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Li Y, Li G, Wang Y, Li L, Song Y, Cao F, Yang K. Discovery and biological evaluation of biaryl acetamide derivatives as selective and in vivo active sphingosine kinase-2 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116577. [PMID: 38875809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) has emerged as a promising target for cancer therapy due to its critical role in tumor growth. However, the lack of potent and selective inhibitors has hindered its clinical application. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a series of novel SphK2 inhibitors, culminating in the identification of compound 12q as a highly selective and potent inhibitor of SphK2. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the incorporation of larger substitution groups facilitates a more effective occupation of the binding site, thereby stabilizing the complex. Compared to the widely used inhibitor ABC294640, compound 12q exhibits superior anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cells, inducing G2 phase arrest and apoptosis in liver cancer cells HepG2. Notably, 12q inhibited migration and colony formation in HepG2 and altered intracellular sphingolipid content. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of 12q in mice resulted in decreased levels of S1P. 12q provides a valuable tool compound for exploring the therapeutic potential of targeting SphK2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yali Song
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Kan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
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2
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Wallen TE, Morris M, Ammann A, Baucom MR, Price A, Schuster R, Makley AT, Goodman MD. Platelet Function is Independent of Sphingolipid Manipulation. J Surg Res 2024; 300:25-32. [PMID: 38795670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous literature suggests that sphingolipids may impact systemic coagulation and platelet aggregation, thus modulating the risks of thrombotic events. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the role of serum sphingolipids on intrinsic platelet function to assess whether pharmacologic manipulation of sphingolipid metabolites would impact platelet aggregability. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were injected with either normal saline, 1 mg/kg FTY720 (synthetic sphingosine-1-phosphate [S1P] receptor analog), or 5 mg/kg SLM6031434 (sphingosine kinase two inhibitor). Mice were sacrificed at 6 h and whole blood (WB) was collected for impedance aggregometry assessing platelet responsiveness to arachidonic acid or adenosine diphosphate. Ex vivo studies utilized WB or platelet-rich plasma that was pretreated with S1P, FTY720, amitriptyline, or d-sphingosine then analyzed by aggregability and flow cytometry for platelet and platelet-derived microvesicle characteristics. RESULTS FTY720 and SLM6031434 pretreated induced similar arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate-mediated platelet aggregation as controls. Ex vivo WB and platelet-rich plasma treatment with S1P, FTY720, amitriptyline and d-sphingosine did not impact platelet aggregation. The percentages of CD41+, CD62P+ and CD41+/ceramide+, CD62P+/ceramide + platelets, and platelet-derived microvesicle were not significantly different between amitriptyline-treated and normal saline-treated cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Sphingolipid modulating agents, such as FTY720, SLM6031434, S1P, amitriptyline, ceramide, and d-sphingosine do not appear to independently impact platelet aggregation in murine models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Wallen
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mackenzie Morris
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Allison Ammann
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mathew R Baucom
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Adam Price
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rebecca Schuster
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Amy T Makley
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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3
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Komai M, Noda Y, Ikeda A, Kaneshiro N, Kamikubo Y, Sakurai T, Uehara T, Takasugi N. Nuclear SphK2/S1P signaling is a key regulator of ApoE production and Aβ uptake in astrocytes. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100510. [PMID: 38280459 PMCID: PMC10907773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100510] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between changes in astrocyte function and the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has attracted considerable attention. Interestingly, activated astrocytes in AD show abnormalities in their lipid content and metabolism. In particular, the expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a lipid transporter, is decreased. Because ApoE has anti-inflammatory and amyloid β (Aβ)-metabolizing effects, the nuclear receptors, retinoid X receptor (RXR) and LXR, which are involved in ApoE expression, are considered promising therapeutic targets for AD. However, the therapeutic effects of agents targeting these receptors are limited or vary considerably among groups, indicating the involvement of an unknown pathological factor that modifies astrocyte and ApoE function. Here, we focused on the signaling lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which is mainly produced by sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) in the brain. Using astrocyte models, we found that upregulation of SphK2/S1P signaling suppressed ApoE induction by both RXR and LXR agonists. We also found that SphK2 activation reduced RXR binding to the APOE promoter region in the nucleus, suggesting the nuclear function of SphK2/S1P. Intriguingly, suppression of SphK2 activity by RNA knockdown or specific inhibitors upregulated lipidated ApoE induction. Furthermore, the induced ApoE facilitates Aβ uptake in astrocytes. Together with our previous findings that SphK2 activity is upregulated in AD brain and promotes Aβ production in neurons, these results indicate that SphK2/S1P signaling is a promising multifunctional therapeutic target for AD that can modulate astrocyte function by stabilizing the effects of RXR and LXR agonists, and simultaneously regulate neuronal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Komai
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Noda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuya Ikeda
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nanaka Kaneshiro
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuji Kamikubo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakurai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, Japan; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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4
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Alkafaas SS, Elsalahaty MI, Ismail DF, Radwan MA, Elkafas SS, Loutfy SA, Elshazli RM, Baazaoui N, Ahmed AE, Hafez W, Diab M, Sakran M, El-Saadony MT, El-Tarabily KA, Kamal HK, Hessien M. The emerging roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate and SphK1 in cancer resistance: a promising therapeutic target. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:89. [PMID: 38419070 PMCID: PMC10903003 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03221-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer chemoresistance is a problematic dilemma that significantly restrains numerous cancer management protocols. It can promote cancer recurrence, spreading of cancer, and finally, mortality. Accordingly, enhancing the responsiveness of cancer cells towards chemotherapies could be a vital approach to overcoming cancer chemoresistance. Tumour cells express a high level of sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1), which acts as a protooncogenic factor and is responsible for the synthesis of sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P). S1P is released through a Human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter to interact with other phosphosphingolipids components in the interstitial fluid in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provoking communication, progression, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Also, S1P is associated with several impacts, including anti-apoptotic behavior, metastasis, mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and chemotherapy resistance. Recent reports addressed high levels of S1P in several carcinomas, including ovarian, prostate, colorectal, breast, and HCC. Therefore, targeting the S1P/SphK signaling pathway is an emerging therapeutic approach to efficiently attenuate chemoresistance. In this review, we comprehensively discussed S1P functions, metabolism, transport, and signaling. Also, through a bioinformatic framework, we pointed out the alterations of SphK1 gene expression within different cancers with their impact on patient survival, and we demonstrated the protein-protein network of SphK1, elaborating its sparse roles. Furthermore, we made emphasis on different machineries of cancer resistance and the tight link with S1P. We evaluated all publicly available SphK1 inhibitors and their inhibition activity using molecular docking and how SphK1 inhibitors reduce the production of S1P and might reduce chemoresistance, an approach that might be vital in the course of cancer treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Sami Alkafaas
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed I Elsalahaty
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Doha F Ismail
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Mustafa Ali Radwan
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Sara Samy Elkafas
- Production Engineering and Mechanical Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menofia University, Menofia, Egypt
- Faculty of Control System and Robotics, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, 197101, Russia
| | - Samah A Loutfy
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Nanotechnology Research Center, British University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rami M Elshazli
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Unit, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt
| | - Narjes Baazaoui
- Biology Department, College of Sciences and Arts Muhayil Assir, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael Hafez
- NMC Royal Hospital, 16th Street, 35233, Khalifa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Medical Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The National Research Centre, Cairo 11511, Egypt
| | - Mohanad Diab
- Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Sakran
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Khaled A El-Tarabily
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hani K Kamal
- Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Hessien
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
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5
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Fohmann I, Weinmann A, Schumacher F, Peters S, Prell A, Weigel C, Spiegel S, Kleuser B, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Sphingosine kinase 1/S1P receptor signaling axis is essential for cellular uptake of Neisseria meningitidis in brain endothelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011842. [PMID: 38033162 PMCID: PMC10715668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion of brain endothelial cells (BECs) is central to the pathogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis infection. Here, we established a key role for the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and S1P receptor (S1PR) 2 in the uptake process. Quantitative sphingolipidome analyses of BECs infected with N. meningitidis revealed elevated S1P levels, which could be attributed to enhanced expression of the enzyme sphingosine kinase 1 and its activity. Increased activity was dependent on the interaction of meningococcal type IV pilus with the endothelial receptor CD147. Concurrently, infection led to increased expression of the S1PR2. Blocking S1PR2 signaling impaired epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, which has been shown to be involved in cytoskeletal remodeling and bacterial endocytosis. Strikingly, targeting S1PR1 or S1PR3 also interfered with bacterial uptake. Collectively, our data support a critical role of the SphK/S1P/S1PR axis in the invasion of N. meningitidis into BECs, defining a potential target for adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Fohmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alina Weinmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agata Prell
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cynthia Weigel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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6
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Wang S, Huo Y, Zhang J, Li L, Cao F, Song Y, Zhang Y, Yang K. Design, synthesis, antitumor activity, and molecular dynamics simulations of novel sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 93:117441. [PMID: 37586181 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117441] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Targeting sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) has become a novel strategy for the treatment of cancer. However, potent and selective SphK2 inhibitors are rare. In our work, a series of novel SphK2 inhibitors were innovatively designed, synthesized and screened. Compound 12e showed the best inhibitory activity. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to analyze the detailed interactions between the SphK2 and its inhibitors. Moreover, 12e exhibited anti-proliferative activity in various cancer cells, and inhibited the migration of human breast cancer cells MCF-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShaSha Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yidan Huo
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Jinmiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yali Song
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China.
| | - Kan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
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7
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Kim KM, Shin EJ, Yang JH, Ki SH. Integrative roles of sphingosine kinase in liver pathophysiology. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:549-564. [PMID: 37779595 PMCID: PMC10541397 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00193-1] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive sphingolipids and enzymes that metabolize sphingolipid-related substances have been considered as critical messengers in various signaling pathways. One such enzyme is the crucial lipid kinase, sphingosine kinase (SphK), which mediates the conversion of sphingosine to the potent signaling substance, sphingosine-1-phosphate. Several studies have demonstrated that SphK metabolism is strictly regulated to maintain the homeostatic balance of cells. Here, we summarize the role of SphK in the course of liver disease and illustrate its effects on both physiological and pathological conditions of the liver. SphK has been implicated in a variety of liver diseases, such as steatosis, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic failure. This study may advance the understanding of the cellular and molecular foundations of liver disease and establish therapeutic approaches via SphK modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Min Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Natural Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Shin
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Natural Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452 Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Yang
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, Jeollanam-Do 58245 Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Ki
- College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, 309 Pilmun-Daero, Dong-Gu, Gwangju, 61452 Republic of Korea
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Afrin F, Mateen S, Oman J, Lai JCK, Barrott JJ, Pashikanti S. Natural Products and Small Molecules Targeting Cellular Ceramide Metabolism to Enhance Apoptosis in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4645. [PMID: 37760612 PMCID: PMC10527029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeting strategies have been used for years in order to control cancer progression and are often based on targeting various enzymes involved in metabolic pathways. Keeping this in mind, it is essential to determine the role of each enzyme in a particular metabolic pathway. In this review, we provide in-depth information on various enzymes such as ceramidase, sphingosine kinase, sphingomyelin synthase, dihydroceramide desaturase, and ceramide synthase which are associated with various types of cancers. We also discuss the physicochemical properties of well-studied inhibitors with natural product origins and their related structures in terms of these enzymes. Targeting ceramide metabolism exhibited promising mono- and combination therapies at preclinical stages in preventing cancer progression and cemented the significance of sphingolipid metabolism in cancer treatments. Targeting ceramide-metabolizing enzymes will help medicinal chemists design potent and selective small molecules for treating cancer progression at various levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farjana Afrin
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Sameena Mateen
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Jordan Oman
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - James C. K. Lai
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
| | - Jared J. Barrott
- Cell Biology and Physiology, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA;
| | - Srinath Pashikanti
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kasiska Division of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA; (F.A.); (S.M.); (J.O.); (J.C.K.L.)
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9
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Kharel Y, Huang T, Santos WL, Lynch KR. Assay of Sphingosine 1-phosphate Transporter Spinster Homolog 2 (Spns2) Inhibitors. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:284-287. [PMID: 37454972 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathway remains an active area of research for drug discovery because S1P modulators are effective medicine for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis. As such, other nodes in the pathway can be probed for alternative therapeutic candidates. As S1P elicits its function in an 'outside-in' fashion, targeting the transporter, Spns2, which is upstream of the receptors, is of great interest. To support our medicinal chemistry campaign to inhibit S1P transport, we developed a mammalian cell-based assay. In this protocol, Spns2 inhibition is assessed by treating HeLa, U-937, and THP-1 cells with inhibitors and S1P exported in the extracellular milieu is quantified by LC-MS/MS. Our studies demonstrated that the amount of S1P in the media in inversely proportional to inhibitor concentration. The details of our investigations are described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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Garella R, Bernacchioni C, Chellini F, Tani A, Palmieri F, Parigi M, Guasti D, Cassioli E, Castellini G, Ricca V, Bani D, Sassoli C, Donati C, Squecco R. Adiponectin Modulates Smooth Muscle Cell Morpho-Functional Properties in Murine Gastric Fundus via Sphingosine Kinase 2 Activation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1812. [PMID: 37763216 PMCID: PMC10532860 DOI: 10.3390/life13091812] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipokines are peptide hormones produced by the adipose tissue involved in several biological functions. Among adipokines, adiponectin (ADPN) has antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also modulate food intake at central and peripheral levels, acting on hypothalamus and facilitating gastric relaxation. ADPN exerts its action interacting with two distinct membrane receptors and triggering some well-defined signaling cascades. The ceramidase activity of ADPN receptor has been reported in many tissues: it converts ceramide into sphingosine. In turn, sphingosine kinase (SK) phosphorylates it into sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P), a crucial mediator of many cellular processes including contractility. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combined biochemical, electrophysiological and morphological investigations, we explored for the first time the possible role of S1P metabolism in mediating ADPN effects on the murine gastric fundus muscle layer. By using a specific pharmacological inhibitor of SK2, we showed that ADPN affects smooth muscle cell membrane properties and contractile machinery via SK2 activation in gastric fundus, adding a piece of knowledge to the action mechanisms of this hormone. These findings help to identify ADPN and its receptors as new therapeutic targets or as possible prognostic markers for diseases with altered energy balance and for pathologies with fat mass content alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Garella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Flaminia Chellini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Imaging Platform, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.T.); (M.P.); (D.G.); (D.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Alessia Tani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Imaging Platform, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.T.); (M.P.); (D.G.); (D.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Francesco Palmieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Martina Parigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Imaging Platform, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.T.); (M.P.); (D.G.); (D.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Imaging Platform, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.T.); (M.P.); (D.G.); (D.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.); (V.R.)
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.); (V.R.)
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.); (V.R.)
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Imaging Platform, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.T.); (M.P.); (D.G.); (D.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Imaging Platform, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.C.); (A.T.); (M.P.); (D.G.); (D.B.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (F.P.); (R.S.)
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11
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Standoli S, Rapino C, Di Meo C, Rudowski A, Kämpfer-Kolb N, Volk LM, Thomas D, Trautmann S, Schreiber Y, Meyer Zu Heringdorf D, Maccarrone M. Sphingosine Kinases at the Intersection of Pro-Inflammatory LPS and Anti-Inflammatory Endocannabinoid Signaling in BV2 Mouse Microglia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108508. [PMID: 37239854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108508] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play important roles in brain homeostasis as well as in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, neurovascular diseases, and traumatic brain injury. In this context, components of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system have been shown to shift microglia towards an anti-inflammatory activation state. Instead, much less is known about the functional role of the sphingosine kinase (SphK)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) system in microglia biology. In the present study, we addressed potential crosstalk of the eCB and the S1P systems in BV2 mouse microglia cells challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We show that URB597, the selective inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-the main degradative enzyme of the eCB anandamide-prevented LPS-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and caused the accumulation of anandamide itself and eCB-like molecules such as oleic acid and cis-vaccenic acid ethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide, and docosahexaenoyl ethanolamide. Furthermore, treatment with JWH133, a selective agonist of the eCB-binding cannabinoid 2 (CB2) receptor, mimicked the anti-inflammatory effects of URB597. Interestingly, LPS induced transcription of both SphK1 and SphK2, and the selective inhibitors of SphK1 (SLP7111228) and SphK2 (SLM6031434) strongly reduced LPS-induced TNFα and IL-1β production. Thus, the two SphKs were pro-inflammatory in BV2 cells in a non-redundant manner. Most importantly, the inhibition of FAAH by URB597, as well as the activation of CB2 by JWH133, prevented LPS-stimulated transcription of SphK1 and SphK2. These results present SphK1 and SphK2 at the intersection of pro-inflammatory LPS and anti-inflammatory eCB signaling, and suggest the further development of inhibitors of FAAH or SphKs for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Standoli
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Camilla Di Meo
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Agnes Rudowski
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nicole Kämpfer-Kolb
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Luisa Michelle Volk
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sandra Trautmann
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yannick Schreiber
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dagmar Meyer Zu Heringdorf
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, 00143 Rome, Italy
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12
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Weigel C, Maczis MA, Palladino END, Green CD, Maceyka M, Guo C, Wang XY, Dozmorov MG, Milstien S, Spiegel S. Sphingosine Kinase 2 in Stromal Fibroblasts Creates a Hospitable Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:553-567. [PMID: 36541910 PMCID: PMC9931683 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between breast cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are important for cancer progression and metastasis. We report here that the deletion or inhibition of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2), which produces sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), markedly suppresses syngeneic breast tumor growth and lung metastasis in mice by creating a hostile microenvironment for tumor growth and invasion. SphK2 deficiency decreased S1P and concomitantly increased ceramides, including C16-ceramide, in stromal fibroblasts. Ceramide accumulation suppressed activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) by upregulating stromal p53, which restrained production of tumor-promoting factors to reprogram the TME and to restrict breast cancer establishment. Ablation of p53 in SphK2-deficient fibroblasts reversed these effects, enabled CAF activation and promoted tumor growth and invasion. These data uncovered a novel role of SphK2 in regulating non-cell-autonomous functions of p53 in stromal fibroblasts and their transition to tumor-promoting CAFs, paving the way for the development of a strategy to target the TME and to enhance therapeutic efficacy. SIGNIFICANCE Sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) facilitates the activation of stromal fibroblasts to tumor-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts by suppressing host p53 activity, revealing SphK2 as a potential target to reprogram the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Weigel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Melissa A. Maczis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Elisa N. D. Palladino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Christopher D. Green
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Michael Maceyka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Chunqing Guo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Mikhail G. Dozmorov
- Departments of Biostatistics and Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Sheldon Milstien
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298
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13
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FTY720 Reduces Lipid Accumulation by Upregulating ABCA1 through Liver X Receptor and Sphingosine Kinase 2 Signaling in Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314617. [PMID: 36498944 PMCID: PMC9740778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of foam cells as a result of excess lipid accumulation by macrophages is a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis. Fingolimod (FTY720) is an immunosuppressive agent used in clinical settings for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has been reported to inhibit atherosclerotic plaque development. However, little is known about the effect of FTY720 on lipid accumulation leading to foam cell formation. In this study, we investigated the effects of FTY720 on lipid accumulation in murine macrophages. FTY720 treatment reduced lipid droplet formation and increased the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in J774 mouse macrophages. FTY720 also enhanced the expression of liver X receptor (LXR) target genes such as FASN, APOE, and ABCG1. In addition, FTY720-induced upregulation of ABCA1 was abolished by knockdown of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) expression. Furthermore, we found that FTY720 treatment induced histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation, which was lost in SphK2-knockdown cells. Taken together, FTY720 induces ABCA1 expression through SphK2-mediated acetylation of H3K9 and suppresses lipid accumulation in macrophages, which provides novel insights into the mechanisms of action of FTY720 on atherosclerosis.
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14
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Ablation of sphingosine kinase 2 suppresses fatty liver-associated hepatocellular carcinoma via downregulation of ceramide transfer protein. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:67. [PMID: 36333295 PMCID: PMC9636415 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00444-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of primary liver cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. With the increasing prevalence of metabolic conditions, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the fastest-growing HCC risk factor, and it imposes an additional layer of difficulty in HCC management. Dysregulated hepatic lipids are generally believed to constitute a deleterious environment cultivating the development of NAFLD-associated HCC. However, exactly which lipids or lipid regulators drive this process remains elusive. We report herein that sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2), a key sphingolipid metabolic enzyme, plays a critical role in NAFLD-associated HCC. Ablation of Sphk2 suppressed HCC development in NAFLD livers via inhibition of hepatocyte proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, SphK2 deficiency led to downregulation of ceramide transfer protein (CERT) that, in turn, decreased the ratio of pro-cancer sphingomyelin (SM) to anti-cancer ceramide. Overexpression of CERT restored hepatocyte proliferation, colony growth and cell cycle progression. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that SphK2 is an essential lipid regulator in NAFLD-associated HCC, providing experimental evidence to support clinical trials of SphK2 inhibitors as systemic therapies against HCC.
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15
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Pashikanti S, Foster DJ, Kharel Y, Brown AM, Bevan DR, Lynch KR, Santos WL. Sphingosine Kinase 2 Inhibitors: Rigid Aliphatic Tail Derivatives Deliver Potent and Selective Analogues. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:469-489. [PMID: 36281302 PMCID: PMC9585524 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Sphingosine 1-phosphate
(S1P) is a pleiotropic signaling molecule
that interacts with five native G-protein coupled receptors (S1P1–5)
to regulate cell growth, survival, and proliferation. S1P has been
implicated in a variety of pathologies including cancer, kidney fibrosis,
and multiple sclerosis. As key mediators in the synthesis of S1P,
sphingosine kinase (SphK) isoforms 1 and 2 have attracted attention
as viable targets for pharmacologic intervention. In this report,
we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of sphingosine
kinase 2 (SphK2) inhibitors with a focus on systematically introducing
rigid structures in the aliphatic lipid tail present in existing SphK2
inhibitors. Experimental as well as molecular modeling studies suggest
that conformationally restricted “lipophilic tail” analogues
bearing a bulky terminal moiety or an internal phenyl ring are useful
to complement the “J”-shaped sphingosine binding pocket
of SphK2. We identified 14c (SLP9101555) as a potent
SphK2 inhibitor (Ki = 90 nM) with 200-fold
selectivity over SphK1. Molecular docking studies indicated key interactions:
the cyclohexyl ring binding in the cleft deep in the pocket, a trifluoromethyl
group fitting in a small side cavity, and a hydrogen bond between
the guanidino group and Asp308 (amino acid numbering refers to human
SphK2 (isoform c) orthologue). In vitro studies using
U937 human histiocytic lymphoma cells showed marked decreases in extracellular
S1P levels in response to our SphK2 inhibitors. Administration of 14c (dose: 5 mg/kg) to mice resulted in a sustained increase
of circulating S1P levels, suggesting target engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinath Pashikanti
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209, United States
| | - Daniel J. Foster
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Anne M. Brown
- Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - David R. Bevan
- Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
| | - Kevin R. Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
- Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States
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16
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A Novel Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitor Suppresses Chikungunya Virus Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061123. [PMID: 35746595 PMCID: PMC9229564 DOI: 10.3390/v14061123] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arbovirus in the alphavirus genus. Upon infection, it can cause severe joint pain that can last years in some patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. Currently, there are no vaccines or anti-viral therapies available against CHIKV. Its spread to the Americas from the eastern continents has substantially increased the count of the infected by millions. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify therapeutic targets for CHIKV treatment. A potential point of intervention is the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathway. Conversion of sphingosine to S1P is catalyzed by Sphingosine kinases (SKs), which we previously showed to be crucial pro-viral host factor during CHIKV infection. In this study, we screened inhibitors of SKs and identified a novel potent inhibitor of CHIKV infection—SLL3071511. We showed that the pre-treatment of cells with SLL3071511 in vitro effectively inhibited CHIKV infection with an EC50 value of 2.91 µM under both prophylactic and therapeutic modes, significantly decreasing the viral gene expression and release of viral particles. Our studies suggest that targeting SKs is a viable approach for controlling CHIKV replication.
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17
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Sphk1 and Sphk2 Differentially Regulate Erythropoietin Synthesis in Mouse Renal Interstitial Fibroblast-like Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115882. [PMID: 35682566 PMCID: PMC9180811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (Epo) is a crucial hormone regulating red blood cell number and consequently the hematocrit. Epo is mainly produced in the kidney by interstitial fibroblast-like cells. Previously, we have shown that in cultures of the immortalized mouse renal fibroblast-like cell line FAIK F3-5, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), by activating S1P1 and S1P3 receptors, can stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α and upregulate Epo mRNA and protein synthesis. In this study, we have addressed the role of intracellular iS1P derived from sphingosine kinases (Sphk) 1 and 2 on Epo synthesis in F3-5 cells and in mouse primary cultures of renal fibroblasts. We show that stable knockdown of Sphk2 in F3-5 cells increases HIF-2α protein and Epo mRNA and protein levels, while Sphk1 knockdown leads to a reduction of hypoxia-stimulated HIF-2α and Epo protein. A similar effect was obtained using primary cultures of renal fibroblasts isolated from wildtype mice, Sphk1−/−, or Sphk2−/− mice. Furthermore, selective Sphk2 inhibitors mimicked the effect of genetic Sphk2 depletion and also upregulated HIF-2α and Epo protein levels. The combined blockade of Sphk1 and Sphk2, using Sphk2−/− renal fibroblasts treated with the Sphk1 inhibitor PF543, resulted in reduced HIF-2α and Epo compared to the untreated Sphk2−/− cells. Exogenous sphingosine (Sph) enhanced HIF-2α and Epo, and this was abolished by the combined treatment with the selective S1P1 and S1P3 antagonists NIBR-0213 and TY52156, suggesting that Sph was taken up by cells and converted to iS1P and exported to then act in an autocrine manner through S1P1 and S1P3. The upregulation of HIF-2α and Epo synthesis by Sphk2 knockdown was confirmed in the human hepatoma cell line Hep3B, which is well-established to upregulate Epo production under hypoxia. In summary, these data show that sphingolipids have diverse effects on Epo synthesis. While accumulation of intracellular Sph reduces Epo synthesis, iS1P will be exported to act through S1P1+3 to enhance Epo synthesis. Furthermore, these data suggest that selective inhibition of Sphk2 is an attractive new option to enhance Epo synthesis and thereby to reduce anemia development in chronic kidney disease.
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18
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Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-targeted therapeutics in rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:335-351. [PMID: 35508810 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00784-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which acts via G protein-coupled S1P receptors (S1PRs), is a bioactive lipid essential for vascular integrity and lymphocyte trafficking. The S1P-S1PR signalling axis is a key component of the inflammatory response in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Several drugs that target S1PRs have been approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease and are under clinical testing for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Preclinical studies support the hypothesis that targeting the S1P-S1PR axis would be beneficial to patients with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) by reducing pathological inflammation. Whereas most preclinical research and development efforts are focused on reducing lymphocyte trafficking, protective effects of circulating S1P on endothelial S1PRs, which maintain the vascular barrier and enable blood circulation while dampening leukocyte extravasation, have been largely overlooked. In this Review, we take a holistic view of S1P-S1PR signalling in lymphocyte and vascular pathobiology. We focus on the potential of S1PR modulators for the treatment of SLE, RA and SSc and summarize the rationale, pathobiology and evidence from preclinical models and clinical studies. Improved understanding of S1P pathobiology in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and S1PR therapeutic modulation is anticipated to lead to efficacious and safer management of these diseases.
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19
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Sphk2 deletion is involved in structural abnormalities and Th17 response but does not aggravate colon inflammation induced by sub-chronic stress. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4073. [PMID: 35260749 PMCID: PMC8904788 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08011-8] [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: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The chronic inflammatory process that characterizes inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is mainly driven by T-cell response to microbial and environmental antigens. Psychological stress is a potential trigger of clinical flares of IBD, and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is involved in T-cell recruitment. Hence, stress impact and the absence of sphingosine kinase 2 (Sphk2), an enzyme of S1P metabolism, were evaluated in the colon of mice after sub-chronic stress exposure. Here, we show that sub-chronic stress increased S1P in the mouse colon, possibly due to a decrease in its degradation enzymes and Sphk2. S1P accumulation could lead to inflammation and immune dysregulation reflected by upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, inhibition of anti-inflammatory mechanisms, cytokine-expression profile towards a T-helper lymphocyte 17 (Th17) polarization, plasmacytosis, decrease in IgA+ lymphoid lineage cells (CD45+)/B cells/plasmablasts, and increase in IgM+ B cells. Stress also enhanced intestinal permeability. Sphk2 knockout mice presented a cytokine-expression profile towards a boosted Th17 response, lower expression of claudin 3,4,7,8, and structural abnormalities in the colon. Intestinal pathophysiology should consider stress and S1P as modulators of the immune response. S1P-based drugs, including Sphk2 potentiation, represent a promising approach to treat IBD.
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20
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Revealing 2-Dimethylhydrazino-2-alkyl alkynyl sphingosine derivatives as Sphingosine Kinase 2 inhibitors: some hints on the structural basis for selective inhibition. Bioorg Chem 2022; 121:105668. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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21
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Liu H, Jackson ML, Goudswaard LJ, Moore SF, Hutchinson JL, Hers I. Sphingosine-1-phosphate modulates PAR1-mediated human platelet activation in a concentration-dependent biphasic manner. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15308. [PMID: 34321503 PMCID: PMC8319165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive signalling sphingolipid that is increased in diseases such as obesity and diabetes. S1P can modulate platelet function, however the direction of effect and S1P receptors (S1PRs) involved are controversial. Here we describe the role of S1P in regulating human platelet function and identify the receptor subtypes responsible for S1P priming. Human platelets were treated with protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1)-activating peptide in the presence or absence of S1P, S1PR agonists or antagonists, and sphingosine kinases inhibitors. S1P alone did not induce platelet aggregation but at low concentrations S1P enhanced PAR1-mediated platelet responses, whereas PAR1 responses were inhibited by high concentrations of S1P. This biphasic effect was mimicked by pan-S1PR agonists. Specific agonists revealed that S1PR1 receptor activation has a positive priming effect, S1PR2 and S1PR3 have no effect on platelet function, whereas S1PR4 and S1PR5 receptor activation have an inhibitory effect on PAR-1 mediated platelet function. Although platelets express both sphingosine kinase 1/2, enzymes which phosphorylate sphingosine to produce S1P, only dual and SphK2 inhibition reduced platelet function. These results support a role for SphK2-mediated S1P generation in concentration-dependent positive and negative priming of platelet function, through S1PR1 and S1PR4/5 receptors, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Liu
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Molly L Jackson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Lucy J Goudswaard
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Oakfield House, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Samantha F Moore
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - James L Hutchinson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ingeborg Hers
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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22
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Imeri F, Stepanovska Tanturovska B, Schwalm S, Saha S, Zeng-Brouwers J, Pavenstädt H, Pfeilschifter J, Schaefer L, Huwiler A. Loss of sphingosine kinase 2 enhances Wilm's tumor suppressor gene 1 and nephrin expression in podocytes and protects from streptozotocin-induced podocytopathy and albuminuria in mice. Matrix Biol 2021; 98:32-48. [PMID: 34015468 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that is now appreciated as key regulatory factor for various cellular functions in the kidney, including matrix remodeling. It is generated by two sphingosine kinases (Sphk), Sphk1 and Sphk2, which are ubiquitously expressed, but have distinct enzymatic activities and subcellular localizations. In this study, we have investigated the role of Sphk2 in podocyte function and its contribution to diabetic nephropathy. We show that streptozotocin (STZ)-induced nephropathy and albuminuria in mice is prevented by genetic depletion of Sphk2. This protection correlated with an increased protein expression of the transcription factor Wilm's tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1) and its target gene nephrin, and a reduced macrophage infiltration in immunohistochemical renal sections of STZ-treated Sphk2-/- mice compared to STZ-treated wildtype mice. To investigate changes on the cellular level, we used an immortalized human podocyte cell line and generated a stable knockdown of Sphk2 (Sphk2-kd) by a lentiviral transduction method. These Sphk2-kd cells accumulated sphingosine as a consequence of the knockdown, and showed enhanced nephrin and WT1 mRNA and protein expressions similar to the finding in Sphk2 knockout mice. Treatment of wildtype podocytes with the highly selective Sphk2 inhibitor SLM6031434 caused a similar upregulation of nephrin and WT1 expression. Furthermore, exposing cells to the profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) resulted on the one side in reduced nephrin and WT1 expression, but on the other side, in upregulation of various profibrotic marker proteins, including connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin (FN) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) 1. All these effects were reverted by Sphk2-kd and SLM6031434. Mechanistically, the protection by Sphk2-kd may depend on accumulated sphingosine and inhibited PKC activity, since treatment of cells with exogenous sphingosine not only reduced the phosphorylation pattern of PKC substrates, but also increased WT1 protein expression. Moreover, the selective stable knockdown of PKCδ increased WT1 expression, suggesting the involvement of this PKC isoenzyme in WT1 regulation. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone, which is a treatment option in many glomerular diseases and is known to mediate a nephroprotection, not only downregulated Sphk2 and enhanced cellular sphingosine, but also enhanced WT1 and nephrin expressions, thus, suggesting that parts of the nephroprotective effect of dexamethasone is mediated by Sphk2 downregulation. Altogether, our data demonstrated that loss of Sphk2 is protective in diabetes-induced podocytopathy and can prevent proteinuria, which is a hallmark of many glomerular diseases. Thus, Sphk2 could serve as a new attractive pharmacological target to treat proteinuric kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faik Imeri
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, Bern CH-3010, Switzerland
| | | | - Stephanie Schwalm
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main D-60590, Germany
| | - Sarbari Saha
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main D-60590, Germany
| | - Jinyang Zeng-Brouwers
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main D-60590, Germany
| | - Herrmann Pavenstädt
- Medizinische Klinik D, University Hospital Münster, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Josef Pfeilschifter
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main D-60590, Germany
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main D-60590, Germany.
| | - Andrea Huwiler
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, Bern CH-3010, Switzerland.
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Ding T, Zhi Y, Xie W, Yao Q, Liu B. Rational design of SphK inhibitors using crystal structures aided by computer. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 213:113164. [PMID: 33454547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113164] [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: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine kinases (SphKs) are lipid kinases that catalyze the phosphorylation of sphingosine (Sph) to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). As a bioactive lipid, S1P plays a role outside and inside the cell to regulate biological processes. The overexpression of SphKs is related to a variety of pathophysiological conditions. Targeting the S1P signaling pathway is a potential treatment strategy for many diseases. SphKs are key kinases of the S1P signaling pathway. The SphK family includes two isoforms: SphK1 and SphK2. Determination of the co-crystal structure of SphK1 with various inhibitors has laid a solid foundation for the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting SphKs. This paper reviews the differences and connections between the two isoforms and the structure of SphK1 crystals, especially the structure of its Sph "J-shaped" channel binding site. This review also summarizes the recent development of SphK1 and SphK2 selective inhibitors and the exploration of the unresolved SphK2 structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiandi Ding
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ying Zhi
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, PR China
| | - Weilin Xie
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, PR China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Bo Liu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, PR China.
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24
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Congdon M, Fritzemeier RG, Kharel Y, Brown AM, Serbulea V, Bevan DR, Lynch KR, Santos WL. Probing the substitution pattern of indole-based scaffold reveals potent and selective sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 212:113121. [PMID: 33445156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and increased expression of sphingosine kinase isoforms (SphK1 and SphK2) have been implicated in a variety of disease states including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Consequently, the S1P signaling axis has become an attractive target for drug discovery. Selective inhibition of either SphK1 or SphK2 has been demonstrated to be effective in modulating S1P levels in animal models. While SphK1 inhibitors have received much attention, the development of potent and selective SphK2 inhibitors are emerging. Previously, our group reported a SphK2 naphthalene-based selective inhibitor, SLC5081308, which displays approximately 7-fold selectivity for hSphK2 over hSphK1 and has a SphK2 Ki value of 1.0 μM. To improve SphK2 potency and selectivity, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated a series of indole-based compounds derived from SLC5081308. After investigating substitution patterns around the indole ring, we discovered that 1,5-disubstitution promoted optimal binding in the SphK2 substrate binding site and subsequent inhibition of enzymatic activity. Our studies led to the identification of SLC5101465 (6r, SphK2 Ki = 90 nM, >110 fold selective for SphK2 over SphK1). Molecular modeling studies revealed key nonpolar interactions with Val308, Phe548, His556, and Cys533 and hydrogen bonds with both Asp211 and Asp308 as responsible for the high SphK2 inhibition and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Congdon
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States
| | - Russell G Fritzemeier
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States
| | - Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Anne M Brown
- Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States; Research and Informatics, University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States
| | - Vlad Serbulea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - David R Bevan
- Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, United States
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, United States.
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25
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Li H, Sibley CD, Kharel Y, Huang T, Brown AM, Wonilowicz LG, Bevan DR, Lynch KR, Santos WL. Lipophilic tail modifications of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine scaffold reveal dual sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 30:115941. [PMID: 33385956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway is an attractive target for pharmacological manipulation due to its involvement in cancer progression and immune cell chemotaxis. The synthesis of S1P is catalyzed by the action of sphingosine kinase 1 or 2 (SphK1 or SphK2) on sphingosine and ATP. While potent and selective inhibitors of SphK1 or SphK2 have been reported, development of potent dual SphK1/SphK2 inhibitors are still needed. Towards this end, we report the structure-activity relationship profiling of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine-based inhibitors with 22d being the most potent dual SphK1/SphK2 inhibitor (SphK1 Ki = 0.679 μM, SphK2 Ki = 0.951 μM) reported in this series. 22d inhibited the growth of engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae and decreased S1P levels in histiocytic lymphoma myeloid cell line (U937 cells), demonstrating inhibition of SphK1 and 2 in vitro. Molecular modeling studies of 22d docked inside the Sph binding pocket of both SphK1 and SphK2 indicate essential hydrogen bond between the 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine head to interact with aspartic acid and serine residues near the ATP binding pocket, which provide the basis for dual inhibition. In addition, the dodecyl tail adopts a "J-shape" conformation found in crystal structure of sphingosine bound to SphK1. Collectively, these studies provide insight into the intermolecular interactions in the SphK1 and 2 active sites to achieve maximal dual inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | | | - Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Anne M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Laura G Wonilowicz
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - David R Bevan
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States; Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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26
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Schwalm S, Beyer S, Hafizi R, Trautmann S, Geisslinger G, Adams DR, Pyne S, Pyne N, Schaefer L, Huwiler A, Pfeilschifter J. Validation of highly selective sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors SLM6031434 and HWG-35D as effective anti-fibrotic treatment options in a mouse model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 79:109881. [PMID: 33301900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and progressively leads to functional insufficiency and even total loss of kidney function. In this study we investigated the anti-fibrotic potential of two highly selective and potent SK2 inhibitors, SLM6031434 and HWG-35D, in unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO), a model for progressive renal fibrosis, in mice. In both cases, treatment with SLM6031434 or HWG-35D resulted in an attenuated fibrotic response to UUO in comparison to vehicle-treated mice as demonstrated by reduced collagen accumulation and a decreased expression of collagen-1 (Col1), fibronectin-1 (FN-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Similar to our previous study in Sphk2-/- mice, we found an increased protein expression of Smad7, a negative regulator of the pro-fibrotic TGFβ/Smad signalling cascade, accompanied by a strong accumulation of sphingosine in SK2 inhibitor-treated kidneys. Treatment of primary renal fibroblasts with SLM6031434 or HWG-35D dose-dependently increased Smad7 expression and ameliorated the expression of Col1, FN-1 and CTGF. In summary, these data prove the anti-fibrotic potential of SK2 inhibition in a mouse model of renal fibrosis, thereby validating SK2 as pharmacological target for the treatment of fibrosis in chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Schwalm
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universitätsklinikum and Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Sandra Beyer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universitätsklinikum and Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Redona Hafizi
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Trautmann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Universitätsklinikum and Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Universitätsklinikum and Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David R Adams
- School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susan Pyne
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nigel Pyne
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universitätsklinikum and Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andrea Huwiler
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josef Pfeilschifter
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universitätsklinikum and Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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27
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Structure-activity relationship studies and bioactivity evaluation of 1,2,3-triazole containing analogues as a selective sphingosine kinase-2 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 206:112713. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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McGowan EM, Haddadi N, Nassif NT, Lin Y. Targeting the SphK-S1P-SIPR Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Approach for COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197189. [PMID: 33003377 PMCID: PMC7583882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197189] [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: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is currently experiencing the worst health pandemic since the Spanish flu in 1918-the COVID-19 pandemic-caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pandemic is the world's third wake-up call this century. In 2003 and 2012, the world experienced two major coronavirus outbreaks, SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East Respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), causing major respiratory tract infections. At present, there is neither a vaccine nor a cure for COVID-19. The severe COVID-19 symptoms of hyperinflammation, catastrophic damage to the vascular endothelium, thrombotic complications, septic shock, brain damage, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and acute neurological and psychiatric complications are unprecedented. Many COVID-19 deaths result from the aftermath of hyperinflammatory complications, also referred to as the "cytokine storm syndrome", endotheliitus and blood clotting, all with the potential to cause multiorgan dysfunction. The sphingolipid rheostat plays integral roles in viral replication, activation/modulation of the immune response, and importantly in maintaining vasculature integrity, with sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) and its cognate receptors (SIPRs: G-protein-coupled receptors) being key factors in vascular protection against endotheliitus. Hence, modulation of sphingosine kinase (SphK), S1P, and the S1P receptor pathway may provide significant beneficial effects towards counteracting the life-threatening, acute, and chronic complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, prospective vaccines, and current treatments. We then discuss the evidence supporting the targeting of SphK/S1P and S1P receptors in the repertoire of COVID-19 therapies to control viral replication and alleviate the known and emerging acute and chronic symptoms of COVID-19. Three clinical trials using FDA-approved sphingolipid-based drugs being repurposed and evaluated to help in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M McGowan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Esophageal Cancer Precise Therapy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (N.H.); (N.T.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-405814048
| | - Nahal Haddadi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (N.H.); (N.T.N.)
| | - Najah T. Nassif
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (N.H.); (N.T.N.)
| | - Yiguang Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Esophageal Cancer Precise Therapy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; (N.H.); (N.T.N.)
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Abstract
The signaling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) plays critical roles in an immune response. Drugs targeting S1P signaling have been remarkably successful in treatment of multiple sclerosis, and they have shown promise in clinical trials for colitis and psoriasis. One mechanism of these drugs is to block lymphocyte exit from lymph nodes, where lymphocytes are initially activated, into circulation, from which lymphocytes can reach sites of inflammation. Indeed, S1P can be considered a circulation marker, signaling to immune cells to help them find blood and lymphatic vessels, and to endothelial cells to stabilize the vasculature. That said, S1P plays pleiotropic roles in the immune response, and it will be important to build an integrated view of how S1P shapes inflammation. S1P can function so effectively because its distribution is exquisitely tightly controlled. Here we review how S1P gradients regulate immune cell exit from tissues, with particular attention to key outstanding questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey A.L. Baeyens
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;,
| | - Susan R. Schwab
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;,
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30
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Cartier A, Hla T. Sphingosine 1-phosphate: Lipid signaling in pathology and therapy. Science 2020; 366:366/6463/eaar5551. [PMID: 31624181 DOI: 10.1126/science.aar5551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a metabolic product of cell membrane sphingolipids, is bound to extracellular chaperones, is enriched in circulatory fluids, and binds to G protein-coupled S1P receptors (S1PRs) to regulate embryonic development, postnatal organ function, and disease. S1PRs regulate essential processes such as adaptive immune cell trafficking, vascular development, and homeostasis. Moreover, S1PR signaling is a driver of multiple diseases. The past decade has witnessed an exponential growth in this field, in part because of multidisciplinary research focused on this lipid mediator and the application of S1PR-targeted drugs in clinical medicine. This has revealed fundamental principles of lysophospholipid mediator signaling that not only clarify the complex and wide ranging actions of S1P but also guide the development of therapeutics and translational directions in immunological, cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreane Cartier
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Timothy Hla
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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31
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Kharel Y, Huang T, Salamon A, Harris TE, Santos WL, Lynch KR. Mechanism of sphingosine 1-phosphate clearance from blood. Biochem J 2020; 477:925-935. [PMID: 32065229 PMCID: PMC7059866 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The interplay of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) synthetic and degradative enzymes as well as S1P exporters creates concentration gradients that are a fundamental to S1P biology. Extracellular S1P levels, such as in blood and lymph, are high relative to cellular S1P. The blood-tissue S1P gradient maintains endothelial integrity while local S1P gradients influence immune cell positioning. Indeed, the importance of S1P gradients was recognized initially when the mechanism of action of an S1P receptor agonist used as a medicine for multiple sclerosis was revealed to be inhibition of T-lymphocytes' recognition of the high S1P in efferent lymph. Furthermore, the increase in erythrocyte S1P in response to hypoxia influences oxygen delivery during high altitude acclimatization. However, understanding of how S1P gradients are maintained is incomplete. For example, S1P is synthesized but is only slowly metabolized by blood yet circulating S1P turns over quickly by an unknown mechanism. Prompted by the counterintuitive observation that blood S1P increases markedly in response to inhibition S1P synthesis (by sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2)), we studied mice wherein several tissues were made deficient in either SphK2 or S1P degrading enzymes. Our data reveal a mechanism whereby S1P is de-phosphorylated at the hepatocyte surface and the resulting sphingosine is sequestered by SphK phosphorylation and in turn degraded by intracellular S1P lyase. Thus, we identify the liver as the primary site of blood S1P clearance and provide an explanation for the role of SphK2 in this process. Our discovery suggests a general mechanism whereby S1P gradients are shaped.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, U.S.A
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, U.S.A
| | - Anita Salamon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, U.S.A
| | - Thurl E. Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, U.S.A
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, U.S.A
| | - Kevin R. Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, U.S.A
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Magli E, Corvino A, Fiorino F, Frecentese F, Perissutti E, Saccone I, Santagada V, Caliendo G, Severino B. Design of Sphingosine Kinases Inhibitors: Challenges and Recent Developments. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:956-968. [PMID: 30947653 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190404115424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sphingosine kinases (SphKs) catalyze the phosphorylation of sphingosine to form the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P is an important lipid mediator with a wide range of biological functions; it is also involved in a variety of diseases such as inflammatory diseases, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. METHODS This review reports the recent advancement in the research of SphKs inhibitors. Our purpose is also to provide a complete overview useful for underlining the features needed to select a specific pharmacological profile. DISCUSSION Two distinct mammalian SphK isoforms have been identified, SphK1 and SphK2. These isoforms are encoded by different genes and exhibit distinct subcellular localizations, biochemical properties and functions. SphK1 and SphK2 inhibition can be useful in different pathological conditions. CONCLUSION SphK1 and SphK2 have many common features but different and even opposite biological functions. For this reason, several research groups are interested in understanding the therapeutic usefulness of a selective or non-selective inhibitor of SphKs. Moreover, a compensatory mechanism for the two isoforms has been demonstrated, thus leading to the development of dual inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Magli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Corvino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Fiorino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Perissutti
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Saccone
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Santagada
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caliendo
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Severino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Sibley CD, Morris EA, Kharel Y, Brown AM, Huang T, Bevan DR, Lynch KR, Santos WL. Discovery of a Small Side Cavity in Sphingosine Kinase 2 that Enhances Inhibitor Potency and Selectivity. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1178-1198. [PMID: 31895563 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling pathway is an attractive drug target due to its involvement in immune cell chemotaxis and vascular integrity. The formation of S1P is catalyzed by sphingosine kinase 1 or 2 (SphK1 or SphK2) from sphingosine (Sph) and ATP. Inhibition of SphK1 and SphK2 to attenuate levels of S1P has been reported to be efficacious in animal models of diseases such as cancer, sickle cell disease, and renal fibrosis. While inhibitors of both SphKs have been reported, improvements in potency and selectivity are still needed. Toward that end, we performed structure-activity relationship profiling of 8 (SLM6031434) and discovered a heretofore unrecognized side cavity that increased inhibitor potency toward SphK2. Interrogating this region revealed that relatively small hydrophobic moieties are preferred, with 10 being the most potent SphK2-selective inhibitor (Ki = 89 nM, 73-fold SphK2-selective) with validated in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Sibley
- Department of Chemistry , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - Emily A Morris
- Department of Chemistry , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - Anne M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States.,Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - David R Bevan
- Department of Biochemistry , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States.,Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22908 , United States
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States.,Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
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34
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Blais-Lecours P, Laouafa S, Arias-Reyes C, Santos WL, Joseph V, Burgess JK, Halayko AJ, Soliz J, Marsolais D. Metabolic Adaptation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells to an SPHK2 Substrate Precedes Cytostasis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:35-42. [PMID: 31247144 PMCID: PMC6938129 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2018-0397oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thickening of the airway smooth muscle is central to bronchial hyperreactivity. We have shown that the sphingosine analog (R)-2-amino-4-(4-heptyloxyphenyl)-2-methylbutanol (AAL-R) can reverse preestablished airway hyperreactivity in a chronic asthma model. Because sphingosine analogs can be metabolized by SPHK2 (sphingosine kinase 2), we investigated whether this enzyme was required for AAL-R to perturb mechanisms sustaining airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. We found that AAL-R pretreatment reduced the capacity of live airway smooth muscle cells to use oxygen for oxidative phosphorylation and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity. We also determined that SPHK2 was upregulated in airway smooth muscle cells bearing the proliferation marker Ki67 relative to their Ki67-negative counterpart. Comparing different stromal cell subsets of the lung, we found that high SPHK2 concentrations were associated with the ability of AAL-R to inhibit metabolic activity assessed by conversion of the tetrazolium dye MTT. Knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of SPHK2 reversed the effect of AAL-R on MTT conversion, indicating the essential role for this kinase in the metabolic perturbations induced by sphingosine analogs. Our results support the hypothesis that increased SPHK2 levels in proliferating airway smooth muscle cells could be exploited to counteract airway smooth muscle thickening with synthetic substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Blais-Lecours
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and
| | - Sofien Laouafa
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and
| | - Christian Arias-Reyes
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry and Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Vincent Joseph
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Janette K. Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research and
- GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew J. Halayko
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; and
- Biology of Breathing Group, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jorge Soliz
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - David Marsolais
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec and
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Torretta E, Barbacini P, Al-Daghri NM, Gelfi C. Sphingolipids in Obesity and Correlated Co-Morbidities: The Contribution of Gender, Age and Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235901. [PMID: 31771303 PMCID: PMC6929069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews our present knowledge on the contribution of ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), dihydroceramide (DhCer) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in obesity and related co-morbidities. Specifically, in this paper, we address the role of acyl chain composition in bodily fluids for monitoring obesity in males and females, in aging persons and in situations of environmental hypoxia adaptation. After a brief introduction on sphingolipid synthesis and compartmentalization, the node of detection methods has been critically revised as the node of the use of animal models. The latter do not recapitulate the human condition, making it difficult to compare levels of sphingolipids found in animal tissues and human bodily fluids, and thus, to find definitive conclusions. In human subjects, the search for putative biomarkers has to be performed on easily accessible material, such as serum. The serum “sphingolipidome” profile indicates that attention should be focused on specific acyl chains associated with obesity, per se, since total Cer and SM levels coupled with dyslipidemia and vitamin D deficiency can be confounding factors. Furthermore, exposure to hypoxia indicates a relationship between dyslipidemia, obesity, oxygen level and aerobic/anaerobic metabolism, thus, opening new research avenues in the role of sphingolipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Torretta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.T.); (P.B.)
| | - Pietro Barbacini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.T.); (P.B.)
- Ph.D. school in Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Nasser M. Al-Daghri
- Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, Biochemistry Department,College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Cecilia Gelfi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Luigi Mangiagalli 31, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.T.); (P.B.)
- I.R.C.C.S Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, R. Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-025-033-0475
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Ebenezer DL, Berdyshev EV, Bronova IA, Liu Y, Tiruppathi C, Komarova Y, Benevolenskaya EV, Suryadevara V, Ha AW, Harijith A, tuder RM, Natarajan V, Fu P. Pseudomonas aeruginosa stimulates nuclear sphingosine-1-phosphate generation and epigenetic regulation of lung inflammatory injury. Thorax 2019; 74:579-591. [PMID: 30723184 PMCID: PMC6834354 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various pulmonary disorders. Nuclear sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to regulate histone acetylation, and therefore could mediate pro-inflammatory genes expression. METHODS Profile of sphingolipid species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and lung tissue of mice challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) was investigated. The role of nuclear sphingosine kinase (SPHK)2 and S1P in lung inflammatory injury by PA using genetically engineered mice was determined. RESULTS Genetic deletion of Sphk2, but not Sphk1, in mice conferred protection from PA-mediated lung inflammation. PA infection stimulated phosphorylation of SPHK2 and its localisation in epithelial cell nucleus, which was mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) δ. Inhibition of PKC δ or SPHK2 activity reduced PA-mediated acetylation of histone H3 and H4, which was necessary for the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α. The clinical significance of the findings is supported by enhanced nuclear localisation of p-SPHK2 in the epithelium of lung specimens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CONCLUSIONS Our studies define a critical role for nuclear SPHK2/S1P signalling in epigenetic regulation of bacterial-mediated inflammatory lung injury. Targeting SPHK2 may represent a potential strategy to reduce lung inflammatory pulmonary disorders such as pneumonia and CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Ebenezer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Irina A Bronova
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Yuru Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Yulia Komarova
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - Alison W Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anantha Harijith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rubin M tuder
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Viswanathan Natarajan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Panfeng Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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37
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Qi H, Cole J, Grambergs RC, Gillenwater JR, Mondal K, Khanam S, Dutta S, Stiles M, Proia RL, Allegood J, Mandal N. Sphingosine Kinase 2 Phosphorylation of FTY720 is Unnecessary for Prevention of Light-Induced Retinal Damage. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7771. [PMID: 31123291 PMCID: PMC6533254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44047-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian Sphingosine kinase 2 is the primary enzyme responsible for phosphorylating FTY720 to its active form, FTY720-P. Systemic FTY720 treatment confers significant protection to murine retinas from light- and disease-mediated photoreceptor cell death. It is not clear whether FTY720-P, FTY720, or both are responsible for this photoreceptor protection. We investigated Sphingosine kinase 2 knockout (Sphk2 KO) mouse retinas, tested their sensitivity to light, and measured what degree of protection from light-induced damage they receive from systemic FTY720 treatment. Sphk2 KO retinas were found to be similar to their wild-type counterparts in sensitivity to light damage. Additionally, FTY720 treatment protected Sphk2 KO retinas from light-induced damage despite significant retardation of FTY720 phosphorylation in Sphk2 KO mice. We conclude that FTY720 serves an active role in preventing photoreceptor cell death. Furthermore, we conclude that the phosphorylation of FTY720 is not necessary to provide this protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Jerome Cole
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Richard C Grambergs
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - John R Gillenwater
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Koushik Mondal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Sufiya Khanam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Soma Dutta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Megan Stiles
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Richard L Proia
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jeremy Allegood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 2329, USA
| | - Nawajes Mandal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA. .,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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38
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Worrell BL, Brown AM, Santos WL, Bevan DR. In Silico Characterization of Structural Distinctions between Isoforms of Human and Mouse Sphingosine Kinases for Accelerating Drug Discovery. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:2339-2351. [PMID: 30844267 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in cellular signaling pathways are associated with multiple disease states including cancers and fibrosis. Current research efforts to attenuate cancers, specifically lymphatic cancer, focus on inhibition of two sphingosine kinase isoforms, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2). Determining differences in structural and physicochemical binding site properties of SphKs is attractive to refine inhibitor potency and isoform selectivity. This study utilizes a predictive in silico approach to determine key differences in binding sites in SphK isoforms in human and mouse species. Homology modeling, molecular docking of inhibitors, analysis of binding pocket residue positions, development of pharmacophore models, and analysis of binding cavity volume were performed to determine isoform- and species-selective characteristics of the binding site and generate a system to rank potential inhibitors. Interestingly, docking studies showed compounds bound to mouse SphK1 in a manner more similar to human SphK2 than to human SphK1, indicating that SphKs in mice have structural properties distinct from humans that confounds prediction of ligand selectivity in mice. Our studies aid in the development and production of new compound classes by highlighting structural distinctions and identifying the role of key residues that cause observable, functional differences in isoforms and between orthologues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney L Worrell
- Department of Biochemistry , Virginia Tech , 201 Engel Hall (0308) 340 West Campus Drive , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - Anne M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry , Virginia Tech , 201 Engel Hall (0308) 340 West Campus Drive , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States.,University Libraries , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States.,Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States , and.,Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
| | - David R Bevan
- Department of Biochemistry , Virginia Tech , 201 Engel Hall (0308) 340 West Campus Drive , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States.,Virginia Tech Center for Drug Discovery , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg , Virginia 24061 , United States
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39
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Ahuja G, Bartsch D, Yao W, Geissen S, Frank S, Aguirre A, Russ N, Messling JE, Dodzian J, Lagerborg KA, Vargas NE, Muck JS, Brodesser S, Baldus S, Sachinidis A, Hescheler J, Dieterich C, Trifunovic A, Papantonis A, Petrascheck M, Klinke A, Jain M, Valenzano DR, Kurian L. Loss of genomic integrity induced by lysosphingolipid imbalance drives ageing in the heart. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:embr.201847407. [PMID: 30886000 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201847407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac dysfunctions dramatically increase with age. Revealing a currently unknown contributor to cardiac ageing, we report the age-dependent, cardiac-specific accumulation of the lysosphingolipid sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine, DHS) as an evolutionarily conserved hallmark of the aged vertebrate heart. Mechanistically, the DHS-derivative sphinganine-1-phosphate (DHS1P) directly inhibits HDAC1, causing an aberrant elevation in histone acetylation and transcription levels, leading to DNA damage. Accordingly, the pharmacological interventions, preventing (i) the accumulation of DHS1P using SPHK2 inhibitors, (ii) the aberrant increase in histone acetylation using histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors, (iii) the DHS1P-dependent increase in transcription using an RNA polymerase II inhibitor, block DHS-induced DNA damage in human cardiomyocytes. Importantly, an increase in DHS levels in the hearts of healthy young adult mice leads to an impairment in cardiac functionality indicated by a significant reduction in left ventricular fractional shortening and ejection fraction, mimicking the functional deterioration of aged hearts. These molecular and functional defects can be partially prevented in vivo using HAT inhibitors. Together, we report an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which increased DHS levels drive the decline in cardiac health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Ahuja
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Deniz Bartsch
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wenjie Yao
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Geissen
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Frank
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aitor Aguirre
- Departments of Medicine & Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Russ
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Erik Messling
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joanna Dodzian
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kim A Lagerborg
- Departments of Medicine & Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Emilse Vargas
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joscha Sergej Muck
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susanne Brodesser
- CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Baldus
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Juergen Hescheler
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Heidelberg & German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Trifunovic
- CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Argyris Papantonis
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Anna Klinke
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohit Jain
- Departments of Medicine & Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dario Riccardo Valenzano
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany .,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Leo Kurian
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany .,Institute for Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD; Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Ageing-associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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40
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Vettorazzi M, Vila L, Lima S, Acosta L, Yépes F, Palma A, Cobo J, Tengler J, Malik I, Alvarez S, Marqués P, Cabedo N, Sanz MJ, Jampilek J, Spiegel S, Enriz RD. Synthesis and biological evaluation of sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors with anti-inflammatory activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2019; 352:e1800298. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201800298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Vettorazzi
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL); San Luis Argentina
| | - Laura Vila
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Valencia; Valencia Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA University Clinic Hospital of Valencia; Valencia Spain
| | - Santiago Lima
- Department of Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Richmond Virginia
| | - Lina Acosta
- Laboratorio de Síntesis Orgánica, Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; Bucaramanga Colombia
| | - Felipe Yépes
- Laboratorio de Síntesis Orgánica, Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; Bucaramanga Colombia
| | - Alirio Palma
- Laboratorio de Síntesis Orgánica, Escuela de Química; Universidad Industrial de Santander; Bucaramanga Colombia
| | - Justo Cobo
- Inorganic and Organic Department; University of Jaén; Jaén Spain
| | - Jan Tengler
- Medis International a.s.; Bolatice Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Malik
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Sergio Alvarez
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL); San Luis Argentina
| | - Patrice Marqués
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Valencia; Valencia Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA University Clinic Hospital of Valencia; Valencia Spain
| | - Nuria Cabedo
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Valencia; Valencia Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA University Clinic Hospital of Valencia; Valencia Spain
| | - María J. Sanz
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Valencia; Valencia Spain
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA University Clinic Hospital of Valencia; Valencia Spain
| | - Josef Jampilek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Comenius University; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine; Richmond Virginia
| | - Ricardo D. Enriz
- Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones Biológicas (IMIBIO-SL); San Luis Argentina
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41
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Cao R, Li J, Kharel Y, Zhang C, Morris E, Santos WL, Lynch KR, Zuo Z, Hu S. Photoacoustic microscopy reveals the hemodynamic basis of sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. Theranostics 2018; 8:6111-6120. [PMID: 30613286 PMCID: PMC6299683 DOI: 10.7150/thno.29435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Emerging evidence has suggested that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive metabolite of sphingolipids, may play an important role in the pathophysiological processes of cerebral hypoxia and ischemia. However, the influence of S1P on cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism remains unclear. Material and Methods: Uniquely capable of high-resolution, label-free, and comprehensive imaging of hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism in the mouse brain without the influence of general anesthesia, our newly developed head-restrained multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is well suited for this mechanistic study. Here, combining the cutting-edge PAM and a selective inhibitor of sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2) that can increase the blood S1P level, we investigated the role of S1P in cerebral oxygen supply-demand and its neuroprotective effects on global brain hypoxia induced by nitrogen gas inhalation and focal brain ischemia induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Results: Inhibition of SphK2, which increased the blood S1P, resulted in the elevation of both arterial and venous sO2 in the hypoxic mouse brain, while the cerebral blood flow remained unchanged. As a result, it gradually and significantly reduced the metabolic rate of oxygen. Furthermore, pre-treatment of the mice subject to tMCAO with the SphK2 inhibitor led to decreased infarct volume, improved motor function, and reduced neurological deficit, compared to the control treatment with a less potent R-enantiomer. In contrast, post-treatment with the inhibitor showed no improvement in the stroke outcomes. The failure for the post-treatment to induce neuroprotection was likely due to the relatively slow hemodynamic responses to the SphK2 inhibitor-evoked S1P intervention, which did not take effect before the brain injury was induced. Conclusions: Our results reveal that elevated blood S1P significantly changes cerebral hemodynamics and oxygen metabolism under hypoxia but not normoxia. The improved blood oxygenation and reduced oxygen demand in the hypoxic brain may underlie the neuroprotective effect of S1P against ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Chenchu Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Emily Morris
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Kevin R. Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Zhiyi Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
| | - Song Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA
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42
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Mehaffey JH, Charles EJ, Narahari AK, Schubert S, Laubach VE, Teman NR, Lynch KR, Kron IL, Sharma AK. Increasing circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate attenuates lung injury during ex vivo lung perfusion. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 156:910-917. [PMID: 29609890 PMCID: PMC6056006 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.02.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sphingosine-1-phosphate regulates endothelial barrier integrity and promotes cell survival and proliferation. We hypothesized that upregulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate during ex vivo lung perfusion would attenuate acute lung injury and improve graft function. METHODS C57BL/6 mice (n = 4-8/group) were euthanized, followed by 1 hour of warm ischemia and 1 hour of cold preservation in a model of donation after cardiac death. Subsequently, mice underwent 1 hour of ex vivo lung perfusion with 1 of 4 different perfusion solutions: Steen solution (Steen, control arm), Steen with added sphingosine-1-phosphate (Steen + sphingosine-1-phosphate), Steen plus a selective sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitor (Steen + sphingosine kinase inhibitor), or Steen plus both additives (Steen + sphingosine-1-phosphate + sphingosine kinase inhibitor). During ex vivo lung perfusion, lung compliance and pulmonary artery pressure were continuously measured. Pulmonary vascular permeability was assessed with injection of Evans Blue dye. RESULTS The combination of 1 hour of warm ischemia, followed by 1 hour of cold ischemia created significant lung injury compared with lungs that were immediately harvested after circulatory death and put on ex vivo lung perfusion. Addition of sphingosine-1-phosphate or sphingosine kinase inhibitor alone did not significantly improve lung function during ex vivo lung perfusion compared with Steen without additives. However, group Steen + sphingosine-1-phosphate + sphingosine kinase inhibitor resulted in significantly increased compliance (110% ± 13.9% vs 57.7% ± 6.6%, P < .0001) and decreased pulmonary vascular permeability (33.1 ± 11.9 μg/g vs 75.8 ± 11.4 μg/g tissue, P = .04) compared with Steen alone. CONCLUSIONS Targeted drug therapy with a combination of sphingosine-1-phosphate + sphingosine kinase inhibitor during ex vivo lung perfusion improves lung function in a murine donation after cardiac death model. Elevation of circulating sphingosine-1-phosphate via specific pharmacologic modalities during ex vivo lung perfusion may provide endothelial protection in marginal donor lungs leading to successful lung rehabilitation for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hunter Mehaffey
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Eric J Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Adishesh K Narahari
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Sarah Schubert
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Victor E Laubach
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Nicholas R Teman
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Irving L Kron
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va
| | - Ashish K Sharma
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va.
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43
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Anupriya MG, Singh S, Hulyalkar NV, Sreekumar E. Sphingolipid signaling modulates trans-endothelial cell permeability in dengue virus infected HMEC-1 cells. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2018; 136:44-54. [PMID: 29733947 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Dengue has emerged as a major mosquito-borne disease in the tropics and subtropics. In severe dengue, enhanced microvascular endothelial permeability leads to plasma leakage. Direct dengue virus (DENV) infection in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) can enhance trans-endothelial leakage. Using a microarray-based analysis, we identified modulation of key endothelial cell signaling pathways in DENV-infected HMEC-1 cells. One among them was the sphingolipid pathway that regulates vascular barrier function. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) and S1PR5 showed significant up-regulation in the microarray data. In DENV-infected cells, the kinetics of S1PR2 transcript expression and enhanced in vitro trans-endothelial permeability showed a correlation. We also observed an internalization and cytoplasmic translocation of VE-Cadherin, a component of adherens junctions (AJ), upon infection indicating AJ disassembly. Further, inhibition of S1PR2 signaling by a specific pharmacological inhibitor prevented translocation of VE-Cadherin, thus helping AJ maintenance, and abrogated DENV-induced trans-endothelial leakage. Our results show that sphingolipid signaling, especially that involving S1PR2, plays a critical role in vascular leakage in dengue.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Anupriya
- Molecular Virology laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India; Research Scholar, University of Kerala, India
| | - Sneha Singh
- Molecular Virology laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India; Research Scholar, University of Kerala, India
| | - Neha Vijay Hulyalkar
- Molecular Virology laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Easwaran Sreekumar
- Molecular Virology laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India.
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44
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Kharel Y, Agah S, Huang T, Mendelson AJ, Eletu OT, Barkey-Bircann P, Gesualdi J, Smith JS, Santos WL, Lynch KR. Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a platform for assessing sphingolipid lipid kinase inhibitors. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192179. [PMID: 29672528 PMCID: PMC5908134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful medicinal chemistry campaigns to discover and optimize sphingosine kinase inhibitors require a robust assay for screening chemical libraries and for determining rank order potencies. Existing assays for these enzymes are laborious, expensive and/or low throughput. The toxicity of excessive levels of phosphorylated sphingoid bases for the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, affords an assay wherein inhibitors added to the culture media rescue growth in a dose-dependent fashion. Herein, we describe our adaptation of a simple, inexpensive, and high throughput assay for assessing inhibitors of sphingosine kinase types 1 and 2 as well as ceramide kinase and for testing enzymatic activity of sphingosine kinase type 2 mutants. The assay was validated using recombinant enzymes and generally agrees with the rank order of potencies of existing inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugesh Kharel
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sayeh Agah
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tao Huang
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Anna J. Mendelson
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Oluwafunmilayo T. Eletu
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Peter Barkey-Bircann
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - James Gesualdi
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey S. Smith
- Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Kevin R. Lynch
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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45
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Ghosh M, Thangada S, Dasgupta O, Khanna KM, Yamase HT, Kashgarian M, Hla T, Shapiro LH, Ferrer FA. Cell-intrinsic sphingosine kinase 2 promotes macrophage polarization and renal inflammation in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29518138 PMCID: PMC5843290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine Kinase-2 (Sphk2) is responsible for the production of the bioactive lipid Sphingosine-1 Phosphate, a key regulator of tissue repair. Here we address the in vivo significance of Sphingosine Kinase -2 in renal inflammation/fibrosis in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction using both genetic and pharmacological strategies. Obstructed kidneys of Sphk2-/- mice showed reduced renal damage and diminished levels of the renal injury markers TGFβ1 and αSMA when compared to wild type controls. We found a consistently significant increase in anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages in obstructed Sphk2-/- kidneys by flow cytometry and a decrease in mRNA levels of the inflammatory cytokines, MCP1, TNFα, CXCL1 and ILβ1, suggesting an anti-inflammatory bias in the absence of Sphk2. Indeed, metabolic profiling showed that the pro-inflammatory glycolytic pathway is largely inactive in Sphk2-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, treatment with the M2-promoting cytokines IL-4 or IL-13 demonstrated that macrophages lacking Sphk2 polarized more efficiently to the M2 phenotype than wild type cells. Bone marrow transplant studies indicated that expression of Sphk2-/- on either the hematopoietic or parenchymal cells did not fully rescue the pro-healing phenotype, confirming that both infiltrating M2-macrophages and the kidney microenvironment contribute to the damaging Sphk2 effects. Importantly, obstructed kidneys from mice treated with an Sphk2 inhibitor recapitulated findings in the genetic model. These results demonstrate that reducing Sphk2 activity by genetic or pharmacological manipulation markedly decreases inflammatory and fibrotic responses to obstruction, resulting in diminished renal injury and supporting Sphk2 as a novel driver of the pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallika Ghosh
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Shobha Thangada
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Oisharya Dasgupta
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Kamal M. Khanna
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Harold T. Yamase
- Department of Pathology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - Michael Kashgarian
- Department of Pathology, Yale University Cancer Research Center, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Timothy Hla
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Linda H. Shapiro
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FAF); (LHS)
| | - Fernando A. Ferrer
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States of America
- Section of Pediatric Urology, Children's Hospital of Omaha, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FAF); (LHS)
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46
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Schwalm S, Beyer S, Frey H, Haceni R, Grammatikos G, Thomas D, Geisslinger G, Schaefer L, Huwiler A, Pfeilschifter J. Sphingosine Kinase-2 Deficiency Ameliorates Kidney Fibrosis by Up-Regulating Smad7 in a Mouse Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2413-2429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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47
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Adamiak M, Chelvarajan L, Lynch KR, Santos WL, Abdel-Latif A, Ratajczak MZ. Mobilization studies in mice deficient in sphingosine kinase 2 support a crucial role of the plasma level of sphingosine-1-phosphate in the egress of hematopoietic stem progenitor cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:65588-65600. [PMID: 29029455 PMCID: PMC5630355 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid involved in cell signaling and, if released from cells, also plays a crucial role in regulating the trafficking of lympho-hematopoietic cells, including primitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). It has been demonstrated that S1P chemoattracts HSPCs, and its level in peripheral blood creates a gradient directing egress of these cells during mobilization. In this paper we analyzed hematopoiesis in mice deficient in sphingosine kinase 2 (Sphk2-KO mice) and studied the effect of this mutation on plasma S1P levels. We found that Sphk2-KO mice have normal hematopoiesis, and, in contrast to Sphk1-KO mice, the circulating S1P level is highly elevated in these animals and correlates with the fact that HSPCs in Sphk2-KO animals, also in contrast to Sphk1-KO animals, show enhanced mobilization. These results were recapitulated in wild type (WT) animals employing an Sphk2 inhibitor. We also administered an inhibitor of the S1P-degrading enzyme S1P lyase, known as tetrahydroxybutylimidazole (THI), to WT mice and observed that this resulted in an increase in S1P level in PB and enhanced mobilization of HSPCs. In sum, our results support a crucial role for S1P gradients in blood plasma in the mobilization process and indicate that small-molecule inhibitors of Sphk2 and Sgpl1 could be employed as mobilization-facilitating compounds. At the same time, further studies are needed to explain the unexpected effect of Sphk2 inhibition on increasing S1P levels in plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Adamiak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lakshman Chelvarajan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Webster L Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Latif
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mariusz Z Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
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48
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Hatoum D, Haddadi N, Lin Y, Nassif NT, McGowan EM. Mammalian sphingosine kinase (SphK) isoenzymes and isoform expression: challenges for SphK as an oncotarget. Oncotarget 2017; 8:36898-36929. [PMID: 28415564 PMCID: PMC5482707 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The various sphingosine kinase (SphK) isoenzymes (isozymes) and isoforms, key players in normal cellular physiology, are strongly implicated in cancer and other diseases. Mutations in SphKs, that may justify abnormal physiological function, have not been recorded. Nonetheless, there is a large and growing body of evidence demonstrating the contribution of gain or loss of function and the imbalance in the SphK/S1P rheostat to a plethora of pathological conditions including cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. SphK is expressed as two isozymes SphK1 and SphK2, transcribed from genes located on different chromosomes and both isozymes catalyze the phosphorylation of sphingosine to S1P. Expression of each SphK isozyme produces alternately spliced isoforms. In recent years the importance of the contribution of SpK1 expression to treatment resistance in cancer has been highlighted and, additionally, differences in treatment outcome appear to also be dependent upon SphK isoform expression. This review focuses on an exciting emerging area of research involving SphKs functions, expression and subcellular localization, highlighting the complexity of targeting SphK in cancer and also comorbid diseases. This review also covers the SphK isoenzymes and isoforms from a historical perspective, from their first discovery in murine species and then in humans, their role(s) in normal cellular function and in disease processes, to advancement of SphK as an oncotarget.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hatoum
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Nahal Haddadi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Yiguang Lin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Najah T. Nassif
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Eileen M. McGowan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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49
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Childress ES, Kharel Y, Brown AM, Bevan DR, Lynch KR, Santos WL. Transforming Sphingosine Kinase 1 Inhibitors into Dual and Sphingosine Kinase 2 Selective Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, and in Vivo Activity. J Med Chem 2017; 60:3933-3957. [PMID: 28406646 PMCID: PMC6047346 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic signaling molecule that interacts with its five G-protein coupled receptors (S1P1-5) to regulate cell growth and survival and has been implicated in a variety of diseases including cancer and sickle cell disease. As the key mediators in the synthesis of S1P, sphingosine kinase (SphK) isoforms 1 and 2 have attracted attention as viable targets for pharmaceutical inhibition. In this article, we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of aminothiazole-based guanidine inhibitors of SphK. Surprisingly, combining features of reported SphK1 inhibitors generated SphK1/2 dual inhibitor 20l (SLC4011540) (hSphK1 Ki = 120 nM, hSphK2 Ki = 90 nM) and SphK2 inhibitor 20dd (SLC4101431) (Ki = 90 nM, 100-fold SphK2 selectivity). These compounds effectively decrease S1P levels in vitro. In vivo administration of 20dd validated that inhibition of SphK2 increases blood S1P levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Childress
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Yugesh Kharel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Anne M. Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - David R. Bevan
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Kevin R. Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, United States
| | - Webster L. Santos
- Department of Chemistry and VT Center for Drug Discovery, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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50
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Bajwa A, Huang L, Kurmaeva E, Ye H, Dondeti KR, Chroscicki P, Foley LS, Balogun ZA, Alexander KJ, Park H, Lynch KR, Rosin DL, Okusa MD. Sphingosine Kinase 2 Deficiency Attenuates Kidney Fibrosis via IFN- γ. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 28:1145-1161. [PMID: 27799486 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016030306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive repair after AKI may lead to progressive fibrosis and decline in kidney function. Sphingosine 1-phosphate has an important role in kidney injury and pleiotropic effects in fibrosis. We investigated the involvement of sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 (SphK1 and SphK2), which phosphorylate sphingosine to produce sphingosine 1-phosphate, in kidney fibrosis induced by folic acid (FA) or unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Analysis of Masson trichrome staining and fibrotic marker protein and mRNA expression 14 days after AKI revealed that wild-type (WT) and Sphk1-/- mice exhibited more kidney fibrosis than Sphk2-/- mice. Furthermore, kidneys of FA-treated WT and Sphk1-/- mice had greater immune cell infiltration and expression of fibrotic and inflammatory markers than kidneys of FA-treated Sphk2-/- mice. In contrast, kidneys of Sphk2-/- mice exhibited greater expression of Ifng and IFN-γ-responsive genes (Cxcl9 and Cxcl10) than kidneys of WT or Sphk1-/- mice did at this time point. Splenic T cells from untreated Sphk2-/- mice were hyperproliferative and produced more IFN-γ than did those of WT or Sphk1-/- mice. IFN-γ blocking antibody administered to Sphk2-/- mice or deletion of Ifng (Sphk2-/-Ifng-/- mice) blocked the protective effect of SphK2 deficiency in fibrosis. Moreover, adoptive transfer of Sphk2-/- (but not Sphk2-/-Ifng-/- ) CD4 T cells into WT mice blocked FA-induced fibrosis. Finally, a selective SphK2 inhibitor blocked FA-induced kidney fibrosis in WT mice. These studies demonstrate that SphK2 inhibition may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for attenuating kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Bajwa
- Division of Nephrology, .,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Liping Huang
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Elvira Kurmaeva
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Hong Ye
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Krishna R Dondeti
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Piotr Chroscicki
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Leah S Foley
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Z Ayoade Balogun
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Kyle J Alexander
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Hojung Park
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Kevin R Lynch
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Diane L Rosin
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology.,Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
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