1
|
Zhou B, Zhang Y, Ni M, Bai Y, Shi Q, Zheng J, Cui Z. The involvement of VEGF and VEGFR in bacterial recognition and regulation of antimicrobial peptides in Eriocheir sinensis. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132242. [PMID: 38729487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132242] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF reporter (VEGFR) are essential molecules in VEGF signalling pathway. Although the functions of VEGF and VEGFR have been well reported in vertebrates, their functions are still poorly understood in invertebrates. In this study, the open reading frame sequences of EsVEGF1 and EsVEGFR4 were cloned from Eriocheir sinensis, and their corresponding proteins shared typical structure characteristics with their counterparts in other species. EsVEGF1 were predominantly expressed in hepatopancreas and muscle while EsVEGFR4 mainly expressed in hemocytes and intestine. The expression levels of EsVEGF1 in hemocytes were rapidly induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and it also increased rapidly in hepatopancreas after being challenged with V. parahaemolyticus. The expression levels of EsVEGFR4 only increased in hepatopancreas of crabs injected with S. aureus. The extracellular immunoglobulin domain of EsVEGFR4 could bind with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan. EsVEGF1 could act as the ligand for EsVEGFR4 and Toll-like receptor and regulate the expression of crustins and lysozyme with a tissue-specific manner, while have no regulatory function on that of anti-lipopolysaccharide factors. This study will provide new insights into the immune defense mechanisms mediated by VEGF and VEGFR in crustaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhou
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Mengqi Ni
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yunhui Bai
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Qiao Shi
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Jinbin Zheng
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Zhaoxia Cui
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Pilot Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zito E, Guarrera L, Janssen-Heininger YMW. Fingerprint of the oxido-reductase ERO1: A protein disulfide bond producer and supporter of cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189027. [PMID: 38007054 PMCID: PMC11046445 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189027] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin 1 (ERO1) alpha (ERO1A) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized protein disulfide oxidoreductase, involved in the disulfide bond formation of proteins. ERO1's activity in oxidative protein folding is redundant in higher eukaryotes and its loss is well compensated. Although it is dispensable in non-cancer cells, high ERO1 levels are seen with different cancers and predict their malignant phenotype. ERO1 fosters tumor aggressiveness and the response to drug therapy in hypoxic and highly metastatic tumors. It regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, oxidative folding and N-glycosylation in hypoxic conditions, boosting tumor fitness and angiogenesis on multiple levels. In addition, ERO1 regulates protein death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumors, interfering with the related immune surveillance mechanism, hence acting on the tumors' response to immune check-point inhibitors (ICI). This all points to inhibition of ERO1 as an effective pharmacological tool, selectively targeting tumors while sparing non-cancer cells from cytotoxicity. The critical discussion here closely examines the molecular basis for ERO1's involvement in tumors and ERO1 inhibition strategies for their treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ester Zito
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
| | - Luca Guarrera
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Yvonne M W Janssen-Heininger
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rauniyar K, Bokharaie H, Jeltsch M. Expansion and collapse of VEGF diversity in major clades of the animal kingdom. Angiogenesis 2023; 26:437-461. [PMID: 37017884 PMCID: PMC10328876 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09874-9] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Together with the platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), the vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) form the PDGF/VEGF subgroup among cystine knot growth factors. The evolutionary relationships within this subgroup have not been examined thoroughly to date. Here, we comprehensively analyze the PDGF/VEGF growth factors throughout all animal phyla and propose a phylogenetic tree. Vertebrate whole-genome duplications play a role in expanding PDGF/VEGF diversity, but several limited duplications are necessary to account for the temporal pattern of emergence. The phylogenetically oldest PDGF/VEGF-like growth factor likely featured a C-terminus with a BR3P signature, a hallmark of the modern-day lymphangiogenic growth factors VEGF-C and VEGF-D. Some younger VEGF genes, such as VEGFB and PGF, appeared completely absent in important vertebrate clades such as birds and amphibia, respectively. In contrast, individual PDGF/VEGF gene duplications frequently occurred in fish on top of the known fish-specific whole-genome duplications. The lack of precise counterparts for human genes poses limitations but also offers opportunities for research using organisms that diverge considerably from humans. Sources for the graphical abstract: 326 MYA and older [1]; 72-240 MYA [2]; 235-65 MYA [3].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khushbu Rauniyar
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 2, (Viikinkaari 5E), P.O. Box. 56, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Honey Bokharaie
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 2, (Viikinkaari 5E), P.O. Box. 56, 00790, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Jeltsch
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 2, (Viikinkaari 5E), P.O. Box. 56, 00790, Helsinki, Finland.
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki One Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu F, Huang L, Liu A, Jiang Q, Huang H, Ye H. Identification of a Putative CFSH Receptor Inhibiting IAG Expression in Crabs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12240. [PMID: 37569617 PMCID: PMC10418988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512240] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The crustacean female sex hormone (CFSH) is a neurohormone peculiar to crustaceans that plays a vital role in sexual differentiation. This includes the preservation and establishment of secondary female sexual traits, as well as the inhibition of insulin-like androgenic gland factor (IAG) expression in the androgenic gland (AG). There have been no reports of CFSH receptors in crustaceans up to this point. In this study, we identified a candidate CFSH receptor from the mud crab Scylla paramamosain (named Sp-SEFIR) via protein interaction experiments and biological function experiments. Results of GST pull-down assays indicated that Sp-SEFIR could combine with Sp-CFSH. Findings of in vitro and in vivo interference investigations exhibited that knockdown of Sp-SEFIR could significantly induce Sp-IAG and Sp-STAT expression in the AG. In brief, Sp-SEFIR is a potential CFSH receptor in S. paramamosain, and Sp-CFSH controls Sp-IAG production through the CFSH-SEFIR-STAT-IAG axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (F.L.); (A.L.)
| | - Lin Huang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (L.H.); (Q.J.); (H.H.)
| | - An Liu
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (F.L.); (A.L.)
| | - Qingling Jiang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (L.H.); (Q.J.); (H.H.)
| | - Huiyang Huang
- College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (L.H.); (Q.J.); (H.H.)
| | - Haihui Ye
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (F.L.); (A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Monsen VT, Attramadal H. Structural insights into regulation of CCN protein activities and functions. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00768-5. [PMID: 37245184 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CCN proteins play important functions during development, in repair mechanisms following tissue injury, as well as in pathophysiologic mechanisms of metastasis of cancer. CCNs are secreted proteins that have a multimodular structure and are categorized as matricellular proteins. Although the prevailing view is that CCN proteins regulate biologic processes by interacting with a wide array of other proteins in the microenvironment of the extracellular matrix, the molecular mechanisms of action of CCN proteins are still poorly understood. Not dissuading the current view, however, the recent appreciation that these proteins are signaling proteins in their own right and may even be considered preproproteins controlled by endopeptidases to release a C-terminal bioactive peptide has opened new avenues of research. Also, the recent resolution of the crystal structure of two of the domains of CCN3 have provided new knowledge with implications for the entire CCN family. These resolved structures in combination with structural predictions based upon the AlphaFold artificial intelligence tool provide means to shed new light on CCN functions in context of the notable literature in the field. CCN proteins have emerged as important therapeutic targets in several disease conditions, and clinical trials are currently ongoing. Thus, a review that critically discusses structure - function relationship of CCN proteins, in particular as it relates to interactions with other proteins in the extracellular milieu and on the cell surface, as well as to cell signaling activities of these proteins, is very timely. Suggested mechanism for activation and inhibition of signaling by the CCN protein family (graphics generated with BioRender.com ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivi Talstad Monsen
- Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håvard Attramadal
- Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Perbal B, Perbal M, Perbal A. Cooperation is the key: the CCN biological system as a gate to high complex protein superfamilies' signaling. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00749-8. [PMID: 37166690 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular signaling is generally understood as the support of communication between contiguous cells belonging to the same tissue or cells being far apart of each other, at a molecular scale, when the message emitted by the transmitters is traveling in liquid or solid matter to reach recipient targets. Subcellular signaling is also important to ensure the proper cell constitution and functioning. However cell signaling is mostly used in the first understanding, to describe how the message sent from one point to another one, will reach a target where it will be interpreted. The Cellular Communication Network (CCN) factors (Perbal et al. 2018) constitute a family of biological regulators thought to be responsible for signaling pathways coordination (Perbal 2018). Indeed, these proteins interact with a diverse group of cell receptors, such as integrins, low density lipoprotein receptors, heparan sulfate proteoglycan receptors (HSPG), and the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed exclusively in the nervous system, or with soluble factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPS) and other growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblastic growth factor, and transforming growth factor (TGFbeta). Starting from the recapitulation of basic concepts in enzymology and protein-ligands interactions, we consider, in this manuscript, interpretations of the mechanistic interactions that have been put forward to explain the diversity of CCN proteins biological activities. We suggest that the cross-talks between superfamilies of proteins under the control of CCNs might play a central role in the coordination of developmental signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthieu Perbal
- M2 Probabilités et Modèles Aléatoires, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tota M, Łacwik J, Laska J, Sędek Ł, Gomułka K. The Role of Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Asthma. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091326. [PMID: 37174726 PMCID: PMC10177218 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic complex pulmonary disease characterized by airway inflammation, remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) are two significant mediators involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. In asthma, VEGF and EDN levels are elevated and correlate with disease severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. Diversity in VEGF polymorphisms results in the variability of responses to glucocorticosteroids and leukotriene antagonist treatment. Targeting VEGF and eosinophils is a promising therapeutic approach for asthma. We identified lichochalcone A, bevacizumab, azithromycin (AZT), vitamin D, diosmetin, epigallocatechin gallate, IGFBP-3, Neovastat (AE-941), endostatin, PEDF, and melatonin as putative add-on drugs in asthma with anti-VEGF properties. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of those drugs. AZT reduces the exacerbation rate and may be considered in adults with persistent symptomatic asthma. However, the long-term effects of AZT on community microbial resistance require further investigation. Vitamin D supplementation may enhance corticosteroid responsiveness. Herein, anti-eosinophil drugs are reviewed. Among them are, e.g., anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab), anti-IL-13 (lebrikizumab and tralokinumab), anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-13 (dupilumab), and anti-IgE (omalizumab) drugs. EDN over peripheral blood eosinophil count is recommended to monitor the asthma control status and to assess the efficacy of anti-IL-5 therapy in asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Student Scientific Group of Adult Allergology, Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Łacwik
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Laska
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumology and Allergology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Norda S, Papadantonaki R. Regulation of cells of the arterial wall by hypoxia and its role in the development of atherosclerosis. VASA 2023; 52:6-21. [PMID: 36484144 DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cell's response to hypoxia depends on stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 complex and transactivation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). HIF target gene transcription in cells resident to atherosclerotic lesions adjoins a complex interplay of cytokines and mediators of inflammation affecting cholesterol uptake, migration, and inflammation. Maladaptive activation of the HIF-pathway and transactivation of nuclear factor kappa-B causes monocytes to invade early atherosclerotic lesions, maintaining inflammation and aggravating a low-oxygen environment. Meanwhile HIF-dependent upregulation of the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1 causes attenuation of cholesterol efflux and ultimately macrophages becoming foam cells. Hypoxia facilitates neovascularization by upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secreted by endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells lining the arterial wall destabilizing the plaque. HIF-knockout animal models and inhibitor studies were able to show beneficial effects on atherogenesis by counteracting the HIF-pathway in the cell wall. In this review the authors elaborate on the up-to-date literature on regulation of cells of the arterial wall through activation of HIF-1α and its effect on atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Norda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Germany
| | - Rosa Papadantonaki
- Emergency Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sommer MJ, Cha S, Varabyou A, Rincon N, Park S, Minkin I, Pertea M, Steinegger M, Salzberg SL. Structure-guided isoform identification for the human transcriptome. eLife 2022; 11:e82556. [PMID: 36519529 PMCID: PMC9812405 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently developed methods to predict three-dimensional protein structure with high accuracy have opened new avenues for genome and proteome research. We explore a new hypothesis in genome annotation, namely whether computationally predicted structures can help to identify which of multiple possible gene isoforms represents a functional protein product. Guided by protein structure predictions, we evaluated over 230,000 isoforms of human protein-coding genes assembled from over 10,000 RNA sequencing experiments across many human tissues. From this set of assembled transcripts, we identified hundreds of isoforms with more confidently predicted structure and potentially superior function in comparison to canonical isoforms in the latest human gene database. We illustrate our new method with examples where structure provides a guide to function in combination with expression and evolutionary evidence. Additionally, we provide the complete set of structures as a resource to better understand the function of human genes and their isoforms. These results demonstrate the promise of protein structure prediction as a genome annotation tool, allowing us to refine even the most highly curated catalog of human proteins. More generally we demonstrate a practical, structure-guided approach that can be used to enhance the annotation of any genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus J Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreUnited States
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Sooyoung Cha
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Artificial Intelligence Institute, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ales Varabyou
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Natalia Rincon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreUnited States
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Sukhwan Park
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Artificial Intelligence Institute, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ilia Minkin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreUnited States
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Mihaela Pertea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreUnited States
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Martin Steinegger
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Artificial Intelligence Institute, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Steven L Salzberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Whiting School of EngineeringBaltimoreUnited States
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Varone E, Decio A, Barbera MC, Bolis M, Di Rito L, Pisati F, Giavazzi R, Zito E. Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin 1-alpha deficiency and activation of protein translation synergistically impair breast tumour resilience. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:5180-5195. [PMID: 35853086 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15927] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress triggers an adaptive response in tumours which fosters cell survival and resilience to stress. Activation of the ER stress response, through its PERK branch, promotes phosphorylation of the α-subunit of the translation initiation factor eIF2, thereby repressing general protein translation and augmenting the translation of ATF4 with the downstream CHOP transcription factor and the protein disulfide oxidase, ERO1-alpha EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Here, we show that ISRIB, a small molecule that inhibits the action of phosphorylated eIF2alpha, activating protein translation, synergistically interacts with the genetic deficiency of protein disulfide oxidase ERO1-alpha, enfeebling breast tumour growth and spread. KEY RESULTS ISRIB represses the CHOP signal, but does not inhibit ERO1. Mechanistically, ISRIB increases the ER protein load with a marked perturbing effect on ERO1-deficient triple-negative breast cancer cells, which display impaired proteostasis and have adapted to a low client protein load in hypoxia, and ERO1 deficiency impairs VEGF-dependent angiogenesis. ERO1-deficient triple-negative breast cancer xenografts have an augmented ER stress response and its PERK branch. ISRIB acts synergistically with ERO1 deficiency, inhibiting the growth of triple-negative breast cancer xenografts by impairing proliferation and angiogenesis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These results demonstrate that ISRIB together with ERO1 deficiency synergistically shatter the PERK-dependent adaptive ER stress response, by restarting protein synthesis in the setting of impaired proteostasis, finally promoting tumour cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest two surprising features in breast tumours: ERO1 is not regulated via CHOP under hypoxic conditions, and ISRIB offers a therapeutic option to efficiently inhibit tumour progression in conditions of impaired proteostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ersilia Varone
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Decio
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Bolis
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Bioinformatics Core Unit, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Laura Di Rito
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Ester Zito
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Z, Wang G, Lu H, Li H, Tang M, Tong A. Development of therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:35. [PMID: 36418786 PMCID: PMC9684400 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first monoclonal antibody drug, muromonab-CD3, was approved for marketing in 1986, 165 antibody drugs have been approved or are under regulatory review worldwide. With the approval of new drugs for treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune and metabolic disorders, the therapeutic antibody drug market has experienced explosive growth. Monoclonal antibodies have been sought after by many biopharmaceutical companies and scientific research institutes due to their high specificity, strong targeting abilities, low toxicity, side effects, and high development success rate. The related industries and markets are growing rapidly, and therapeutic antibodies are one of the most important research and development areas in the field of biology and medicine. In recent years, great progress has been made in the key technologies and theoretical innovations provided by therapeutic antibodies, including antibody-drug conjugates, antibody-conjugated nuclides, bispecific antibodies, nanobodies, and other antibody analogs. Additionally, therapeutic antibodies can be combined with technologies used in other fields to create new cross-fields, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), CAR-natural killer cells (CAR-NK), and other cell therapy. This review summarizes the latest approved or in regulatory review therapeutic antibodies that have been approved or that are under regulatory review worldwide, as well as clinical research on these approaches and their development, and outlines antibody discovery strategies that have emerged during the development of therapeutic antibodies, such as hybridoma technology, phage display, preparation of fully human antibody from transgenic mice, single B-cell antibody technology, and artificial intelligence-assisted antibody discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Wang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Neurosurgery, West China Medical School, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaqing Lu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjian Li
- grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Tang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aiping Tong
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Unit of Gene and Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Varone E, Chernorudskiy A, Cherubini A, Cattaneo A, Bachi A, Fumagalli S, Erol G, Gobbi M, Lenardo MJ, Borgese N, Zito E. ERO1 alpha deficiency impairs angiogenesis by increasing N-glycosylation of a proangiogenic VEGFA. Redox Biol 2022; 56:102455. [PMID: 36063727 PMCID: PMC9463388 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
N-glycosylation and disulfide bond formation are two essential steps in protein folding that occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and reciprocally influence each other. Here, to analyze crosstalk between N-glycosylation and oxidation, we investigated how the protein disulfide oxidase ERO1-alpha affects glycosylation of the angiogenic VEGF121, a key regulator of vascular homeostasis. ERO1 deficiency, while retarding disulfide bond formation in VEGF121, increased utilization of its single N-glycosylation sequon, which lies close to an intra-polypeptide disulfide bridge, and concomitantly slowed its secretion. Unbiased mass-spectrometric analysis revealed interactions between VEGF121 and N-glycosylation pathway proteins in ERO1-knockout (KO), but not wild-type cells. Notably, MAGT1, a thioredoxin-containing component of the post-translational oligosaccharyltransferase complex, was a major hit exclusive to ERO1-deficient cells. Thus, both a reduced rate of formation of disulfide bridges, and the increased trapping potential of MAGT1 may increase N-glycosylation of VEGF121. Extending our investigation to tissues, we observed altered lectin staining of ERO1 KO breast tumor xenografts, implicating ERO1 as a physiologic regulator of protein N-glycosylation. Our study, highlighting the effect of ERO1 loss on N-glycosylation of proteins, is particularly relevant not only to angiogenesis but also to other cancer patho-mechanisms in light of recent findings suggesting a close causal link between alterations in protein glycosylation and cancer development.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hwang SM, Jo YY, Cohen CF, Kim YH, Berta T, Park CK. Venom Peptide Toxins Targeting the Outer Pore Region of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in Pain: Implications for Analgesic Drug Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105772. [PMID: 35628583 PMCID: PMC9147560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel plays an important role in the peripheral nociceptive pathway. TRPV1 is a polymodal receptor that can be activated by multiple types of ligands and painful stimuli, such as noxious heat and protons, and contributes to various acute and chronic pain conditions. Therefore, TRPV1 is emerging as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of various pain conditions. Notably, various peptides isolated from venomous animals potently and selectively control the activation and inhibition of TRPV1 by binding to its outer pore region. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which venom-derived peptides interact with this portion of TRPV1 to control receptor functions and how these mechanisms can drive the development of new types of analgesics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Hwang
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (S.-M.H.); (Y.-H.K.)
| | - Youn-Yi Jo
- Gil Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Korea;
| | - Cinder Faith Cohen
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA;
| | - Yong-Ho Kim
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (S.-M.H.); (Y.-H.K.)
| | - Temugin Berta
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA;
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (C.-K.P.)
| | - Chul-Kyu Park
- Gachon Pain Center and Department of Physiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Korea; (S.-M.H.); (Y.-H.K.)
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (C.-K.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Khodaei M, Mehri S, Pour SR, Mahdavi S, Yarmohammadi F, Hayes AW, Karimi G. The protective effect of chemical and natural compounds against vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:907-919. [PMID: 35562512 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02254-y] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Vincristine, an alkaloid extracted from Catharanthus rosea, is a class of chemotherapy drugs that act by altering the function of the microtubules and by inhibiting mitosis. Despite its widespread application, a major adverse effect of vincristine that limits treatment duration is the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy (PN). PN presents with several symptoms including numbness, painful sensation, tingling, and muscle weakness. Vincristine-induced PN involves impaired calcium homeostasis, an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) expression. Several potential approaches to attenuate the vincristine-induced PN including the concomitant administration of chemicals with vincristine have been reported. These chemicals have a variety of pharmaceutical properties including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and inhibition of calcium channels and calcineurin signaling pathways and increased expression of nerve growth factor (NGF). This review summarized several of these compounds and the mechanisms of action that could lead to effective options in improving vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Khodaei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soghra Mehri
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Soroush Rashid Pour
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shakiba Mahdavi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yarmohammadi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- Center for Environmental Occupational Risk Analysis and Management, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. .,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liang L, Fu Y, Deng S, Wu Y, Gao M. Genomic, Antimicrobial, and Aphicidal Traits of Bacillus velezensis ATR2, and Its Biocontrol Potential against Ginger Rhizome Rot Disease Caused by Bacillus pumilus. Microorganisms 2021; 10:microorganisms10010063. [PMID: 35056513 PMCID: PMC8778260 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginger rhizome rot disease, caused by the pathogen Bacilluspumilus GR8, could result in severe rot of ginger rhizomes and heavily threaten ginger production. In this study, we identified and characterized a new Bacillus velezensis strain, designated ATR2. Genome analysis revealed B. velezensis ATR2 harbored a series of genes closely related to promoting plant growth and triggering plant immunity. Meanwhile, ten gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites (surfactin, bacillomycin, fengycin, bacillibactin, bacilysin, difficidin, macrolactin, bacillaene, plantazolicin, and amylocyclicin) and two clusters encoding a putative lipopeptide and a putative phosphonate which might be explored as novel bioactive compounds were also present in the ATR2 genome. Moreover, B. velezensis ATR2 showed excellent antagonistic activities against multiple plant pathogenic bacteria, plant pathogenic fungi, human pathogenic bacteria, and human pathogenic fungus. B. velezensis ATR2 was also efficacious in control of aphids. The antagonistic compound from B. velezensis ATR2 against B.pumilus GR8 was purified and identified as bacillomycin D. In addition, B. velezensis ATR2 exhibited excellent biocontrol efficacy against ginger rhizome rot disease on ginger slices. These findings showed the potential of further applications of B. velezensis ATR2 as a biocontrol agent in agricultural diseases and pests management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leiqin Liang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.L.); (Y.F.); (S.D.); (Y.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yajuan Fu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.L.); (Y.F.); (S.D.); (Y.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Sangsang Deng
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.L.); (Y.F.); (S.D.); (Y.W.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.L.); (Y.F.); (S.D.); (Y.W.)
| | - Meiying Gao
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China; (L.L.); (Y.F.); (S.D.); (Y.W.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ye X, Gaucher JF, Vidal M, Broussy S. A Structural Overview of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors Pharmacological Ligands: From Macromolecules to Designed Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:6759. [PMID: 34833851 PMCID: PMC8625919 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of cytokines plays a key role in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-A is the main member of this family, alongside placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-B/C/D in mammals, and VEGF-E/F in other organisms. To study the activities of these growth factors under physiological and pathological conditions, resulting in therapeutic applications in cancer and age-related macular degeneration, blocking ligands have been developed. These have mostly been large biomolecules like antibodies. Ligands with high affinities, at least in the nanomolar range, and accurate structural data from X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy have been described. They constitute the main focus of this overview, which evidences similarities and differences in their binding modes. For VEGF-A ligands, and to a limited extent also for PlGF, a transition is now observed towards developing smaller ligands like nanobodies and peptides. These include unnatural amino acids and chemical modifications for designed and improved properties, such as serum stability and greater affinity. However, this review also highlights the scarcity of such small molecular entities and the striking lack of small organic molecule ligands. It also shows the gap between the rather large array of ligands targeting VEGF-A and the general absence of ligands binding other VEGF members, besides some antibodies. Future developments in these directions are expected in the upcoming years, and the study of these growth factors and their promising therapeutic applications will be welcomed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Ye
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
| | - Jean-François Gaucher
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Michel Vidal
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
- Service Biologie du Médicament, Toxicologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Broussy
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Micheli L, Parisio C, Lucarini E, Vona A, Toti A, Pacini A, Mello T, Boccella S, Ricciardi F, Maione S, Graziani G, Lacal PM, Failli P, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. VEGF-A/VEGFR-1 signalling and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain: therapeutic potential of a novel anti-VEGFR-1 monoclonal antibody. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:320. [PMID: 34649573 PMCID: PMC8515680 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is a clinically relevant adverse effect of several anticancer drugs that markedly impairs patients' quality of life and frequently leads to dose reduction or therapy discontinuation. The poor knowledge about the mechanisms involved in neuropathy development and pain chronicization, and the lack of effective therapies, make treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain an unmet medical need. In this context, the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) has emerged as a candidate neuropathy hallmark and its decrease has been related to pain relief. In the present study, we have investigated the role of VEGF-A and its receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, in pain signalling and in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy establishment as well as the therapeutic potential of receptor blockade in the management of pain. METHODS Behavioural and electrophysiological analyses were performed in an in vivo murine model, by using selective receptor agonists, blocking monoclonal antibodies or siRNA-mediated silencing of VEGF-A and VEGFRs. Expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 in astrocytes and neurons was detected by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy analysis. RESULTS In mice, the intrathecal infusion of VEGF-A (VEGF165 isoforms) induced a dose-dependent noxious hypersensitivity and this effect was mediated by VEGFR-1. Consistently, electrophysiological studies indicated that VEGF-A strongly stimulated the spinal nociceptive neurons activity through VEGFR-1. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of animals affected by oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, VEGF-A expression was increased in astrocytes while VEGFR-1 was mainly detected in neurons, suggesting a VEGF-A/VEGFR-1-mediated astrocyte-neuron cross-talk in neuropathic pain pathophysiology. Accordingly, the selective knockdown of astrocytic VEGF-A by intraspinal injection of shRNAmir blocked the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic hyperalgesia and allodynia. Interestingly, both intrathecal and systemic administration of the novel anti-VEGFR-1 monoclonal antibody D16F7, endowed with anti-angiogenic and antitumor properties, reverted oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Besides, D16F7 effectively relieved hypersensitivity induced by other neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel and vincristine. CONCLUSIONS These data strongly support the role of the VEGF-A/VEGFR-1 system in mediating chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain at the central nervous system level. Thus, treatment with the anti-VEGFR-1 mAb D16F7, besides exerting antitumor activity, might result in the additional advantage of attenuating neuropathic pain when combined with neurotoxic anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Vona
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - DMSC - Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- I.R.C.S.S., Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Paola Failli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zaykov V, Chaqour B. The CCN2/CTGF interactome: an approach to understanding the versatility of CCN2/CTGF molecular activities. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:567-580. [PMID: 34613590 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network 2 (CCN2), also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) regulates diverse cellular processes, some at odds with others, including adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between CCN2/CTGF expression and local fibrotic reactions has initially been established, CCN2/CTGF manifests cell-, tissue-, and context-specific functions and differentially affects developmental and pathological processes ranging from progenitor cell fate decisions and angiogenesis to inflammation and tumorigenesis. CCN2/CTGF multimodular structure, binding to and activation or inhibition of multiple cell surface receptors, growth factors and ECM proteins, and susceptibility for proteolytic cleavage highlight the complexity to CCN2/CTGF biochemical attributes. CCN2/CTGF expression and dosage in the local environment affects a defined community of its interacting partners, and this results in sequestration of growth factors, interference with or potentiation of ligand-receptor binding, cellular internalization of CCN2/CTGF, inhibition or activation of proteases, and generation of CCN2/CTGF degradome products that add molecular diversity and expand the repertoire of functional modules in the cells and their microenvironment. Through these interactions, different intracellular signals and cellular responses are elicited culminating into physiological or pathological reactions. Thus, the CCN2/CTGF interactome is a defining factor of its tissue- and context-specific effects. Mapping of new CCN2/CTGF binding partners might shed light on yet unknown roles of CCN2/CTGF and provide a solid basis for tissue-specific targeting this molecule or its interacting partners in a therapeutic context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Zaykov
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Brahim Chaqour
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Science University, 450 Clarkson Avenue, MSC 5, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Janjanam J, Pano G, Wang R, Minden-Birkenmaier BA, Breeze-Jones H, Baker E, Garcin C, Clayton G, Shirinifard A, Zaske AM, Finkelstein D, Labelle M. Matricellular protein WISP2 is an endogenous inhibitor of collagen linearization and cancer metastasis. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5666-5677. [PMID: 34385183 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Collagen remodeling contributes to many physiological and pathological processes. In primary tumors, the linearization of collagen fibers promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis and is indicative of poor prognosis. However, it remains unknown whether there are endogenous inhibitors of collagen linearization that could be exploited therapeutically. Here, we show that collagen linearization is controlled by two secreted matricellular proteins with antagonistic functions. Specifically, WISP1 was secreted by cancer cells, bound to type I collagen (Col I), and linearized Col I via its cysteine-rich C-terminal (CT) domain. In contrast, WISP2, which lacks a CT domain, inhibited Col I linearization by preventing WISP1-Col I binding. Analysis of patient data revealed that WISP2 expression is lower in most solid tumors, in comparison to normal tissues. Consequently, genetic or pharmacological restoration of higher WISP2 levels impaired collagen linearization and prevented tumor cell invasion and metastasis in vivo in models of human and murine breast cancer. Thus, this study uncovers WISP2 as the first inhibitor of collagen linearization ever identified and reveals that collagen architecture can be normalized and metastasis inhibited by therapeutically restoring a high WISP2:WISP1 ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Glendin Pano
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Ruishan Wang
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | | | | | - Eleanor Baker
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Cecile Garcin
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | - Georgia Clayton
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| | | | - Ana Maria Zaske
- Department of Internal Medicine, UTHealth - The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Myriam Labelle
- Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Manuelli V, Pecorari C, Filomeni G, Zito E. Regulation of redox signaling in HIF-1-dependent tumor angiogenesis. FEBS J 2021; 289:5413-5425. [PMID: 34228878 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is the process of blood vessel growth. The angiogenic switch consists of new blood vessel formation that, in carcinogenesis, can lead to the transition from a harmless cluster of dormant cells to a large tumorigenic mass with metastatic potential. Hypoxia, that is, the scarcity of oxygen, is a hallmark of solid tumors to which they adapt by activating hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor triggering de novo angiogenesis. HIF-1 and the angiogenic molecules that are expressed upon its activation are modulated by redox status. Modulations of the redox environment can influence the angiogenesis signaling at different levels, thereby impinging on the angiogenic switch. This review provides a molecular overview of the redox-sensitive steps in angiogenic signaling, the main molecular players involved, and their crosstalk with the unfolded protein response. New classes of inhibitors of these modulators which might act as antiangiogenic drugs in cancer are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Manuelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pecorari
- Redox Biology Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Filomeni
- Redox Biology Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Copenhagen University, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ester Zito
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Manrique-Suárez V, Macaya L, Contreras MA, Parra N, Maura R, González A, Toledo JR, Sánchez O. Design and characterization of a novel dimeric blood-brain barrier penetrating TNFα inhibitor. Proteins 2021; 89:1508-1521. [PMID: 34219271 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) inhibitors could prevent neurological disorders systemically, but their design generally relies on molecules unable to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This research was aimed to design and characterize a novel TNFα inhibitor based on the angiopeptide-2 as a BBB shuttle molecule fused to the extracellular domain of human TNFα receptor 2 and a mutated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) dimerization domain. This new chimeric protein (MTV) would be able to trigger receptor-mediated transcytosis across the BBB via low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) and inhibit the cytotoxic effect of TNFα more efficiently because of its dimeric structure. Stably transformed CHO cells successfully expressed MTV, and its purification by Immobilized-Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) rendered high purity degree. Mutated VEGF domain included in MTV did not show cell proliferation or angiogenic activities measured by scratch and aortic ring assays, which corroborate that the function of this domain is restricted to dimerization. The pairs MTV-TNFα (Kd 279 ± 40.9 nM) and MTV-LRP1 (Kd 399 ± 50.5 nM) showed high affinity by microscale thermophoresis, and a significant increase in cell survival was observed after blocking TNFα with MTV in a cell cytotoxicity assay. Also, the antibody staining in CHOK1 and bEnd3 cells demonstrated the adhesion of MTV to the LRP1 receptor located in the cell membrane. These results provide compelling evidence for the proper functioning of the three main domains of MTV individually, which encourage us to continue the research with this new molecule as a potential candidate for the systemic treatment of neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viana Manrique-Suárez
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Luis Macaya
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Maria Angélica Contreras
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Natalie Parra
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Rafael Maura
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Alaín González
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.,Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Medellin, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Jorge R Toledo
- Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical Laboratory, Pathophysiology Department, School of Biological Science, Universidad de Concepción, Concepcion, Chile.,Center of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Spa, Concepción, Chile
| | - Oliberto Sánchez
- Recombinant Biopharmaceuticals Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, School of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.,Center of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Spa, Concepción, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Shi Y, Hu Y, Cui B, Zhuang S, Liu N. Vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated peritoneal neoangiogenesis in peritoneal dialysis. Perit Dial Int 2021; 42:25-38. [PMID: 33823711 DOI: 10.1177/08968608211004683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases, which is limited by peritoneal neoangiogenesis leading to ultrafiltration failure (UFF). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors are key angiogenic factors involved in almost every step of peritoneal neoangiogenesis. Impaired mesothelial cells are the major sources of VEGF in the peritoneum. The expression of VEGF will be up-regulated in specific pathological conditions in PD patients, such as with non-biocompatible peritoneal dialysate, uremia and inflammation, and so on. Other working cells (i.e. vascular endothelial cells, macrophages and adipocytes) can also stimulate the secretion of VEGF. Meanwhile, hypoxia and activation of complement system further aggravate peritoneal injury and contribute to neoangiogenesis. There are several signalling pathways participating in VEGF-mediated peritoneal neoangiogenesis including tumour growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch and interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. Moreover, VEGF is highly expressed in dialysate effluent of long-term PD patients and is associated with peritoneal transport function, which supports its role in the alteration of peritoneal structure and function. In this review, we systematically summarize the angiogenic effect of VEGF and evaluate it as a potential target for the prevention of peritoneal neoangiogenesis and UFF. Preservation of the peritoneal membrane using targeted therapy of VEGF-mediated peritoneal neoangiogenesis may increase the longevity of the PD modality for those who require life-long dialysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Levitin F, Lee SCES, Hulme S, Rumantir RA, Wong AS, Meester MR, Koritzinsky M. Oxygen-independent disulfide bond formation in VEGF-A and CA9. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100505. [PMID: 33675747 PMCID: PMC8065220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Low levels of oxygen (hypoxia) occurs in many (patho)physiological situations. Adaptation to hypoxia is in part mediated by proteins expressed in the extracellular space that mature in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) prior to traversing the secretory pathway. The majority of such ER cargo proteins require disulfide bonds for structural stability. Disulfide bonds are formed co- and posttranslationally in a redox relay that requires a terminal electron acceptor such as oxygen. We have previously demonstrated that some ER cargo proteins such as low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and influenza hemagglutinin (Flu-HA) are unable to complete disulfide bond formation in the absence of oxygen, limiting their ability to pass ER quality control and their ultimate expression. Here, using radioactive pulse-chase immunoprecipitation analysis, we demonstrate that hypoxia-induced ER cargo proteins such as carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) complete disulfide bond formation and mature with similar kinetics under hypoxia and normoxia. A global in silico analysis of ER cargo revealed that hypoxia-induced proteins on average contain fewer free cysteines and shorter-range disulfide bonds in comparison to other ER cargo proteins. These data demonstrate the existence of alternative electron acceptors to oxygen for disulfide bond formation in cellulo. However, the ability of different proteins to utilize an oxygen-independent pathway for disulfide bond formation varies widely, contributing to differential gene expression in hypoxia. The superior ability of hypoxia-induced proteins such as VEGF-A and CA9 to mature in hypoxia may be conferred by a simpler disulfide architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiana Levitin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sandy Che-Eun S Lee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephanie Hulme
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ryan A Rumantir
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amy S Wong
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marmendia R Meester
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marianne Koritzinsky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
The ER stress response mediator ERO1 triggers cancer metastasis by favoring the angiogenic switch in hypoxic conditions. Oncogene 2021; 40:1721-1736. [PMID: 33531624 PMCID: PMC7932925 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumors are often characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment which contributes, through the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1, to the invasion-metastasis cascade. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress also leads tumor cells to thrive and spread by inducing a transcriptional and translational program, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), aimed at restoring ER homeostasis. We studied ERO1 alpha (henceforth ERO1), a protein disulfide oxidase with the tumor-relevant characteristic of being positively regulated by both ER stress and hypoxia. Analysis of the redox secretome indicated that pro-angiogenic HIF-1 targets, were blunted in ERO1-devoid breast cancer cells under hypoxic conditions. ERO1 deficiency reduced tumor cell migration and lung metastases by impinging on tumor angiogenesis, negatively regulating the upstream ATF4/CHOP branch of the UPR and selectively impeding oxidative folding of angiogenic factors, among which VEGF-A. Thus, ERO1 deficiency acted synergistically with the otherwise feeble curative effects of anti-angiogenic therapy in aggressive breast cancer murine models and it might be exploited to treat cancers with pathological HIF-1-dependent angiogenesis. Furthermore, ERO1 levels are higher in the more aggressive basal breast tumors and correlate inversely with the disease- and metastasis-free interval of breast cancer patients. Thus, taking advantage of our in vitro data on ERO1-regulated gene products we identified a gene set associated with ERO1 expression in basal tumors and related to UPR, hypoxia, and angiogenesis, whose levels might be investigated in patients as a hallmark of tumor aggressiveness and orient those with lower levels toward an effective anti-angiogenic therapy.
Collapse
|
25
|
Sung NJ, Kim NH, Surh YJ, Park SA. Gremlin-1 Promotes Metastasis of Breast Cancer Cells by Activating STAT3-MMP13 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239227. [PMID: 33287358 PMCID: PMC7730512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gremlin-1 (GREM1), one of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, can directly bind to BMPs. GREM1 is involved in organogenesis, tissue differentiation, and organ fibrosis. Recently, numerous studies have reported the oncogenic role of GREM1 in cancer. However, the role of GREM1 in metastasis of breast cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The role of GREM1 in breast cancer progression was assessed by measuring growth, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. An orthotopic breast cancer mouse model was used to investigate the role of GREM1 in lung metastasis of breast cancer cells. GREM1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells, while its overexpression increased their growth, migration, and invasion. Cells with Grem1-knockdown showed much lower tumor growth rates and lung metastasis than control cells. GREM1 enhanced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). A positive correlation between GREM1 and MMP13 expression was observed in breast cancer patients. GREM1 activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor involved in the expression of MMP13. Our study suggests that GREM1 can promote lung metastasis of breast cancer cells through the STAT3-MMP13 pathway. In addition, GREM1 might be a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ji Sung
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea; (N.J.S.); (N.H.K.)
| | - Na Hui Kim
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea; (N.J.S.); (N.H.K.)
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
| | - Sin-Aye Park
- Department of ICT Environmental Health System, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea; (N.J.S.); (N.H.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31538, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-41-530-4990
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ureña-Guerrero ME, Castañeda-Cabral JL, Rivera-Cervantes MC, Macias-Velez RJ, Jarero-Basulto JJ, Gudiño-Cabrera G, Beas-Zárate C. Neuroprotective and Neurorestorative Effects of Epo and VEGF: Perspectives for New Therapeutic Approaches to Neurological Diseases. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1263-1276. [PMID: 31942853 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200114104342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietin (Epo) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are two vasoactive molecules with essential trophic effects for brain development. The expression and secretion of both molecules increase in response to neuronal damage and they exert protective and restorative effects, which may also be accompanied by adverse side effects. OBJECTIVE We review the most relevant evidence on the neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of Epo and VEGF in three of the most frequent neurological disorders, namely, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, to develop new therapeutic approaches. METHODS Several original scientific manuscripts and reviews that have discussed the evidence in critical way, considering both the beneficial and adverse effects of Epo and VEGF in the selected neurological disorders, were analysed. In addition, throughout this review, we propose several considerations to take into account in the design of therapeutic approaches based on Epo and VEGF signalling. RESULTS Although the three selected disorders are triggered by different mechanisms, they evolve through similar processes: excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuronal death, glial reactivity and vascular remodelling. Epo and VEGF exert neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects by acting on these processes due to their pleiotropism. In general, the evidence shows that both Epo and VEGF reduce neuronal death but that at the vascular level, their effects are contradictory. CONCLUSION Because the Epo and VEGF signalling pathways are connected in several ways, we conclude that more experimental studies, primarily studies designed to thoroughly assess the functional interactions between Epo and VEGF in the brain under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica E Ureña-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José L Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.,Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (CINVESTAV sede Sur), IPN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha C Rivera-Cervantes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Rafael J Macias-Velez
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José J Jarero-Basulto
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Graciela Gudiño-Cabrera
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Beas-Zárate
- Departamento de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias (CUCBA), Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yan Y, Yan Q, Qian L, Jiang Y, Chen X, Zeng S, Xu Z, Gong Z. S-adenosylmethionine administration inhibits levodopa-induced vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21290-21307. [PMID: 33170152 PMCID: PMC7695432 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Studies have demonstrated that S-adenosylmethionine could effectively affect the clinical wearing-off phenomena of levodopa, an antiparkinsonian agent; however, the detailed mechanisms for this effect need to be further clarified. Results: S-adenosylmethionine and levodopa had opposite effects on the protein stability of vascular endothelial growth factor-A. The analysis of tube formation and cell viability also showed the nonconforming functions of S-adenosylmethionine and levodopa on cell angiogenesis and proliferation. Meanwhile, S-adenosylmethionine could significantly abolish the increased angiogenesis and cell viability induced by levodopa. S-adenosylmethionine resulted in G1/S phase arrest, with decreased cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 and increased p16, a specific cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor. Mechanically, the different effects of levodopa and S-adenosylmethionine were dependent on the phosphorylation and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. S-adenosylmethionine could be fitted into the predicted docking pocket in the crystal structure of vascular endothelial growth factor-A, enhancing its acetylation level and reducing half-life. Conclusions: These observations suggested that methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine could act as a potential agent against vascular endothelial growth factor-A-related diseases induced by levodopa treatment. Methods: We performed in vitro cytological analyses to assess whether S-adenosylmethionine intake could influence levodopa-induced vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanliang Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Long Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Yueping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Zhijie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China.,Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Molesini B, Dusi V, Pennisi F, Di Sansebastiano GP, Zanzoni S, Manara A, Furini A, Martini F, Rotino GL, Pandolfini T. TCMP-2 affects tomato flowering and interacts with BBX16, a homolog of the arabidopsis B-box MiP1b. PLANT DIRECT 2020; 4:e00283. [PMID: 33204936 PMCID: PMC7648202 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Flowering and fruiting are processes subject to complex control by environmental and endogenous signals. Endogenous signals comprise, besides classical phytohormones, also signaling peptides and miniproteins. Tomato cystine-knot miniproteins (TCMPs), which belong to a Solanaceous-specific group of Cys-rich protein family, have been recently involved in fruit development. TCMP-1 and TCMP-2 display a highly modulated expression pattern during flower and fruit development. A previous study reported that a change in the ratio of the two TCMPs affects the timing of fruit production. In this work, to investigate TCMP-2 mode of action, we searched for its interacting partners. One of the interactors identified by a yeast two hybrid screen, was the B-box domain-containing protein 16 (SlBBX16), whose closest homolog is the Arabidopsis microProtein 1b implicated in flowering time control. We demonstrated the possibility for the two proteins to interact in vivo in tobacco epidermal cells. Arabidopsis plants ectopically overexpressing the TCMP-2 exhibited an increased level of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) mRNA and anticipated flowering. Similarly, in previously generated transgenic tomato plants with increased TCMP-2 expression in flower buds, we observed an augmented expression of SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS gene, the tomato ortholog of FT, whereas the expression of the antiflorigen SELF-PRUNING was unchanged. Consistently, these transgenic plants showed alterations in the flowering pattern, with an accelerated termination of the sympodial units. Overall, our study reveals a novel function for TCMP-2 as regulatory factor that might integrate, thanks to its capacity to interact with SlBBX16, into the signaling pathways that control flowering, and converge toward florigen regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Dusi
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | | | | - Serena Zanzoni
- Centro Piattaforme TecnologicheUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Anna Manara
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | | - Flavio Martini
- Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Assareh E, Mehrnejad F, Asghari SM. Structural Studies on an Anti-Angiogenic Peptide Using Molecular Modeling. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 18:e2553. [PMID: 34056022 PMCID: PMC8148638 DOI: 10.30498/ijb.2020.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of VEGF antagonists, which inhibit its interaction with the receptors, is a widely used strategy for the inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth. OBJECTIVES In the present study, a VEGFR-1 antagonistic peptide was designed and its potential for binding to VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 was evaluated by theoretical studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on the X-ray structure of VEGF-B/VEGFR-1 D2 (PDB ID: 2XAC), an antagonistic peptide (known as VGB1) was designed, and its model structure was constructed using homology modeling in the MODELLER, version 9.16. The validity of the modeled structures was estimated employing several web tools. Finally, one model was chosen and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was applied using the GROMACS package, version 5.1.4, to allow conformational relaxation of the structure. Next, docking process of the peptide with VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 was performed by HADDOCK web server and the docking structures were optimized by MD simulation for 20 ns. The far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectrum of VGB1 was recorded to evaluate the overall structure of the peptide. RESULTS The far-UV CD spectrum indicated that VGB1 contains α helix structure. The results from docking studies suggested that Van der Waals and nonpolar interactions play the most important role in the peptide binding to VEGFR-1. In addition, our results implicated the relevance of both Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions in the formation of complex between VGB1 and VEGFR-2. In addition to the common binding residues in the corresponding region of VEGF-A and VEGF-B, additional binding residues also were predicted for the interaction of VGB1 with VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. CONCLUSIONS The results of MD and molecular docking simulations predicted that VGB1 recognizes both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, which may lead to the prevention of the downstream signaling triggered by these receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Assareh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Faramarz Mehrnejad
- Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences & Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Mohsen Asghari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dos Santos-Silva CA, Zupin L, Oliveira-Lima M, Vilela LMB, Bezerra-Neto JP, Ferreira-Neto JR, Ferreira JDC, de Oliveira-Silva RL, Pires CDJ, Aburjaile FF, de Oliveira MF, Kido EA, Crovella S, Benko-Iseppon AM. Plant Antimicrobial Peptides: State of the Art, In Silico Prediction and Perspectives in the Omics Era. Bioinform Biol Insights 2020; 14:1177932220952739. [PMID: 32952397 PMCID: PMC7476358 DOI: 10.1177/1177932220952739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Even before the perception or interaction with pathogens, plants rely on constitutively guardian molecules, often specific to tissue or stage, with further expression after contact with the pathogen. These guardians include small molecules as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), generally cysteine-rich, functioning to prevent pathogen establishment. Some of these AMPs are shared among eukaryotes (eg, defensins and cyclotides), others are plant specific (eg, snakins), while some are specific to certain plant families (such as heveins). When compared with other organisms, plants tend to present a higher amount of AMP isoforms due to gene duplications or polyploidy, an occurrence possibly also associated with the sessile habit of plants, which prevents them from evading biotic and environmental stresses. Therefore, plants arise as a rich resource for new AMPs. As these molecules are difficult to retrieve from databases using simple sequence alignments, a description of their characteristics and in silico (bioinformatics) approaches used to retrieve them is provided, considering resources and databases available. The possibilities and applications based on tools versus database approaches are considerable and have been so far underestimated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luisa Zupin
- Genetic Immunology laboratory, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS, Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marx Oliveira-Lima
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - José Diogo Cavalcanti Ferreira
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Genética, Instituto Federal de Pernambuco, Pesqueira, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ederson Akio Kido
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Genetic Immunology laboratory, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS, Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Reva ON, Larisa SA, Mwakilili AD, Tibuhwa D, Lyantagaye S, Chan WY, Lutz S, Ahrens CH, Vater J, Borriss R. Complete genome sequence and epigenetic profile of Bacillus velezensis UCMB5140 used for plant and crop protection in comparison with other plant-associated Bacillus strains. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:7643-7656. [PMID: 32651600 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10767-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The application of biocontrol biopesticides based on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), particularly members of the genus Bacillus, is considered a promising perspective to make agricultural practices sustainable and ecologically safe. Recent advances in genome sequencing by third-generation sequencing technologies, e.g., Pacific Biosciences' Single Molecule Real-Time (PacBio SMRT) platform, have allowed researchers to gain deeper insights into the molecular and genetic mechanisms of PGPR activities, and to compare whole genome sequences and global patterns of epigenetic modifications. In the current work, this approach was used to sequence and compare four Bacillus strains that exhibited various PGPR activities including the strain UCMB5140, which is used in the commercial biopesticide Phytosubtil. Whole genome comparison and phylogenomic inference assigned the strain UCMB5140 to the species Bacillus velezensis. Strong biocontrol activities of this strain were confirmed in several bioassays. Several factors that affect the evolution of active PGPR B. velezensis strains were identified: (1) horizontal acquisition of novel non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS) and adhesion genes; (2) rearrangements of functional modules of NRPS genes leading to strain specific combinations of their encoded products; (3) gain and loss of methyltransferases that can cause global alterations in DNA methylation patterns, which eventually may affect gene expression and regulate transcription. Notably, we identified a horizontally transferred NRPS operon encoding an uncharacterized polypeptide antibiotic in B. velezensis UCMB5140. Other horizontally acquired genes comprised a possible adhesin and a methyltransferase, which may explain the strain-specific methylation pattern of the chromosomal DNA of UCMB5140. KEY POINTS: • Whole genome sequence of the active PGPR Bacillus velezensis UCMB5140. • Identification of genetic determinants responsible for PGPR activities. • Role of methyltransferases and epigenetic mechanisms in evolution of bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg N Reva
- Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Lynnwood Rd., Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Safronova A Larisa
- Innovation and Technology Transfer Laboratory, DK Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, 154 Zabolotnogo Str, Kyiv, 03143, Ukraine
| | - Aneth D Mwakilili
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Plant Protection Department, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Donatha Tibuhwa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sylvester Lyantagaye
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Wai Yin Chan
- Biotechnology Platform (BTP), Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Campus, Old Soutpan Rd, Onderstepoort, South Africa.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Lutz
- Agroscope, Molecular Diagnostics, Genomics and Bioinformatics & SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Müller-Thurgau-Str. 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Christian H Ahrens
- Agroscope, Molecular Diagnostics, Genomics and Bioinformatics & SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Müller-Thurgau-Str. 29, 8820, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | | | - Rainer Borriss
- Institut für Biologie, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Billings PC, Bizzaro C, Yang E, Chung J, Mundy C, Pacifici M. Human and mouse activin genes: Divergent expression of activin A protein variants and identification of a novel heparan sulfate-binding domain in activin B. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229254. [PMID: 32074129 PMCID: PMC7029874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of signaling proteins and were originally identified as components of follicular fluid. The proteins are now known to play critical roles in numerous normal and pathological processes and conditions, but less is clear about the relationships between their gene organization and protein variant expression and structure. The four human and mouse activin (Act) genes, termed INHβA, INHβB, INHβC and INHβE, differ in exon numbers. Human INHβA is the most complex with 7 exons and elicits production of three Act A variants (Act A X1, X2 and X3) differing in their pro-region, as we showed previously. Here we further analyzed the mouse INHβA gene and found that its 4 exons encode for a single open reading frame (mouse Act A), corresponding to the shortest human Act A X3 variant. Activins are synthesized and secreted as large complexes made of a long pro-region and a short mature C- terminal ligand and are known to interact with the heparan sulfate (HS) chains of cell surface and matrix proteoglycans. Human Act A X1 and X2 variants do have a HS-binding domain (HBD) with Cardin/Weintraub traits in their pro-region, while the X3 variant does not as shown previously. We found that the mouse Act A lacks a HBD as well. However, we identified a typical HBD in the pro-region of both mouse and human Act B, and synthetic peptides containing that domain interacted with immobilized HS and cell surface with nanomolar affinity. In sum, human and mouse Act A genes elicit expression of different variant sets, while there is concordance in Act B protein expression, reflecting possible evolutionary diversity in function of, and responses to, these signaling proteins in the two species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Billings
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Candice Bizzaro
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Evan Yang
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Juliet Chung
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Christina Mundy
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Maurizio Pacifici
- Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chiumia D, Hankele AK, Groebner AE, Schulke K, Reichenbach HD, Giller K, Zakhartchenko V, Bauersachs S, Ulbrich SE. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A and VEGFR-1 Change during Preimplantation in Heifers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020544. [PMID: 31952188 PMCID: PMC7014046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) plays a critical angiogenic role in the endometrium of placentalia during preimplantation. The role of VEGFA and its receptors is not fully characterised in bovine reproduction. We analysed the mRNA expression of VEGFA isoforms 121, 165 and 189, and VEGF receptors 1 and 2 in three experimental settings (A, B and C). We compared intercaruncular endometrium of cyclic to pregnant heifers at Days 12, 15 and 18 post insemination (Day 0), and between Day 15 and Day 18 conceptuses (A). We further compared caruncular versus intercaruncular endometrium at Day 15 (B), and endometrium of heifers carrying embryos originating from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) versus in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at Day 18 (C). Endometrial VEGFA protein was localised and quantified. Pregnant heifers displayed lower intercaruncular endometrial mRNA expression of VEGFA-121 (p = 0.045) and VEGFA-189 (p = 0.009) as well as lower VEGFA protein abundance (p < 0.001) at Day 15. The VEGFA protein was localised in intercaruncular luminal, glandular epithelium and in tunica muscularis of blood vessels. At Day 15, caruncular endometrium displayed higher VEGFA mRNA expression than intercaruncular endometrium (p < 0.05). Intercaruncular endometrial VEGFA protein at Day 18 was higher in abundance in SCNT than in IVF (p = 0.038). Therefore, during preimplantation in cattle, there may be a need for timely physiological reduction in intercaruncular endometrial VEGFA expression in favour of the caruncular area to facilitate a gradient towards the implantation sites. A higher expression of VEGFA in SCNT may predispose for later placentation abnormalities frequently observed following SCNT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Chiumia
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
| | - Anna-Katharina Hankele
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
| | - Anna E. Groebner
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
| | - Katy Schulke
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
| | - Horst-Dieter Reichenbach
- Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, Institute of Animal Breeding, 85586 Poing, Grub, Germany;
| | - Katrin Giller
- ETH Zurich, Animal Nutrition, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (V.Z.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (V.Z.); (S.B.)
- Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich, University of Zurich, Eschikon 27, AgroVet-Strickhof, 8315 Lindau (ZH), Switzerland
| | - Susanne E. Ulbrich
- ETH Zurich, Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.C.); (A.-K.H.)
- Physiology Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; (A.E.G.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-44-632-27-21
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kam A, Loo S, Fan JS, Sze SK, Yang D, Tam JP. Roseltide rT7 is a disulfide-rich, anionic, and cell-penetrating peptide that inhibits proteasomal degradation. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19604-19615. [PMID: 31727740 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfide-rich plant peptides with molecular masses of 2-6 kDa represent an expanding class of peptidyl-type natural products with diverse functions. They are structurally compact, hyperstable, and underexplored as cell-penetrating agents that inhibit intracellular functions. Here, we report the discovery of an anionic, 34-residue peptide, the disulfide-rich roseltide rT7 from Hibiscus sabdariffa (of the Malvaceae family) that penetrates cells and inhibits their proteasomal activities. Combined proteomics and NMR spectroscopy revealed that roseltide rT7 is a cystine-knotted, six-cysteine hevein-like cysteine-rich peptide. A pair-wise comparison indicated that roseltide rT7 is >100-fold more stable against protease degradation than its S-alkylated analog. Confocal microscopy studies and cell-based assays disclosed that after roseltide rT7 penetrates cells, it causes accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, inhibits human 20S proteasomes, reduces tumor necrosis factor-induced IκBα degradation, and decreases expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Structure-activity studies revealed that roseltide rT7 uses a canonical substrate-binding mechanism for proteasomal inhibition enabled by an IIML motif embedded in its proline-rich and exceptionally long intercysteine loop 4. Taken together, our results provide mechanistic insights into a novel disulfide-rich, anionic, and cell-penetrating peptide, representing a potential lead for further development as a proteasomal inhibitor in anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antony Kam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Shining Loo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Jing-Song Fan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Daiwen Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - James P Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Richards DA. Exploring alternative antibody scaffolds: Antibody fragments and antibody mimics for targeted drug delivery. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2018; 30:35-46. [PMID: 30553519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The field of targeted therapeutics has benefitted immeasurably from the development of high-affinity antibodies. These important ligands have facilitated the development of effective therapies, particularly when conjugated to potent cytotoxic payloads i.e. in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The success of ADCs is evidenced by rapid adoption within the pharmaceuticals community; many major companies have dedicated ADC research programmes. However, despite the advantages, the field of ADCs has failed to live up to its full potential. Studies have emerged suggesting that traditional IgG scaffolds may not be the optimal format for targeted payload delivery. In response, the protein engineering community has begun to explore alternative high-binding protein scaffolds as antibody mimics. In this short review I will summarise the generation, modification, and application of emerging antibody fragments and synthetic antibody mimics, with a focus on their use as drug carriers. The review aims to highlight the advantages of antibody mimics, and how they could be employed to overcome the issues and limitations of traditional ADCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Richards
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
De Rosa L, Di Stasi R, D'Andrea LD. Pro-angiogenic peptides in biomedicine. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 660:72-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
37
|
Billings PC, Yang E, Mundy C, Pacifici M. Domains with highest heparan sulfate-binding affinity reside at opposite ends in BMP2/4 versus BMP5/6/7: Implications for function. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:14371-14383. [PMID: 30082319 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling proteins, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), specifically interact with heparan sulfate (HS). These interactions regulate protein distribution and function and are largely mediated by domains rich in basic amino acids. The N-terminal region of BMP2 and BMP4 contains one such domain with a typical Cardin-Weintraub (CW) motif, but it is unclear whether the same occurs in BMP5, BMP6, and BMP7 that constitute a separate evolutionary subgroup. Peptides spanning the N-terminal domain of BMP2/4 interacted with substrate-bound HS with nanomolar affinity, but peptides spanning BMP5/6/7 N-terminal domain did not. We re-examined the entire BMP5/6/7 sequences and identified a novel CW-like motif at their C terminus. Peptides spanning this domain displayed high-affinity HS binding, but corresponding BMP2/4 C-terminal peptides did not, likely because of acidic or noncharged residue substitutions. Peptides pre-assembled into NeutrAvidin tetramers displayed the same exact binding selectivity of respective monomers but bound HS with greater affinity. Tests of possible peptide biological activities showed that the HS-binding N-terminal BMP2/4 and C-terminal BMP5/6/7 peptides stimulated chondrogenesis in vitro, potentially by freeing endogenous BMPs. Thus, HS interactions appear largely ascribable to domains at opposite ends of BMP2/4 versus BMP5/6/7, reiterating the evolutionary distance of these BMP subgroups and possible functional diversification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Billings
- From the Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Evan Yang
- From the Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Christina Mundy
- From the Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Maurizio Pacifici
- From the Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Peach CJ, Mignone VW, Arruda MA, Alcobia DC, Hill SJ, Kilpatrick LE, Woolard J. Molecular Pharmacology of VEGF-A Isoforms: Binding and Signalling at VEGFR2. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1264. [PMID: 29690653 PMCID: PMC5979509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a key mediator of angiogenesis, signalling via the class IV tyrosine kinase receptor family of VEGF Receptors (VEGFRs). Although VEGF-A ligands bind to both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, they primarily signal via VEGFR2 leading to endothelial cell proliferation, survival, migration and vascular permeability. Distinct VEGF-A isoforms result from alternative splicing of the Vegfa gene at exon 8, resulting in VEGFxxxa or VEGFxxxb isoforms. Alternative splicing events at exons 5⁻7, in addition to recently identified posttranslational read-through events, produce VEGF-A isoforms that differ in their bioavailability and interaction with the co-receptor Neuropilin-1. This review explores the molecular pharmacology of VEGF-A isoforms at VEGFR2 in respect to ligand binding and downstream signalling. To understand how VEGF-A isoforms have distinct signalling despite similar affinities for VEGFR2, this review re-evaluates the typical classification of these isoforms relative to the prototypical, “pro-angiogenic” VEGF165a. We also examine the molecular mechanisms underpinning the regulation of VEGF-A isoform signalling and the importance of interactions with other membrane and extracellular matrix proteins. As approved therapeutics targeting the VEGF-A/VEGFR signalling axis largely lack long-term efficacy, understanding these isoform-specific mechanisms could aid future drug discovery efforts targeting VEGF receptor pharmacology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Peach
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Viviane W Mignone
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
- CAPES-University of Nottingham Programme in Drug Discovery, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Maria Augusta Arruda
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
- CAPES-University of Nottingham Programme in Drug Discovery, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Diana C Alcobia
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Stephen J Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Laura E Kilpatrick
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands NG7 2UH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Janakiraman H, House RP, Gangaraju VK, Diehl JA, Howe PH, Palanisamy V. The Long (lncRNA) and Short (miRNA) of It: TGFβ-Mediated Control of RNA-Binding Proteins and Noncoding RNAs. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:567-579. [PMID: 29555893 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBP) and noncoding RNAs (ncRNA), such as long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNA), control co- and posttranscriptional gene regulation (PTR). At the PTR level, RBPs and ncRNAs contribute to pre-mRNA processing, mRNA maturation, transport, localization, turnover, and translation. Deregulation of RBPs and ncRNAs promotes the onset of cancer progression and metastasis. Both RBPs and ncRNAs are altered by signaling cascades to cooperate or compete with each other to bind their nucleic acid targets. Most importantly, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling plays a significant role in controlling gene expression patterns by targeting RBPs and ncRNAs. Because of TGFβ signaling in cancer, RBP-RNA or RNA-RNA interactions are altered and cause enhanced cell growth and tumor cell dissemination. This review focuses on the emerging concepts of TGFβ signaling on posttranscriptional gene regulation and highlights the implications of RBPs and ncRNAs in cancer progression and metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 16(4); 567-79. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harinarayanan Janakiraman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Reniqua P House
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Vamsi K Gangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - J Alan Diehl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Philip H Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Viswanathan Palanisamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Correnti CE, Gewe MM, Mehlin C, Bandaranayake AD, Johnsen WA, Rupert PB, Brusniak MY, Clarke M, Burke SE, De Van Der Schueren W, Pilat K, Turnbaugh SM, May D, Watson A, Chan MK, Bahl CD, Olson JM, Strong RK. Screening, large-scale production and structure-based classification of cystine-dense peptides. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 25:270-278. [PMID: 29483648 PMCID: PMC5840021 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Peptides folded through interwoven disulfides display extreme biochemical properties and unique medicinal potential. However, their exploitation has been hampered by the limited amounts isolatable from natural sources and the expense of chemical synthesis. We developed reliable biological methods for high-throughput expression, screening and large-scale production of these peptides: 46 were successfully produced in multimilligram quantities, and >600 more were deemed expressible through stringent screening criteria. Many showed extreme resistance to temperature, proteolysis and/or reduction, and all displayed inhibitory activity against at least 1 of 20 ion channels tested, thus confirming their biological functionality. Crystal structures of 12 confirmed proper cystine topology and the utility of crystallography to study these molecules but also highlighted the need for rational classification. Previous categorization attempts have focused on limited subsets featuring distinct motifs. Here we present a global definition, classification and analysis of >700 structures of cystine-dense peptides, providing a unifying framework for these molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin E Correnti
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mesfin M Gewe
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher Mehlin
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashok D Bandaranayake
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William A Johnsen
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter B Rupert
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mi-Youn Brusniak
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Midori Clarke
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Skyler E Burke
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Kristina Pilat
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shanon M Turnbaugh
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Damon May
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alex Watson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Man Kid Chan
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - James M Olson
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Roland K Strong
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Discovery of High-Affinity PDGF-VEGFR Interactions: Redefining RTK Dynamics. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16439. [PMID: 29180757 PMCID: PMC5704011 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly all studies of angiogenesis have focused on uni-family ligand-receptor binding, e.g., VEGFs bind to VEGF receptors, PDGFs bind to PDGF receptors, etc. The discovery of VEGF-PDGFRs binding challenges this paradigm and calls for investigation of other ligand-receptor binding possibilities. We utilized surface plasmon resonance to identify and measure PDGF-to-VEGFR binding rates, establishing cut-offs for binding and non-binding interactions. We quantified the kinetics of the recent VEGF-A:PDGFRβ interaction for the first time with KD = 340 pM. We discovered new PDGF:VEGFR2 interactions with PDGF-AA:R2 KD = 530 nM, PDGF-AB:R2 KD = 110 pM, PDGF-BB:R2 KD = 40 nM, and PDGF-CC:R2 KD = 70 pM. We computationally predict that cross-family PDGF binding could contribute up to 96% of VEGFR2 ligation in healthy conditions and in cancer. Together the identification, quantification, and simulation of these novel cross-family interactions posits new mechanisms for understanding anti-angiogenic drug resistance and presents an expanded role of growth factor signaling with significance in health and disease.
Collapse
|
42
|
Wong KH, Tan WL, Xiao T, Tam JP. β-Ginkgotides: Hyperdisulfide-constrained peptides from Ginkgo biloba. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6140. [PMID: 28733600 PMCID: PMC5522442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06598-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperdisulfide-constrained peptides are distinguished by their high stability and diverse functions. Thus far, these peptides have been reported from animals only but their occurrence in plants are rare. Here, we report the discovery, synthesis and characterization of a hyperdisulfide-constrained peptides family of approximately 2 kDa, β-ginkgotides (β-gB1 and β-gB2) from Ginkgo biloba. Proteomic analysis showed β-ginkgotides contain 18‒20 amino acids, of which 16 residues form a conserved six-cysteine core with a highly clustered cysteine spacing of C‒CC‒C‒CC, an arrangement that has not been reported in cysteine-rich peptides. Disulfide mapping revealed a novel disulfide connectivity of CysI‒IV, CysII‒VI and CysIII‒V. Oxidative folding of synthetic β-gB1 to the native form was obtained in 70% yield. The synthetic β-gB1 displays a compact structure with no regular secondary structural elements, as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Transcriptomic analysis showed precursor βgb1 has a four-domain architecture and revealed an additional 76 β-ginkgotide-like peptides in 59 different gymnosperms, but none in angiosperms. Phylogenetic clustering analysis demonstrated β-ginkgotides belong to a new cysteine-rich peptide family. β-Ginkgotide is resistant to thermal, chemical and proteolytic degradation. Together, β-ginkgotides represent the first-in-class hyperdisulfide-constrained peptide family from plants with a novel scaffold that could be useful for engineering metabolically stable peptidyl therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka H Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Wei Liang Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Tianshu Xiao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - James P Tam
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Roy V, Roth R, Berge M, Chitta R, Vajrala S, Kuntumalla S, E Schmelzer A, Schoner R. A bicistronic vector with destabilized mRNA secondary structure yields scalable higher titer expression of human neurturin in E. coli. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017; 114:1753-1761. [PMID: 28369693 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Human neurturin (NTN) is a cystine knot growth factor with potential therapeutic use in diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes. Scalable high titer production of native NTN is particularly challenging because of the cystine knot structure which consists of an embedded ring comprised of at least three disulfide bonds. We sought to pursue enhanced scalable production of NTN in Escherichia coli. Our initial efforts focused on codon optimization of the first two codons following AUG, but these studies resulted in only a marginal increase in NTN expression. Therefore, we pursued an alternative strategy of using a bicistronic vector for NTN expression designed to reduce mRNA secondary structure to achieve increased ribosome binding and re-initiation. The first cistron was designed to prevent sequestration of the translation initiation region in a secondary conformation. The second cistron, which contained the NTN coding sequence itself, was engineered to disrupt double bonded base pairs and destabilize the secondary structure for ribosome re-initiation. The ensemble approach of reducing NTN's mRNA secondary structure and using the bicistronic vector had an additive effect resulting in significantly increased NTN expression. Our strain selection studies were conducted in a miniaturized bioreactor. An optimized strain was selected and scaled up to a 100 L fermentor, which yielded an inclusion body titer of 2 g/L. The inclusion bodies were refolded to yield active NTN. We believe that our strategy is applicable to other candidate proteins that are difficult-to-express due to stable mRNA secondary structures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1753-1761. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varnika Roy
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, MedImmune, LLC, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
| | - Robert Roth
- Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca R&D, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mark Berge
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, MedImmune, LLC, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
| | - Rajesh Chitta
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, MedImmune, LLC, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
| | - Sucheta Vajrala
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, MedImmune, LLC, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
| | | | - Albert E Schmelzer
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, MedImmune, LLC, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
| | - Ron Schoner
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, MedImmune, LLC, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Patel S. Pathogenicity-associated protein domains: The fiercely-conserved evolutionary signatures. GENE REPORTS 2017; 7:127-141. [PMID: 32363241 PMCID: PMC7185390 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Proteins have highly conserved domains that determine their functionality. Out of the thousands of domains discovered so far across all living forms, some of the predominant clinically-relevant domains include IENR1, HNHc, HELICc, Pro-kuma_activ, Tryp_SPc, Lactamase_B, PbH1, ChtBD3, CBM49, acidPPc, G3P_acyltransf, RPOL8c, KbaA, HAMP, HisKA, Hr1, Dak2, APC2, Citrate_ly_lig, DALR, VKc, YARHG, WR1, PWI, ZnF_BED, TUDOR, MHC_II_beta, Integrin_B_tail, Excalibur, DISIN, Cadherin, ACTIN, PROF, Robl_LC7, MIT, Kelch, GAS2, B41, Cyclin_C, Connexin_CCC, OmpH, Bac_rhodopsin, AAA, Knot1, NH, Galanin, IB, Elicitin, ACTH, Cache_2, CHASE, AgrB, PRP, IGR, and Antimicrobial21. These domains are distributed in nucleases/helicases, proteases, esterases, lipases, glycosylase, GTPases, phosphatases, methyltransferases, acyltransferase, acetyltransferase, polymerase, kinase, ligase, synthetase, oxidoreductase, protease inhibitors, nucleic acid binding proteins, adhesion and immunity-related proteins, cytoskeletal component-manipulating proteins, lipid biosynthesis and metabolism proteins, membrane-associated proteins, hormone-like and signaling proteins, etc. These domains are ubiquitous stretches or folds of the proteins in pathogens and allergens. Pathogenesis alleviation efforts can benefit enormously if the characteristics of these domains are known. Hence, this review catalogs and discusses the role of such pivotal domains, suggesting hypotheses for better understanding of pathogenesis at molecular level. Proteins have highly conserved regions or domains across pathogens and allergens. Knowledge on these critical domains can facilitate our understanding of pathogenesis mechanisms. Such immune manipulation-related domains include IENR1, HNHc, HELICc, ACTIN, PROF, Robl_LC7, OmpH etc. These domains are presnt in enzyme, transcription regulators, adhesion proteins, and hormones. This review discusses and hypothesizes on these domains.
Collapse
Key Words
- CARDs, caspase activation and recruitment domains
- CBM, carbohydrate binding module
- CTD, C-terminal domain
- ChtBD, chitin-binding domain
- Diversification
- HNHc, homing endonucleases
- HTH, helix-turn-helix
- IENR1, intron-encoded endonuclease repeat
- Immune manipulation
- PAMPs, pathogen associated molecular patterns
- Pathogenesis
- Phylogenetic conservation
- Protein domains
- SMART, Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool
- Shuffling
- UDG, uracil DNA glycosylase
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seema Patel
- Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego 92182, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhang H, Dong S, Chen X, Stanley D, Beerntsen B, Feng Q, Song Q. Relish2 mediates bursicon homodimer-induced prophylactic immunity in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43163. [PMID: 28225068 PMCID: PMC5320557 DOI: 10.1038/srep43163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bursicon is a neuropeptide hormone consisting of two cystine-knot proteins (burs α and burs β), responsible for cuticle tanning and other developmental processes in insects. Recent studies show that each bursicon subunit forms homodimers that induce prophylactic immunity in Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that bursicon homodimers act in prophylactic immunity in insects, and possibly arthropods, generally, using the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. We found that burs α and burs β are expressed in larvae, pupae and newly emerged adults. Treating newly emerged Ae. aegypti and D. melanogaster adults with recombinant bursicon (r-bursicon) heterodimer led to cuticle tanning in both species. Treating larvae and adults with r-bursicon homodimers led to up-regulation of five anti-microbial peptide (AMP) genes, noting the possibility that bursicon heterodimers also lead to up-regulation of these genes can not been excluded. The induced AMPs effectively suppressed the growth of bacteria in vitro. RNAi knock-down of the transcriptional factor Relish2 abolished the influence of r-bursicon homodimers on AMP production. We infer the bursicon homodimers induce expression of AMP genes via Relish2 in Ae. aegypti, as prophylactic immunity to protect mosquitoes during the vulnerable stages of each molt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Zhang
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Shengzhang Dong
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - David Stanley
- USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Brenda Beerntsen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qisheng Song
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Molesini B, Treggiari D, Dalbeni A, Minuz P, Pandolfini T. Plant cystine-knot peptides: pharmacological perspectives. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:63-70. [PMID: 26987851 PMCID: PMC5338163 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystine-knot miniproteins are a class of 30-50 amino acid long peptides widespread in eukaryotic organisms. Due to their very peculiar three-dimensional structure, they exhibit high resistance to heat and peptidase attack. The cystine-knot peptides are well represented in several plant species including medicinal herbs and crops. The pharmacological interest in plant cystine-knot peptides derives from their broad biological activities, mainly cytotoxic, antimicrobial and peptidase inhibitory and in the possibility to engineer them to incorporate pharmacophoric information for oral delivery or disease biomonitoring. The mechanisms of action of plant cystine-knot peptides are still largely unknown, although the capacity to interfere with plasma membranes seems a feature common to several cystine-knot peptides. In some cases, such as potato carboxypetidase inhibitor (PCI) and tomato cystine-knot miniproteins (TCMPs), the cystine-knot peptides target human growth factor receptors either by acting as growth factor antagonist or by altering their signal transduction pathway. The possibility to identify specific molecular targets of plant cystine-knot peptides in human cells opens novel possibilities for the pharmacological use of these peptides besides their use as scaffold to develop stable disease molecular markers and therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Davide Treggiari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal MedicineUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Andrea Dalbeni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal MedicineUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | - Pietro Minuz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal MedicineUniversity of VeronaVeronaItaly
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Targeted vaccination against the bevacizumab binding site on VEGF using 3D-structured peptides elicits efficient antitumor activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12532-12537. [PMID: 27791128 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1610258113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of the VEGF signaling axis by the VEGF-neutralizing monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has clearly demonstrated clinical benefit in cancer patients. To improve this strategy using a polyclonal approach, we developed a vaccine targeting VEGF using 3D-structured peptides that mimic the bevacizumab binding site. An in-depth study on peptide optimization showed that the antigen's 3D structure is essential to achieve neutralizing antibody responses. Peptide 1 adopts a clear secondary, native-like structure, including the typical cysteine-knot fold, as evidenced by CD spectroscopy. Binding and competition studies with bevacizumab in ELISA and surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that peptide 1 represents the complete bevacizumab binding site, including the hairpin loop (β5-turn-β6) and the structure-supporting β2-α2-β3 loop. Vaccination with peptide 1 elicited high titers of cross-reactive antibodies to VEGF, with potent neutralizing activity. Moreover, vaccination-induced antisera displayed strong angiostatic and tumor-growth-inhibiting properties in a preclinical mouse model for colorectal carcinoma, whereas antibodies raised with peptides exclusively encompassing the β5-turn-β6 loop (peptides 15 and 20) did not. Immunization with peptide 1 or 7 (murine analog of 1) in combination with the potent adjuvant raffinose fatty acid sulfate ester (RFASE) showed significant inhibition of tumor growth in the B16F10 murine melanoma model. Based on these data, we conclude that this vaccination technology, which is currently being investigated in a phase I clinical trial (NCT02237638), can potentially outperform currently applied anti-VEGF therapeutics.
Collapse
|
48
|
Kintzing JR, Cochran JR. Engineered knottin peptides as diagnostics, therapeutics, and drug delivery vehicles. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2016; 34:143-150. [PMID: 27642714 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitor cystine-knots, also known as knottins, are a structural family of ultra-stable peptides with diverse functions. Knottins and related backbone-cyclized peptides called cyclotides contain three disulfide bonds connected in a particular arrangement that endows these peptides with high thermal, proteolytic, and chemical stability. Knottins have gained interest as candidates for non-invasive molecular imaging and for drug development as they can possess the pharmacological properties of small molecules and the target affinity and selectively of protein biologics. Naturally occurring knottins are clinically approved for treating chronic pain and GI disorders. Combinatorial methods are being used to engineer knottins that can bind to other clinically relevant targets in cancer, and inflammatory and cardiac disease. This review details recent examples of engineered knottin peptides; their use as molecular imaging agents, therapeutics, and drug delivery vehicles; modifications that can be introduced to improve peptide folding and bioactivity; and future perspectives and challenges in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R Kintzing
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, United States
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, United States; Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Meissner GO, de Resende Lara PT, Scott LPB, Braz ASK, Chaves-Moreira D, Matsubara FH, Soares EM, Trevisan-Silva D, Gremski LH, Veiga SS, Chaim OM. Molecular cloning and in silico characterization of knottin peptide, U2-SCRTX-Lit2, from brown spider (Loxosceles intermedia) venom glands. J Mol Model 2016; 22:196. [PMID: 27488102 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-016-3067-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitor cystine knots (ICKs) are a family of structural peptides with a large number of cysteine residues that form intramolecular disulfide bonds, resulting in a knot. These peptides are involved in a variety of biological functions including predation and defense, and are found in various species, such as spiders, scorpions, sea anemones, and plants. The Loxosceles intermedia venom gland transcriptome identified five groups of ICK peptides that represent more than 50 % of toxin-coding transcripts. Here, we describe the molecular cloning of U2-Sicaritoxin-Lit2 (U2-SCRTX-Lit2), bioinformatic characterization, structure prediction, and molecular dynamic analysis. The sequence of U2-SCRTX-Lit2 obtained from the transcriptome is similar to that of μ-Hexatoxin-Mg2, a peptide that inhibits the insect Nav channel. Bioinformatic analysis of sequences classified as ICK family members also showed a conservation of cysteine residues among ICKs from different spiders, with the three dimensional molecular model of U2-SCRTX-Lit2 similar in structure to the hexatoxin from μ-hexatoxin-Mg2a. Molecular docking experiments showed the interaction of U2-SCRTX-Lit2 to its predictable target-the Spodoptera litura voltage-gated sodium channel (SlNaVSC). After 200 ns of molecular dynamic simulation, the final structure of the complex showed stability in agreement with the experimental data. The above analysis corroborates the existence of a peptide toxin with insecticidal activity from a novel ICK family in L. intermedia venom and demonstrates that this peptide targets Nav channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Otto Meissner
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Pedro Túlio de Resende Lara
- Laboratory of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Paulo Barbour Scott
- Laboratory of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio Sérgio Kimus Braz
- Laboratory of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniele Chaves-Moreira
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fernando Hitomi Matsubara
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Mendonça Soares
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Dilza Trevisan-Silva
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Gremski
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Pathology, Clinical Hospital of Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Silvio Sanches Veiga
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Olga Meiri Chaim
- Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Jardim das Américas, 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Synthetic Cystine-Knot Miniproteins - Valuable Scaffolds for Polypeptide Engineering. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 917:121-44. [PMID: 27236555 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-32805-8_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Peptides with the cystine-knot architecture, often termed knottins, are promising scaffolds for biomolecular engineering. These unique molecules combine diverse bioactivities with excellent structural, thermal, and proteolytical stability. Being different in the composition and structure of their amino acid backbone, knottins share the same core element, namely cystine knot, which is built by six cysteine residues forming three disulfides upon oxidative folding. This motif ensures a notably rigid framework that highly tolerates both rational and combinatorial changes in the primary structure. Being accessible through recombinant production and total chemical synthesis, cystine-knot miniproteins can be endowed with novel bioactivities by variation of surface-exposed loops and incorporation of non-natural elements within their non-conserved regions towards the generation of tailor-made peptidic compounds. In this chapter the topology of cystine-knot peptides, their synthesis and applications for diagnostics and therapy is discussed.
Collapse
|