s Republic of China.
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9
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Bresser K, Logtenberg MEW, Toebes M, Proost N, Sprengers J, Siteur B, Boeije M, Kroese LJ, Schumacher TN. QPCTL regulates macrophage and monocyte abundance and inflammatory signatures in the tumor microenvironment. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2049486. [PMID: 35309731 PMCID: PMC8932921 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2049486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like protein (QPCTL) catalyzes the formation of pyroglutamate residues at the NH2-terminus of proteins, thereby influencing their biological properties. A number of studies have implicated QPCTL in the regulation of chemokine stability. Furthermore, QPCTL activity has recently been shown to be critical for the formation of the high-affinity SIRPα binding site of the CD47 “don’t-eat-me” protein. Based on the latter data, interference with QPCTL activity —and hence CD47 maturation—may be proposed as a means to promote anti-tumor immunity. However, the pleiotropic activity of QPCTL makes it difficult to predict the effects of QPCTL inhibition on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using a syngeneic mouse melanoma model, we demonstrate that QPCTL deficiency alters the intra-tumoral monocyte-to-macrophage ratio, results in a profound increase in the presence of pro-inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) relative to immunosuppressive TGF-β1-driven CAFs, and leads to an increased IFN and decreased TGF-β transcriptional response signature in tumor cells. Importantly, the functional relevance of the observed TME remodeling is demonstrated by the synergy between QPCTL deletion and anti PD-L1 therapy, sensitizing an otherwise refractory melanoma model to anti-checkpoint therapy. Collectively, these data provide support for the development of strategies to interfere with QPCTL activity as a means to promote tumor-specific immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaspar Bresser
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meike E. W. Logtenberg
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille Toebes
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie Proost
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Justin Sprengers
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Siteur
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Boeije
- Preclinical Intervention Unit, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Ageing, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lona J. Kroese
- Transgenic Facility, Mouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging Research, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ton N. Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Coimbra JRM, Salvador JAR. A patent review of glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors (2004-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:809-836. [PMID: 33896339 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1917549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) enzymes catalyze the post-translational processing of several substrates with N-terminal glutamine or glutamate to form pyroglutamate (pE) residue. In addition to physiological functions, emerging evidence demonstrates that human QCs play a part in pathological processes in diverse diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), inflammatory and cancer diseases.Areas covered: In recent years, efforts to effectively develop QC small-molecule inhibitors have been made and different chemical classes have been disclosed. This review summarizes the patents/applications regarding QC inhibitors released from 2004 (first patent) to now. The patents are mostly described in terms of chemical structures, biochemical/pharmacological activities, and potential clinical applications.Expert opinion: For more than 15 years of research, the knowledge on the QC activity domain has considerably increased and therapeutic potential of QC inhibitors has been explored. An important number of studies and patents have been published to expand the use of QC inhibitors. QC enzymes are pharmacologically interesting targets to be used as an AD-modifying therapy, or for other QC-associated disorder. Distinct classes of chemical scaffolds and potential clinical uses have been claimed by various organizations. For the coming years, there is much to experience in the QC field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judite R M Coimbra
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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11
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Xu C, Wang YN, Wu H. Glutaminyl Cyclase, Diseases, and Development of Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6549-6565. [PMID: 34000808 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pyroglutamate (pE) modification, catalyzed mainly by glutaminyl cyclase (QC), is prevalent throughout nature and is particularly important in mammals including humans for the maturation of hormones, peptides, and proteins. In humans, the upregulation of QC is involved in multiple diseases and conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, melanomas, thyroid carcinomas, accelerated atherosclerosis, septic arthritics, etc. This upregulation catalyzes the generation of modified mediators such as pE-amyloid beta (Aß) and pE-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) peptides. Not surprisingly, QC has emerged as a reasonable target for the development of therapeutics to combat these diseases and conditions. In this manuscript the deleterious effects of upregulated QC resulting in disease manifestation are reviewed, along with progress on the development of QC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenshu Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yi-Nan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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12
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Vijayan D, Chandra R. Amyloid Beta Hypothesis in Alzheimer's Disease: Major Culprits and Recent Therapeutic Strategies. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:148-166. [PMID: 31385768 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190806153206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia and has been a global concern for several years. Due to the multi-factorial nature of the disease, AD has become irreversible, fatal and imposes a tremendous socio-economic burden. Even though experimental medicines suggested moderate benefits, AD still lacks an effective treatment strategy for the management of symptoms or cure. Among the various hypotheses that describe development and progression of AD, the amyloid hypothesis has been a long-term adherent to the AD due to the involvement of various forms of Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in the impairment of neuronal and cognitive functions. Hence, majority of the drug discovery approaches in the past have focused on the prevention of the accumulation of Aβ peptides. Currently, there are several agents in the phase III clinical trials that target Aβ or the various macromolecules triggering Aβ deposition. In this review, we present the state of the art knowledge on the functional aspects of the key players involved in the amyloid hypothesis. Furthermore, we also discuss anti-amyloid agents present in the Phase III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Vijayan
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Remya Chandra
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Thalassery Campus, Kannur University, Kerala Pin 670 661, India
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13
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Dileep KV, Sakai N, Ihara K, Kato-Murayama M, Nakata A, Ito A, Sivaraman DM, Shin JW, Yoshida M, Shirouzu M, Zhang KYJ. Piperidine-4-carboxamide as a new scaffold for designing secretory glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 170:415-423. [PMID: 33373636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common chronic neurodegenerative disease, has become a major public health concern. Despite years of research, therapeutics for AD are limited. Overexpression of secretory glutaminyl cyclase (sQC) in AD brain leads to the formation of a highly neurotoxic pyroglutamate variant of amyloid beta, pGlu-Aβ, which acts as a potential seed for the aggregation of full length Aβ. Preventing the formation of pGlu-Aβ through inhibition of sQC has become an attractive disease-modifying therapy in AD. In this current study, through a pharmacophore assisted high throughput virtual screening, we report a novel sQC inhibitor (Cpd-41) with a piperidine-4-carboxamide moiety (IC50 = 34 μM). Systematic molecular docking, MD simulations and X-ray crystallographic analysis provided atomistic details of the binding of Cpd-41 in the active site of sQC. The unique mode of binding and moderate toxicity of Cpd-41 make this molecule an attractive candidate for designing high affinity sQC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Dileep
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Naoki Sakai
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ihara
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kato-Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Akiko Nakata
- Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit for Drug Discovery Platform, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Laboratory of Cell Signaling, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - D M Sivaraman
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics Circuit, Centre for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Department of Pathology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram 695 011, Kerala, India
| | - Jay W Shin
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics Circuit, Centre for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit for Drug Discovery Platform, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kam Y J Zhang
- Laboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
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14
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Gunn AP, Wong BX, McLean C, Fowler C, Barnard PJ, Duce JA, Roberts BR. Increased glutaminyl cyclase activity in brains of Alzheimer's disease individuals. J Neurochem 2020; 156:979-987. [PMID: 32614980 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclases (QC) catalyze the formation of neurotoxic pGlu-modified amyloid-β peptides found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reports of several-fold increases in soluble QC (sQC) expression in the brain and peripheral circulation of AD individuals has prompted the development of QC inhibitors as potential AD therapeutics. There is, however, a lack of standardized quantitative data on QC expression in human tissues, precluding inter-laboratory comparison and validation. We tested the hypothesis that QC is elevated in AD tissues by quantifying levels of sQC protein and activity in post-mortem brain tissues from AD and age-matched control individuals. We found a modest but statistically significant increase in sQC protein, which paralleled a similar increase in enzyme activity. In plasma samples sourced from the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle study we determined that QC activity was not different between the AD and control group, though a modest increase was observed in female AD individuals compared to controls. Plasma QC activity was further correlated with levels of circulating monocytes in AD individuals. These data provide quantitative evidence that alterations in QC expression are associated with AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Gunn
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia.,Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Bruce X Wong
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Catriona McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Vic, Australia
| | - Chris Fowler
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - Peter J Barnard
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Vic, Australia
| | - James A Duce
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia.,The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Blaine R Roberts
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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High-throughput genome-wide phenotypic screening via immunomagnetic cell sorting. Nat Biomed Eng 2019; 3:796-805. [DOI: 10.1038/s41551-019-0454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Xu A, He F, Yu C, Qu Y, Zhang Q, Lv J, Zhang X, Ran Y, Wei C, Wu J. The Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Glutaminyl Cyclase and Isoglutaminyl Cyclase for Alzheimer's Disease. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201902852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Xu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Feng He
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Chenggong Yu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Ying Qu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Qiuqiong Zhang
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Jiahui Lv
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Xiangna Zhang
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Yingying Ran
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Chao Wei
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
| | - Jingde Wu
- College of PharmacyShanDong University, 4 4 West WenHua Road JiNan 250012 China
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17
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Vijayan DK, Zhang KY. Human glutaminyl cyclase: Structure, function, inhibitors and involvement in Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res 2019; 147:104342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Glutaminyl cyclase is an enzymatic modifier of the CD47- SIRPα axis and a target for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Med 2019; 25:612-619. [PMID: 30833751 PMCID: PMC7025889 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0356-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can evade immune surveillance through the expression of inhibitory ligands that bind their cognate receptors on immune effector cells. Expression of programmed death ligand 1 in tumor microenvironments is a major immune checkpoint for tumor-specific T cell responses as it binds to programmed cell death protein-1 on activated and dysfunctional T cells1. The activity of myeloid cells such as macrophages and neutrophils is likewise regulated by a balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals. In particular, cell surface expression of the CD47 protein creates a 'don't eat me' signal on tumor cells by binding to SIRPα expressed on myeloid cells2-5. Using a haploid genetic screen, we here identify glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like protein (QPCTL) as a major component of the CD47-SIRPα checkpoint. Biochemical analysis demonstrates that QPCTL is critical for pyroglutamate formation on CD47 at the SIRPα binding site shortly after biosynthesis. Genetic and pharmacological interference with QPCTL activity enhances antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and cellular cytotoxicity of tumor cells. Furthermore, interference with QPCTL expression leads to a major increase in neutrophil-mediated killing of tumor cells in vivo. These data identify QPCTL as a novel target to interfere with the CD47 pathway and thereby augment antibody therapy of cancer.
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19
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N-terminal pyroglutamate formation in CX3CL1 is essential for its full biologic activity. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20170712. [PMID: 28739588 PMCID: PMC5634468 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20170712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CX3CL1 (fractalkine) is a unique member of the CX3C chemokine family and mediates
both adhesion and cell migration in inflammatory processes. Frequently, the
activity of chemokines depends on a modified N-terminus as described for the
N-terminus of CCL2 modified to a pGlu- (pyroglutamate) residue by QC (glutaminyl
cyclase) activity. Here, we assess the role of the pGlu-modified residue of the
CX3CL1 chemokine domain in human endothelial and smooth muscle cells. For the
first time, we demonstrated using MS that QC (QPCT, gene name
of QC) or its isoenzyme isoQC (iso-glutaminyl cyclase) (QPCTL,
gene name of isoQC) catalyse the formation of N-terminal-modified pGlu-CX3CL1.
Expression of QPCT is co-regulated with its substrates
CCL2 and CX3CL1 in HUVECs (human umbilical
vein endothelial cells) and HCASMCs (human coronary artery smooth muscle cells)
upon stimulation with TNF-α and IL-1β whereas
QPCTL expression is not affected. By contrast, inhibition
of the NF-κB pathway using an IKK2 inhibitor decreased the expression of
the co-regulated targets QPCT, CCL2, and
CX3CL1. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated inhibition of
QPCT expression resulted in a reduction in
CCL2 and CX3CL1 mRNA. In HCASMCs,
N-terminal-modified pGlu1-CX3CL1 induced a significant stronger effect on
phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) 1/2, Akt (protein
kinase B), and p38 (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) kinases than the
immature Gln1-CX3CL1 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore,
pGlu1-CX3CL1 affected the expression of CCL2, CX3CL1, and the
adhesion molecule ICAM1/CD54 (intercellular adhesion
molecule-1) inducing in higher expression level compared with its Gln1-variant
in both HCASMCs and HUVECs. These results strongly suggest that QC-catalysed
N-terminal pGlu formation of CX3CL1 is important for the stability or the
interaction with its receptor and opens new insights into the function of QC in
inflammation.
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20
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Lues I, Weber F, Meyer A, Bühring U, Hoffmann T, Kühn-Wache K, Manhart S, Heiser U, Pokorny R, Chiesa J, Glund K. A phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of PQ912, a glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor, in healthy subjects. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2015; 1:182-195. [PMID: 29854937 PMCID: PMC5975062 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Pyroglutamate-amyloid-β (pE-Aβ) peptides are major components of Aβ-oligomers and Aβ-plaques, which are regarded as key culprits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. PQ912 is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC), essential for the formation of pE-Aβ peptides. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-ascending oral dose study investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PQ912 in healthy nonelderly and elderly subjects. Results PQ912 was considered safe and well tolerated with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics up to doses of 200 mg. At higher doses up to 1800 mg, exposure was supraproportional and exposure in elderly subjects was approximately 1.5- to 2.1-fold higher. Exposure in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was approximately 20% of the unbound drug in plasma, and both serum and CSF QC activity was inhibited in a dose-related manner. Discussion This first-in-man study of a compound-targeting QC inhibition justifies further development of PQ912 for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Lues
- Probiodrug AG, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rolf Pokorny
- Covance Clinical Research Unit AG, Allschwil (Basel), Switzerland
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21
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Isoglutaminyl cyclase contributes to CCL2-driven neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2015; 129:565-83. [PMID: 25666182 PMCID: PMC4366547 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-015-1395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients are characterized by deposits of Abeta peptides and by accompanying chronic inflammation. Here, we provide evidence that the enzyme isoglutaminyl cyclase (isoQC) is a novel factor contributing to both aspects of AD pathology. Two putative substrates of isoQC, N-truncated Abeta peptides and the monocyte chemoattractant chemokine CCL2, undergo isoQC-catalyzed pyroglutamate (pGlu) modification. This triggers Abeta aggregation and facilitates the biological activity of CCL2, which collectively results in the formation of high molecular weight Abeta aggregates, glial cell activation, neuroinflammation and neuronal cell death. In mouse brain, we found isoQC to be neuron-specifically expressed in neocortical, hippocampal and subcortical structures, localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus as well as co-expressed with its substrate CCL2. In aged APP transgenic Tg2576 mice, both isoQC and CCL2 mRNA levels are up-regulated and isoQC and CCL2 proteins were found to be co-induced in Abeta plaque-associated reactive astrocytes. Also, in mouse primary astrocyte culture, a simultaneous up-regulation of isoQC and CCL2 expression was revealed upon Abeta and pGlu-Abeta stimulation. In brains of AD patients, the expression of isoQC and CCL2 mRNA and protein is up-regulated compared to controls and correlates with pGlu-Abeta load and with the decline in mini-mental state examination. Our observations provide evidence for a dual involvement of isoQC in AD pathogenesis by catalysis of pGlu-Abeta and pGlu-CCL2 formation which mutually stimulate inflammatory events and affect cognition. We conclude that isoQC inhibition may target both major pathological events in the development of AD.
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22
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Wang YM, Huang KF, Tsai IH. Snake venom glutaminyl cyclases: Purification, cloning, kinetic study, recombinant expression, and comparison with the human enzyme. Toxicon 2014; 86:40-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Cynis H, Funkelstein L, Toneff T, Mosier C, Ziegler M, Koch B, Demuth HU, Hook V. Pyroglutamate-amyloid-β and glutaminyl cyclase are colocalized with amyloid-β in secretory vesicles and undergo activity-dependent, regulated secretion. NEURODEGENER DIS 2014; 14:85-97. [PMID: 24943989 DOI: 10.1159/000358430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS N-truncated pyroglutamate (pGlu)-amyloid-β [Aβ(3-40/42)] peptides are key components that promote Aβ peptide accumulation, leading to neurodegeneration and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Because Aβ deposition in the brain occurs in an activity-dependent manner, it is important to define the subcellular organelle for pGlu-Aβ(3-40/42) production by glutaminyl cyclase (QC) and their colocalization with full-length Aβ(1-40/42) peptides for activity-dependent, regulated secretion. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that pGlu-Aβ and QC are colocalized with Aβ in dense-core secretory vesicles (DCSV) for activity-dependent secretion with neurotransmitters. METHODS Purified DCSV were assessed for pGlu-Aβ(3-40/42), Aβ(1-40/42), QC, and neurotransmitter secretion. Neuron-like chromaffin cells were analyzed for cosecretion of pGlu-Aβ, QC, Aβ, and neuropeptides. The cells were treated with a QC inhibitor, and pGlu-Aβ production was measured. Human neuroblastoma cells were also examined for pGlu-Aβ and QC secretion. RESULTS Isolated DCSV contain pGlu-Aβ(3-40/42), QC, and Aβ(1-40/42) with neuropeptide and catecholamine neurotransmitters. Cellular pGlu-Aβ and QC undergo activity-dependent cosecretion with Aβ and enkephalin and galanin neurotransmitters. The QC inhibitor decreased the level of secreted pGlu-Aβ. The human neuroblastoma cells displayed regulated secretion of pGlu-Aβ that was colocalized with QC. CONCLUSIONS pGlu-Aβ and QC are present with Aβ in DCSV and undergo activity-dependent, regulated cosecretion with neurotransmitters.
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Höfling C, Indrischek H, Höpcke T, Waniek A, Cynis H, Koch B, Schilling S, Morawski M, Demuth HU, Roßner S, Hartlage-Rübsamen M. Mouse strain and brain region-specific expression of the glutaminyl cyclases QC and isoQC. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 36:64-73. [PMID: 24886834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) catalyze the formation of pyroglutamate (pGlu) from glutamine precursors at the N-terminus of a number of peptide hormones, neuropeptides and chemokines. This post-translational modification stabilizes these peptides, protects them from proteolytical degradation or is important for their biological activity. However, QC is also involved in a pathogenic pGlu modification of peptides accumulating in protein aggregation disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and familial Danish and familial British dementia. Its isoenzyme (isoQC) was shown to contribute to aspects of inflammation by pGlu-modifying and thereby stabilizing the monocyte chemoattractant protein CCL2. For the generation of respective animal models and for pharmacological treatment studies the characterization of the mouse strain and brain region-specific expression of QC and isoQC is indispensible. In order to address this issue, we used enzymatic activity assays and specific antibodies to detect both QC variants by immunohistochemistry in nine different mouse strains. Comparing different brain regions, the highest enzymatic QC/isoQC activity was detected in ventral brain, followed by cortex and hippocampus. Immunohistochemical stainings revealed that QC/isoQC activity in cortex mostly arises from isoQC expression. For most brain regions, the highest QC/isoQC activity was detected in C3H and FVB mice, whereas low QC/isoQC activity was present in CD1, SJL and C57 mice. Quantification of QC- and isoQC-immunoreactive cells by unbiased stereology revealed a higher abundance of isoQC- than of QC-immunoreactive neurons in Edinger-Westphal nucleus and in substantia nigra. In the locus coeruleus, however, there were comparable densities of QC- and of isoQC-immunoreactive neurons. These observations are of considerable importance with regard to the selection of appropriate mouse strains for the study of QC/isoQC relevance in mouse models of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation and for the testing of therapeutical interventions in these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Höfling
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Henrike Indrischek
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Theodor Höpcke
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexander Waniek
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Cynis
- Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT, Halle, Germany
| | - Birgit Koch
- Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT, Halle, Germany
| | - Stephan Schilling
- Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT, Halle, Germany
| | - Markus Morawski
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT, Halle, Germany.
| | - Steffen Roßner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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25
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Kehlen A, Haegele M, Menge K, Gans K, Immel UD, Hoang-Vu C, Klonisch T, Demuth HU. Role of glutaminyl cyclases in thyroid carcinomas. Endocr Relat Cancer 2013. [PMID: 23183267 DOI: 10.1530/erc-12-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CCL2 is a chemokine known to recruit monocytes/macrophages to sites of inflammation. CCL2 is also associated with tumor progression in several cancer types. Recently, we showed that the N-terminus of CCL2 is modified to a pyroglutamate (pE)-residue by both glutaminyl cyclases (QC (QPCT)) and its isoenzyme (isoQC (QPCTL)). The pE-residue increases stability against N-terminal degradation by aminopeptidases. Here, we report an upregulation of QPCT expression in tissues of patients with thyroid carcinomas compared with goiter tissues, whereas QPCTL was not regulated. In thyroid carcinoma cell lines, QPCT gene expression correlates with the mRNA levels of its substrate CCL2. Both QPCT and CCL2 are regulated in a NF-κB-dependent pathway shown by stimulation with TNFa and IL1b as well as by inhibition with the IKK2 inhibitor and RNAi of p50. In the culture supernatant of thyroid carcinoma cells, equal amounts of pECCL2 and total CCL2 were detected by two ELISAs discriminating between total CCL2 and pECCL2, concluding that all CCL2 is secreted as pECCL2. Activation of the CCL2/CCR2 pathway by recombinant CCL2 increased tumor cell migration of FTC238 cells in scratch assays as well as thyroid carcinoma cell-derived CCL2-induced migration of monocytic THP1 cells. Suppression of CCL2 signaling by CCR2 antagonist, IKK2 inhibitor, and QPCT RNAi reduced FTC238 cell growth measured by WST8 proliferation assays. Our results reveal new evidence for a novel role of QC in thyroid carcinomas and provide an intriguing rationale for the use of QC inhibitors as a means of blocking pECCL2 formation and preventing thyroid cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Kehlen
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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26
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Hellvard A, Maresz K, Schilling S, Graubner S, Heiser U, Jonsson R, Cynis H, Demuth HU, Potempa J, Mydel P. Glutaminyl cyclases as novel targets for the treatment of septic arthritis. J Infect Dis 2012. [PMID: 23204180 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Septic arthritis is a severe and rapidly debilitating disease mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we assess the antiarthritic efficiency of glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitors. METHODS Mice were inoculated with an arthritogenic amount of S. aureus intravenously or by local administration into the knee joint. Animals were treated with QC inhibitors (PBD155 and PQ529) via chow during the experiment. QC and isoQC knockout mice were also analyzed for arthritis symptoms after local administration of bacteria. RESULTS Both QC inhibitors significantly delayed the onset of clinical signs of arthritis, and inhibitors significantly decreased weight loss in treated animals. Following intraarticular injection of S. aureus, PBD155-treated mice had lower levels of synovitis and bone erosion, as well as less myeloperoxidase in synovial tissue. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed that PBD155 treatment affected the expression pattern of adhesion molecules, preventing the upregulation of cells expressing CD11b/CD18. CONCLUSION The compounds investigated here represent a novel class of small molecular antiarthritic inhibitors. In our studies, they exerted strong antiinflammatory actions, and therefore they might be suited for disease-modifying treatment of infectious arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Hellvard
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, The Gade Institute, University of Bergen, Norway
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27
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Koch B, Kolenko P, Buchholz M, Carrillo DR, Parthier C, Wermann M, Rahfeld JU, Reuter G, Schilling S, Stubbs MT, Demuth HU. Crystal structures of glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) from Drosophila melanogaster reveal active site conservation between insect and mammalian QCs. Biochemistry 2012; 51:7383-92. [PMID: 22897232 DOI: 10.1021/bi300687g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs), which catalyze the formation of pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) at the N-terminus of a variety of peptides and proteins, have attracted particular attention for their potential role in Alzheimer's disease. In a transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) fruit fly model, oral application of the potent competitive QC inhibitor PBD150 was shown to reduce the burden of pGlu-modified Aβ. In contrast to mammals such as humans and rodents, there are at least three DmQC species, one of which (isoDromeQC) is localized to mitochondria, whereas DromeQC and an isoDromeQC splice variant possess signal peptides for secretion. Here we present the recombinant expression, characterization, and crystal structure determination of mature DromeQC and isoDromeQC, revealing an overall fold similar to that of mammalian QCs. In the case of isoDromeQC, the putative extended substrate binding site might be affected by the proximity of the N-terminal residues. PBD150 inhibition of DromeQC is roughly 1 order of magnitude weaker than that of the human and murine QCs. The inhibitor binds to isoDromeQC in a fashion similar to that observed for human QCs, whereas it adopts alternative binding modes in a DromeQC variant lacking the conserved cysteines near the active center and shows a disordered dimethoxyphenyl moiety in wild-type DromeQC, providing an explanation for the lower affinity. Our biophysical and structural data suggest that isoDromeQC and human QC are similar with regard to functional aspects. The two Dm enzymes represent a suitable model for further in-depth analysis of the catalytic mechanism of animal QCs, and isoDromeQC might serve as a model system for the structure-based design of potential AD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Koch
- Probiodrug AG, Weinbergweg 22, D-06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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28
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Cynis H, Hoffmann T, Friedrich D, Kehlen A, Gans K, Kleinschmidt M, Rahfeld JU, Wolf R, Wermann M, Stephan A, Haegele M, Sedlmeier R, Graubner S, Jagla W, Müller A, Eichentopf R, Heiser U, Seifert F, Quax PHA, de Vries MR, Hesse I, Trautwein D, Wollert U, Berg S, Freyse EJ, Schilling S, Demuth HU. The isoenzyme of glutaminyl cyclase is an important regulator of monocyte infiltration under inflammatory conditions. EMBO Mol Med 2011; 3:545-58. [PMID: 21774078 PMCID: PMC3377097 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic inflammatory disorders are characterized by detrimental cytokine and chemokine expression. Frequently, the chemotactic activity of cytokines depends on a modified N-terminus of the polypeptide. Among those, the N-terminus of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (CCL2 and MCP-1) is modified to a pyroglutamate (pE-) residue protecting against degradation in vivo. Here, we show that the N-terminal pE-formation depends on glutaminyl cyclase activity. The pE-residue increases stability against N-terminal degradation by aminopeptidases and improves receptor activation and signal transduction in vitro. Genetic ablation of the glutaminyl cyclase iso-enzymes QC (QPCT) or isoQC (QPCTL) revealed a major role of isoQC for pE1-CCL2 formation and monocyte infiltration. Consistently, administration of QC-inhibitors in inflammatory models, such as thioglycollate-induced peritonitis reduced monocyte infiltration. The pharmacologic efficacy of QC/isoQC-inhibition was assessed in accelerated atherosclerosis in ApoE3*Leiden mice, showing attenuated atherosclerotic pathology following chronic oral treatment. Current strategies targeting CCL2 are mainly based on antibodies or spiegelmers. The application of small, orally available inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclases represents an alternative therapeutic strategy to treat CCL2-driven disorders such as atherosclerosis/restenosis and fibrosis.
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29
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Chambers JK, Mutsuga M, Uchida K, Nakayama H. Characterization of AβpN3 deposition in the brains of dogs of various ages and other animal species. Amyloid 2011; 18:63-71. [PMID: 21557687 DOI: 10.3109/13506129.2011.570385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Senile plaques (SP) are characteristic histopathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but are also found in normal aging (NA). Recent studies have demonstrated that beta amyloid (Aβ) proteins that have been truncated at the N-terminal position 3 (AβpN3) are the predominant component of SP in AD, but not in NA. The present study revealed that AβpN3 was deposited in an age-dependent manner in canine brains. Moreover, AβpN3 was the main component of the SP that developed in very old dogs. The deposition of AβpN3 increased in accordance with the number of SP, but that of N-terminally intact Aβ (AβN1) did not. In addition, AβpN3 was also deposited in the SP of a Japanese macaque and an American black bear, but not in a feline brain. Focal microvascular cerebral amyloid angiopathy was also observed in the deep cortices and the white matter of the dogs and a woodpecker. Those were always composed of both AβpN3 and AβN1. In conclusion, though non-human animals do not develop full pathology of AD of the human type, AβpN3 is widely deposited in the brains of senescent vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Chambers
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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30
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Jawhar S, Wirths O, Schilling S, Graubner S, Demuth HU, Bayer TA. Overexpression of glutaminyl cyclase, the enzyme responsible for pyroglutamate A{beta} formation, induces behavioral deficits, and glutaminyl cyclase knock-out rescues the behavioral phenotype in 5XFAD mice. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:4454-60. [PMID: 21148560 PMCID: PMC3039372 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.185819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyroglutamate-modified Aβ (AβpE3-42) peptides are gaining considerable attention as potential key players in the pathology of Alzheimer disease (AD) due to their abundance in AD brain, high aggregation propensity, stability, and cellular toxicity. Overexpressing AβpE3-42 induced a severe neuron loss and neurological phenotype in TBA2 mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments have recently proven that the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC) catalyzes the formation of AβpE3-42. The aim of the present work was to analyze the role of QC in an AD mouse model with abundant AβpE3-42 formation. 5XFAD mice were crossed with transgenic mice expressing human QC (hQC) under the control of the Thy1 promoter. 5XFAD/hQC bigenic mice showed significant elevation in TBS, SDS, and formic acid-soluble AβpE3-42 peptides and aggregation in plaques. In 6-month-old 5XFAD/hQC mice, a significant motor and working memory impairment developed compared with 5XFAD. The contribution of endogenous QC was studied by generating 5XFAD/QC-KO mice (mouse QC knock-out). 5XFAD/QC-KO mice showed a significant rescue of the wild-type mice behavioral phenotype, demonstrating the important contribution of endogenous mouse QC and transgenic overexpressed QC. These data clearly demonstrate that QC is crucial for modulating AβpE3-42 levels in vivo and prove on a genetic base the concept that reduction of QC activity is a promising new therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadim Jawhar
- From the Department of Molecular Psychiatry and Alzheimer Ph.D. Graduate School, University Medicine Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Wirths
- From the Department of Molecular Psychiatry and Alzheimer Ph.D. Graduate School, University Medicine Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas A. Bayer
- From the Department of Molecular Psychiatry and Alzheimer Ph.D. Graduate School, University Medicine Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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31
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Huang KF, Liaw SS, Huang WL, Chia CY, Lo YC, Chen YL, Wang AHJ. Structures of human Golgi-resident glutaminyl cyclase and its complexes with inhibitors reveal a large loop movement upon inhibitor binding. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:12439-49. [PMID: 21288892 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.208595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant pyroglutamate formation at the N terminus of certain peptides and proteins, catalyzed by glutaminyl cyclases (QCs), is linked to some pathological conditions, such as Alzheimer disease. Recently, a glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibitor, PBD150, was shown to be able to reduce the deposition of pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β peptides in brain of transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer disease, leading to a significant improvement of learning and memory in those transgenic animals. Here, we report the 1.05-1.40 Å resolution structures, solved by the sulfur single-wavelength anomalous dispersion phasing method, of the Golgi-luminal catalytic domain of the recently identified Golgi-resident QC (gQC) and its complex with PBD150. We also describe the high-resolution structures of secretory QC (sQC)-PBD150 complex and two other gQC-inhibitor complexes. gQC structure has a scaffold similar to that of sQC but with a relatively wider and negatively charged active site, suggesting a distinct substrate specificity from sQC. Upon binding to PBD150, a large loop movement in gQC allows the inhibitor to be tightly held in its active site primarily by hydrophobic interactions. Further comparisons of the inhibitor-bound structures revealed distinct interactions of the inhibitors with gQC and sQC, which are consistent with the results from our inhibitor assays reported here. Because gQC and sQC may play different biological roles in vivo, the different inhibitor binding modes allow the design of specific inhibitors toward gQC and sQC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Fa Huang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Core Facility for Protein Production and X-ray Structural Analysis, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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