1
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Yang J, Tian E, Chen L, Liu Z, Ren Y, Mao W, Zhang Y, Zhang J. Development and therapeutic perspectives of CXCR4 antagonists for disease therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116594. [PMID: 38879970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116594] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a subtype receptor protein of the GPCR family with a seven-transmembrane structure widely distributed in human tissues. CXCR4 is involved in diseases (e.g., HIV-1 infection), cancer proliferation and metastasis, inflammation signaling pathways, and leukemia, making it a promising drug target. Clinical trials on CXCR4 antagonists mainly focused on peptides and antibodies, with a few small molecule compounds, such as AMD11070 (2) and MSX-122 (3), showing promise in cancer treatment. This perspective discusses the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of CXCR4 and its role in diseases, mainly focusing on the SAR of CXCR4 antagonists. It also explores the standard structural features and target interactions of CXCR4 binding in different disease categories. Furthermore, it investigates various modification strategies to propose potential improvements in the effectiveness of CXCR4 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Institute of Respiratory Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Erkang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Institute of Respiratory Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zihang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Institute of Respiratory Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yijiu Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Institute of Respiratory Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Institute of Respiratory Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Institute of Respiratory Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Zmajkovicova K, Pawar S, Sharapova SO, Geier CB, Wiest I, Nguyen C, Monticelli H, Maier-Munsa S, Chen K, Sleasman JW, Aleshkevich S, Polyakova E, Sakovich I, Warnatz K, Grimbacher B, Proietti M, Sondheimer N, Ujhazi B, Gordon S, Ellison M, Yilmaz M, Walter JE, Badarau A, Taveras AG, Neff JL, Bledsoe JR, Tarrant TK. A novel transmembrane CXCR4 variant that expands the WHIM genotype-phenotype paradigm. Blood Adv 2024; 8:3754-3759. [PMID: 38768429 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumit Pawar
- Formerly X4 Pharmaceuticals (Austria) GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Svetlana O Sharapova
- Research Department, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Christoph B Geier
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ivana Wiest
- Formerly X4 Pharmaceuticals (Austria) GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chi Nguyen
- X4 Pharmaceuticals (Austria) GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - John W Sleasman
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Svetlana Aleshkevich
- Research Department, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Ekaterina Polyakova
- Research Department, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Inga Sakovich
- Research Department, Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Klaus Warnatz
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bodo Grimbacher
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michele Proietti
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- RESIST-Cluster of Excellence 2155, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Neal Sondheimer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Boglarka Ujhazi
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL
| | - Sumai Gordon
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL
| | - Maryssa Ellison
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL
| | - Melis Yilmaz
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Jolan E Walter
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Jadee L Neff
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Jacob R Bledsoe
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Teresa K Tarrant
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
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3
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Zhang H, Im W. Ligand Binding Affinity Prediction for Membrane Proteins with Alchemical Free Energy Calculation Methods. J Chem Inf Model 2024. [PMID: 38959405 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Alchemical relative binding free energy (ΔΔG) calculations have shown high accuracy in predicting ligand binding affinity and have been used as important tools in computer-aided drug discovery and design. However, there has been limited research on the application of ΔΔG methods to membrane proteins despite the fact that these proteins represent a significant proportion of drug targets, play crucial roles in biological processes, and are implicated in numerous diseases. In this study, to predict the binding affinity of ligands to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), we employed two ΔΔG calculation methods: thermodynamic integration (TI) with AMBER and the alchemical transfer method (AToM) with OpenMM. We calculated ΔΔG values for 53 transformations involving four class A GPCRs and evaluated the performance of AMBER-TI and AToM-OpenMM. In addition, we conducted tests using different numbers of windows and varying simulation times to achieve reliable ΔΔG results and to optimize resource utilization. Overall, both AMBER-TI and AToM-OpenMM show good agreement with the experimental data. Our results validate the applicability of AMBER-TI and AToM-OpenMM for optimization of lead compounds targeting membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, United States
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4
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Abbas MA, Al-Kabariti AY, Sutton C. Comprehensive understanding of the role of GPER in estrogen receptor-alpha negative breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 241:106523. [PMID: 38636681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) plays a prominent role in facilitating the rapid, non-genomic signaling of estrogens in breast cancer cells. Herein, a comprehensive overview of the role of GPER in ER-ɑ-negative breast cancer is provided. Activation of GPER affected proliferation, metastasis and epithelial mesenchymal transition in ER-ɑ negative breast cancer cells. Clinical studies have demonstrated that GPER positivity was strongly correlated with larger tumor size and advanced clinical stage, suggesting that GPER/ERK signaling may play a role in promoting tumor progression. Strong evidence existed that environmental contaminants like bisphenol A have a carcinogenic potential mediated by GPER activation. The complexity of the cross talk between GPER and other receptors including ER-β, ER-α36, Estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) and androgen receptor has been discussed. The potential utility of small molecules and phytoestrogens targeting GPER, adds valuable insights into its therapeutic potential. This review holds promises in advancing our understanding of GPER role in ER-ɑ-negative breast cancer. Overall, the consequences of GPER activation are still an area of active research and the implication are not entirely clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal A Abbas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan; Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Aya Y Al-Kabariti
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan; Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Centre, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan.
| | - Chris Sutton
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
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5
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Yen JH, Chang CC, Hsu HJ, Yang CH, Mani H, Liou JW. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 signaling axis in cancer and the development of chemotherapeutic molecules. Tzu Chi Med J 2024; 36:231-239. [PMID: 38993827 PMCID: PMC11236080 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_52_24] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are small, secreted cytokines crucial in the regulation of a variety of cell functions. The binding of chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) (stromal cell-derived factor 1) to a G-protein-coupled receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) triggers downstream signaling pathways with effects on cell survival, proliferation, chemotaxis, migration, and gene expression. Intensive and extensive investigations have provided evidence suggesting that the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis plays a pivotal role in tumor development, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, as well as in creating tumor microenvironment, thus implying that this axis is a potential target for the development of cancer therapies. The structures of CXCL12 and CXCR4 have been resolved with experimental methods such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, or cryo-EM. Therefore, it is possible to apply structure-based computational approaches to discover, design, and modify therapeutic molecules for cancer treatments. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the roles played by the CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling axis in cellular functions linking to cancer progression and metastasis. This review also provides an introduction to protein structures of CXCL12 and CXCR4 and the application of computer simulation and analysis in understanding CXCR4 activation and antagonist binding. Furthermore, examples of strategies and current progress in CXCL12-CXCR4 axis-targeted development of therapeutic anticancer inhibitors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hung Yen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chun Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Jen Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hao Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Hemalatha Mani
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Je-Wen Liou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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6
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Szwabowski GL, Griffing M, Mugabe EJ, O'Malley D, Baker LN, Baker DL, Parrill AL. G Protein-Coupled Receptor-Ligand Pose and Functional Class Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6876. [PMID: 38999982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136876] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transmembrane protein family members play essential roles in physiology. Numerous pharmaceuticals target GPCRs, and many drug discovery programs utilize virtual screening (VS) against GPCR targets. Improvements in the accuracy of predicting new molecules that bind to and either activate or inhibit GPCR function would accelerate such drug discovery programs. This work addresses two significant research questions. First, do ligand interaction fingerprints provide a substantial advantage over automated methods of binding site selection for classical docking? Second, can the functional status of prospective screening candidates be predicted from ligand interaction fingerprints using a random forest classifier? Ligand interaction fingerprints were found to offer modest advantages in sampling accurate poses, but no substantial advantage in the final set of top-ranked poses after scoring, and, thus, were not used in the generation of the ligand-receptor complexes used to train and test the random forest classifier. A binary classifier which treated agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists as active and all other ligands as inactive proved highly effective in ligand function prediction in an external test set of GPR31 and TAAR2 candidate ligands with a hit rate of 82.6% actual actives within the set of predicted actives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Makenzie Griffing
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Elijah J Mugabe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Daniel O'Malley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Lindsey N Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Daniel L Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Abby L Parrill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
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7
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Li J, Huang Z, Wang P, Li R, Gao L, Lai KP. Therapeutic targets of formononetin for treating prostate cancer at the single-cell level. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:10380-10401. [PMID: 38874510 PMCID: PMC11236323 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the serious health problems of older male, about 13% of male was affected by prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is highly heterogeneity disease with complex molecular and genetic alterations. So, targeting the gene candidates in prostate cancer in single-cell level can be a promising approach for treating prostate cancer. In the present study, we analyzed the single cell sequencing data obtained from 2 previous reports to determine the differential gene expression of prostate cancer in single-cell level. By using the network pharmacology analysis, we identified the therapeutic targets of formononetin in immune cells and tissue cells of prostate cancer. We then applied molecular docking to determine the possible direct binding of formononetin to its target proteins. Our result identified a cluster of differential gene expression in prostate cancer which can serve as novel biomarkers such as immunoglobulin kappa C for prostate cancer prognosis. The result of network pharmacology delineated the roles of formononetin's targets such CD74 and THBS1 in immune cells' function of prostate cancer. Also, formononetin targeted insulin receptor and zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein which play important roles in metabolisms of tissue cells of prostate cancer. The result of molecular docking suggested the direct binding of formononetin to its target proteins including INSR, TNF, and CXCR4. Finally, we validated our findings by using formononetin-treated human prostate cancer cell DU145. For the first time, our result suggested the use of formononetin for treating prostate cancer through targeting different cell types in a single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Li
- Department of Urology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | | | - Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Rong Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Urology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, PR China
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8
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Giorgiutti S, Rottura J, Korganow AS, Gies V. CXCR4: from B-cell development to B cell-mediated diseases. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302465. [PMID: 38519141 PMCID: PMC10961644 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302465] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), one of the most studied chemokine receptors, is widely expressed in hematopoietic and immune cell populations. It is involved in leukocyte trafficking in lymphoid organs and inflammatory sites through its interaction with its natural ligand CXCL12. CXCR4 assumes a pivotal role in B-cell development, ranging from early progenitors to the differentiation of antibody-secreting cells. This review emphasizes the significance of CXCR4 across the various stages of B-cell development, including central tolerance, and delves into the association between CXCR4 and B cell-mediated disorders, from immunodeficiencies such as WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis) syndrome to autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. The potential of CXCR4 as a therapeutic target is discussed, especially through the identification of novel molecules capable of modulating specific pockets of the CXCR4 molecule. These insights provide a basis for innovative therapeutic approaches in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Giorgiutti
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (CNR RESO), Tertiary Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM UMR - S1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julien Rottura
- INSERM UMR - S1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Korganow
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (CNR RESO), Tertiary Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM UMR - S1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Gies
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Internal Medicine, National Reference Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (CNR RESO), Tertiary Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM UMR - S1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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9
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Inan T, Flinko R, Lewis GK, MacKerell AD, Kurkcuoglu O. Identifying and Assessing Putative Allosteric Sites and Modulators for CXCR4 Predicted through Network Modeling and Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:5157-5174. [PMID: 38647430 PMCID: PMC11139592 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00925] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is a critical target for the treatment of several cancer types and HIV-1 infections. While orthosteric and allosteric modulators have been developed targeting its extracellular or transmembrane regions, the intramembrane region of CXCR4 may also include allosteric binding sites suitable for the development of allosteric drugs. To investigate this, we apply the Gaussian Network Model (GNM) to the monomeric and dimeric forms of CXCR4 to identify residues essential for its local and global motions located in the hinge regions of the protein. Residue interaction network (RIN) analysis suggests hub residues that participate in allosteric communication throughout the receptor. Mutual residues from the network models reside in regions with a high capacity to alter receptor dynamics upon ligand binding. We then investigate the druggability of these potential allosteric regions using the site identification by ligand competitive saturation (SILCS) approach, revealing two putative allosteric sites on the monomer and three on the homodimer. Two screening campaigns with Glide and SILCS-Monte Carlo docking using FDA-approved drugs suggest 20 putative hit compounds including antifungal drugs, anticancer agents, HIV protease inhibitors, and antimalarial drugs. In vitro assays considering mAB 12G5 and CXCL12 demonstrate both positive and negative allosteric activities of these compounds, supporting our computational approach. However, in vivo functional assays based on the recruitment of β-arrestin to CXCR4 do not show significant agonism and antagonism at a single compound concentration. The present computational pipeline brings a new perspective to computer-aided drug design by combining conformational dynamics based on network analysis and cosolvent analysis based on the SILCS technology to identify putative allosteric binding sites using CXCR4 as a showcase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Inan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul Technical
University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
| | - Robin Flinko
- Institute
of Human Virology, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - George K. Lewis
- Institute
of Human Virology, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Alexander D. MacKerell
- University
of Maryland Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University
of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Ozge Kurkcuoglu
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Istanbul Technical
University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
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10
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Roggia M, Natale B, Amendola G, Di Maro S, Cosconati S. Streamlining Large Chemical Library Docking with Artificial Intelligence: the PyRMD2Dock Approach. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2143-2149. [PMID: 37552222 PMCID: PMC11005044 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00647] [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: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The present contribution introduces a novel computational protocol called PyRMD2Dock, which combines the Ligand-Based Virtual Screening (LBVS) tool PyRMD with the popular docking software AutoDock-GPU (AD4-GPU) to enhance the throughput of virtual screening campaigns for drug discovery. By implementing PyRMD2Dock, we demonstrate that it is possible to rapidly screen massive chemical databases and identify those with the highest predicted binding affinity to a target protein. Our benchmarking and screening experiments illustrate the predictive power and speed of PyRMD2Dock and highlight its potential to accelerate the discovery of novel drug candidates. Overall, this study showcases the value of combining AI-powered LBVS tools with docking software to enable effective and high-throughput virtual screening of ultralarge molecular databases in drug discovery. PyRMD and the PyRMD2Dock protocol are freely available on GitHub (https://github.com/cosconatilab/PyRMD) as an open-source tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Roggia
- DiSTABiF, University
of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Benito Natale
- DiSTABiF, University
of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giorgio Amendola
- DiSTABiF, University
of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- DiSTABiF, University
of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF, University
of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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11
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Liang J, Seghiri M, Singh PK, Seo HG, Lee JY, Jo Y, Song YB, Park C, Zalicki P, Jeong JY, Huh WK, Caculitan NG, Smith AW. The β2-adrenergic receptor associates with CXCR4 multimers in human cancer cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2304897121. [PMID: 38547061 PMCID: PMC10998613 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304897121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
While the existence and functional role of class C G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) dimers is well established, there is still a lack of consensus regarding class A and B GPCR multimerization. This lack of consensus is largely due to the inherent challenges of demonstrating the presence of multimeric receptor complexes in a physiologically relevant cellular context. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a class A GPCR that is a promising target of anticancer therapy. Here, we investigated the potential of CXCR4 to form multimeric complexes with other GPCRs and characterized the relative size of the complexes in a live-cell environment. Using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay, we identified the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) as an interaction partner. To investigate the molecular scale details of CXCR4-β2AR interactions, we used a time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy method called pulsed-interleaved excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (PIE-FCCS). PIE-FCCS can resolve membrane protein density, diffusion, and multimerization state in live cells at physiological expression levels. We probed CXCR4 and β2AR homo- and heteromultimerization in model cell lines and found that CXCR4 assembles into multimeric complexes larger than dimers in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells and in HCC4006 human lung cancer cells. We also found that β2AR associates with CXCR4 multimers in MDA-MB-231 and HCC4006 cells to a higher degree than in COS-7 and CHO cells and in a ligand-dependent manner. These results suggest that CXCR4-β2AR heteromers are present in human cancer cells and that GPCR multimerization is significantly affected by the plasma membrane environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Liang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, OH44325
| | - Mohamed Seghiri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, OH44325
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX79409
| | - Pradeep Kumar Singh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, OH44325
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX79409
| | - Hyeon Gyu Seo
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul08790, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeong Lee
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul08790, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjung Jo
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul08790, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Bhum Song
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulo Park
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Piotr Zalicki
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul08790, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Jeong
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul08790, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Huh
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Microbiology, Seoul National University, Seoul08826, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Adam W. Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, OH44325
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX79409
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12
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White CW, Platt S, Kilpatrick LE, Dale N, Abhayawardana RS, Dekkers S, Kindon ND, Kellam B, Stocks MJ, Pfleger KDG, Hill SJ. CXCL17 is an allosteric inhibitor of CXCR4 through a mechanism of action involving glycosaminoglycans. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eabl3758. [PMID: 38502733 PMCID: PMC7615768 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abl3758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
CXCL17 is a chemokine principally expressed by mucosal tissues, where it facilitates chemotaxis of monocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages and has antimicrobial properties. CXCL17 is also implicated in the pathology of inflammatory disorders and progression of several cancers, and its expression is increased during viral infections of the lung. However, the exact role of CXCL17 in health and disease requires further investigation, and there is a need for confirmed molecular targets mediating CXCL17 functional responses. Using a range of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based assays, here we demonstrated that CXCL17 inhibited CXCR4-mediated signaling and ligand binding. Moreover, CXCL17 interacted with neuropillin-1, a VEGFR2 coreceptor. In addition, we found that CXCL17 only inhibited CXCR4 ligand binding in intact cells and demonstrated that this effect was mimicked by known glycosaminoglycan binders, surfen and protamine sulfate. Disruption of putative GAG binding domains in CXCL17 prevented CXCR4 binding. This indicated that CXCL17 inhibited CXCR4 by a mechanism of action that potentially required the presence of a glycosaminoglycan-containing accessory protein. Together, our results revealed that CXCL17 is an endogenous inhibitor of CXCR4 and represents the next step in our understanding of the function of CXCL17 and regulation of CXCR4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl W. White
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia
- Dimerix Limited, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon Platt
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
| | - Laura E. Kilpatrick
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Dale
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia
| | - Rekhati S. Abhayawardana
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia
| | - Sebastian Dekkers
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D Kindon
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Barrie Kellam
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Stocks
- School of Pharmacy, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. G. Pfleger
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Australia
- Dimerix Limited, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Hill
- Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Research Group, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, The Midlands, UK
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13
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Yadav MK, Sarma P, Maharana J, Ganguly M, Mishra S, Zaidi N, Dalal A, Singh V, Saha S, Mahajan G, Sharma S, Chami M, Banerjee R, Shukla AK. Structure-guided engineering of biased-agonism in the human niacin receptor via single amino acid substitution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1939. [PMID: 38431681 PMCID: PMC10908815 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46239-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2), also known as the niacin receptor or GPR109A, is a prototypical GPCR that plays a central role in the inhibition of lipolytic and atherogenic activities. Its activation also results in vasodilation that is linked to the side-effect of flushing associated with dyslipidemia drugs such as niacin. GPR109A continues to be a target for developing potential therapeutics in dyslipidemia with minimized flushing response. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of the GPR109A in complex with dyslipidemia drugs, niacin or acipimox, non-flushing agonists, MK6892 or GSK256073, and recently approved psoriasis drug, monomethyl fumarate (MMF). These structures elucidate the binding mechanism of agonists, molecular basis of receptor activation, and insights into biased signaling elicited by some of the agonists. The structural framework also allows us to engineer receptor mutants that exhibit G-protein signaling bias, and therefore, our study may help in structure-guided drug discovery efforts targeting this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish K Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Parishmita Sarma
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Jagannath Maharana
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Manisankar Ganguly
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Sudha Mishra
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Nashrah Zaidi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Annu Dalal
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Vinay Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Sayantan Saha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Gargi Mahajan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Saloni Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India
| | - Mohamed Chami
- BioEM Lab, Biozentrum, Universität Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ramanuj Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India.
| | - Arun K Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 08016, India.
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14
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Fukuoka A, Wilson GJ, Pitmon E, Koumbas Foley L, Johnsson H, Pingen M, Graham GJ. Disruption of placental ACKR3 impairs growth and hematopoietic development of offspring. Development 2024; 151:dev202333. [PMID: 38300826 PMCID: PMC10911115 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ACKR3 scavenges and degrades the stem cell recruiting chemokine CXCL12, which is essential for proper embryonic and, in particular, haematopoietic development. Here, we demonstrate strong expression of ACKR3 on trophoblasts. Using a maternally administered pharmacological blocker and Cre-mediated genetic approaches, we demonstrate that trophoblast ACKR3 is essential for preventing movement of CXCL12 from the mother to the embryo, with elevated plasma CXCL12 levels being detected in embryos from ACKR3-blocker-treated mothers. Mice born to mothers treated with the blocker are lighter and shorter than those born to vehicle-treated mothers and, in addition, display profound anaemia associated with a markedly reduced bone marrow haematopoietic stem cell population. Importantly, although the haematopoietic abnormalities are corrected as mice age, our studies reveal a postnatal window during which offspring of ACKR3-blocker-treated mice are unable to mount effective inflammatory responses to inflammatory/infectious stimuli. Overall, these data demonstrate that ACKR3 is essential for preventing CXCL12 transfer from mother to embryo and for ensuring properly regulated CXCL12 control over the development of the haematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Fukuoka
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Gillian J. Wilson
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Elise Pitmon
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Lily Koumbas Foley
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Hanna Johnsson
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Marieke Pingen
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Gerard J. Graham
- Chemokine Research Group, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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15
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Yahiro I, Barnuevo KDE, Sato O, Mohapatra S, Toyoda A, Itoh T, Ohno K, Matsuyama M, Chakraborty T, Ohta K. Modeling the SDF-1/CXCR4 protein using advanced artificial intelligence and antagonist screening for Japanese anchovy. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1349119. [PMID: 38370015 PMCID: PMC10869568 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1349119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
SDF-1/CXCR4 chemokine signaling are indispensable for cell migration, especially the Primordial Germ Cell (PGC) migration towards the gonadal ridge during early development. We earlier found that this signaling is largely conserved in the Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus, EJ), and a mere treatment of CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, leads to germ cell depletion and thereafter gonad sterilization. However, the effect of AMD3100 was limited. So, in this research, we scouted for CXCR4 antagonist with higher potency by employing advanced artificial intelligence deep learning-based computer simulations. Three potential candidates, AMD3465, WZ811, and LY2510924, were selected and in vivo validation was conducted using Japanese anchovy embryos. We found that seven transmembrane motif of EJ CXCR4a and EJ CXCR4b were extremely similar with human homolog while the CXCR4 chemokine receptor N terminal (PF12109, essential for SDF-1 binding) was missing in EJ CXCR4b. 3D protein analysis and cavity search predicted the cavity in EJ CXCR4a to be five times larger (6,307 ų) than that in EJ CXCR4b (1,241 ų). Docking analysis demonstrated lower binding energy of AMD3100 and AMD3465 to EJ CXCR4a (Vina score -9.6) and EJ CXCR4b (Vina score -8.8), respectively. Furthermore, we observed significant PGC mismigration in microinjected AMD3465 treated groups at 10, 100 and 1 × 105 nM concentration in 48 h post fertilized embryos. The other three antagonists showed various degrees of PGC dispersion, but no significant effect compared to their solvent control at tested concentrations was observed. Cumulatively, our results suggests that AMD3645 might be a better candidate for abnormal PGC migration in Japanese anchovy and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issei Yahiro
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Oga Sato
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sipra Mohapatra
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Advanced Genomics Center, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takehiko Itoh
- School and Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ohno
- National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga, Japan
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga, Japan
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16
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Anastasiadou DP, Quesnel A, Duran CL, Filippou PS, Karagiannis GS. An emerging paradigm of CXCL12 involvement in the metastatic cascade. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 75:12-30. [PMID: 37949685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The chemokine CXCL12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1), has emerged as a pivotal regulator in the intricate molecular networks driving cancer progression. As an influential factor in the tumor microenvironment, CXCL12 plays a multifaceted role that spans beyond its traditional role as a chemokine inducing invasion and metastasis. Indeed, CXCL12 has been assigned functions related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer cell stemness, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression, all of which are currently viewed as specialized biological programs contributing to the "metastatic cascade" among other cancer hallmarks. Its interaction with its cognate receptor, CXCR4, initiates a cascade of events that not only shapes the metastatic potential of tumor cells but also defines the niches within the secondary organs that support metastatic colonization. Given the profound implications of CXCL12 in the metastatic cascade, understanding its mechanistic underpinnings is of paramount importance for the targeted elimination of rate-limiting steps in the metastatic process. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge surrounding the role of CXCL12 in cancer metastasis, especially its molecular interactions rationalizing its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra P Anastasiadou
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Agathe Quesnel
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, United Kingdom; National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington DL1 1HG, United Kingdom
| | - Camille L Duran
- Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Panagiota S Filippou
- School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, United Kingdom; National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington DL1 1HG, United Kingdom
| | - George S Karagiannis
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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17
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Kessler N, Akabayov SR, Cohen LS, Scherf T, Naider F, Anglister J. The chemokines CCL5 and CXCL12 exhibit high-affinity binding to N-terminal peptides of the non-cognate receptors CXCR4 and CCR5, respectively. FEBS J 2024; 291:458-476. [PMID: 37997026 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
CC and CXC chemokines are distinct chemokine subfamilies. CC chemokines usually do not bind CXC-chemokine receptors and vice versa. CCR5 and CXCR4 receptors are activated by CCL5 and CXCL12 chemokines, respectively, and are also used as HIV-1 coreceptors. CCL5 contains one conserved binding site for a sulfated tyrosine residue, whereas CXCL12 is unique in having two additional sites for sulfated/nonsulfated tyrosine residues. In this study, N-terminal (Nt) CXCR4 peptides were found to bind CCL5 with somewhat higher affinities in comparison to those of short Nt-CCR5(8-20) peptides with the same number of sulfated tyrosine residues. Similarly, a long Nt-CCR5(1-27)(s Y3,s Y10,s Y14) peptide cross reacts with CXCL12 and with lower KD in comparison to its binding to CCL5. Intermolecular nuclear overhauser effect (NOE) measurements were used to decipher the mechanism of the chemokine/Nt-receptor peptide binding. The Nt-CXCR4 peptides interact with the conserved CCL5 tyrosine sulfate-binding site by an allovalency mechanism like that observed for CCL5 binding of Nt-CCR5 peptides. Nt-CCR5 peptides bind CXCL12 in multiple modes analogous to their binding to HIV-1 gp120 and interact with all three tyrosine/sulfated tyrosine-binding pockets of CXCL12. We suggest that the chemokine-receptors Nt-segments bind promiscuously to cognate and non-cognate chemokines and in a mechanism that is dependent on the number of binding pockets for tyrosine residues found on the chemokine. In conclusion, common features shared among the chemokine-receptors' Nt-segments such as multiple tyrosine residues that are potentially sulfated, and a large number of negatively charged residues are the reason of the cross binding observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Kessler
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sabine R Akabayov
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Leah S Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Macromolecular Assembly Institute, College of Staten Island of the City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
- The Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Tali Scherf
- Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Fred Naider
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Chemistry and Macromolecular Assembly Institute, College of Staten Island of the City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
- The Ph.D. Programs in Biochemistry and Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacob Anglister
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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18
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Faivre N, Verollet C, Dumas F. The chemokine receptor CCR5: multi-faceted hook for HIV-1. Retrovirology 2024; 21:2. [PMID: 38263120 PMCID: PMC10807162 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00634-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are cytokines whose primary role is cellular activation and stimulation of leukocyte migration. They perform their various functions by interacting with G protein-coupled cell surface receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in the regulation of many biological processes such as apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, hematopoiesis or organogenesis. They contribute to the maintenance of the homeostasis of lymphocytes and coordinate the function of the immune system. However, chemokines and their receptors are sometimes hijacked by some pathogens to infect the host organism. For a given chemokine receptor, there is a wide structural, organizational and conformational diversity. In this review, we describe the evidence for structural variety reported for the chemokine receptor CCR5, how this variability can be exploited by HIV-1 to infect its target cells and what therapeutic solutions are currently being developed to overcome this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Faivre
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Christel Verollet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Toulouse, France
- International Research Laboratory (IRP) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabrice Dumas
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France.
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19
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Dai Y, Yu C, Zhou L, Cheng L, Ni H, Liang W. Chemokine receptor CXCR4 interacts with nuclear receptor Nur77 and promote glioma invasion and progression. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148647. [PMID: 37890573 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148647] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor. It is prone to progress and have high rate of mortality regardless of radiation or chemotherapy due to its invasive growth features. Chemokine and its receptor CXCL12 and CXCR4 play important roles in cancer metastasis. METHODS In this study, we investigate the role of CXCR4 in the progression of glioma by various molecular technologies, including qRT-PCR, Western blotting, wound closure assay, transwell assay et al. RESULTS: It was found that CXCR4 was overexpressed in glioma tissues. The expression of CXCR4 was correlated with patients' overall survival. Wound closure assay and transwell invasion assay showed that inhibition of CXCR4 significantly reduced the expression of biomarkers related to the formation of invadopodium, leading to decrease the invasion and migration of glioma tumor cells. Knocking down the nuclear receptor Nur77 remarkably decreased CXCR4 expression and reduced glioma cell invasion and migration. The reduction of glioma cell invasion and migration were observed after Nur77 inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicated that CXCR4 is critical in promoting glioma migration and invasion. Inhibition of Nur77 reduces CXCR4 related cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Dai
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Longyang Cheng
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Hongbin Ni
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Weibang Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, China.
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Chen X, Li C, Wang Z, Zhou Y, Chu M. Computational screening of biomarkers and potential drugs for arthrofibrosis based on combination of sequencing and large nature language model. J Orthop Translat 2024; 44:102-113. [PMID: 38304615 PMCID: PMC10831815 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Arthrofibrosis (AF) is a fibrotic joint disease resulting from excessive collagen production and fibrous scar formation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This devastating complication may cause consistent pain and dramatically reduction of functionality. Unfortunately, the conservative treatments to prevent the AF in the early stage are largely unknown due to the lack of specific biomarkers and reliable therapeutic targets. Methods In this study, we extracted1782 fibrosis related genes (FRGs) from 373,461published literature based on the large natural language processing models (ChatGPT) and intersected with the 2750 differential expressed genes (DEGs) from mRNA microarray (GSE135854). A total of 311 potential AF biomarker genes (PABGs) were obtained and functional analysis were performed including gene ontology (GO) annotation and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Subsequently, we accomplished validation in AF animal models with immobilization of the unilateral knee joints of 16 rabbits for 1-week, 2-weeks, 3-weeks and 4-weeks. Finally, we tested the biomarkers in a retrospective cohort enrolled 35 AF patients and 35 control group patients. Results We identified G-protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) as a reliable therapeutic biomarker for AF diagnosis with higher AUC (0.819) in the ROC curve. A total of 21 potential drugs targeted to GPR17 were screened. Among them, pranlukast and montelukast have achieved therapeutic effect in animal models. In addition, we established an online AF database for data integration (https://chenxi2023.shinyapps.io/afdbv1). Conclusions These results unveiling therapeutic biomarkers for AF diagnosis, and provide potential drugs for clinical treatment. The translational potential of this article Our study demonstrated that GPR17 holds significant promise as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for arthrofibrosis. Moreover, pranlukast and montelukast targeted to GPR17 that could be instrumental in the treatment of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing, 100035, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yixin Zhou
- Department of Adult Joint Reconstructive Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 31 East Xinjiekou Street, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China
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Yin Q, Zhang H, Huang T, Liu B, Negm S, El-Kott AF. Anti-collagenase, Anti-elastase, Anti-urease, and Anti-cancer Potentials of Isokaempferide as Natural Compound: In vitro and in silico Study. J Oleo Sci 2024; 73:187-199. [PMID: 38311409 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess23176] [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] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the main goals of medicinal chemistry in recent years has been the development of new enzyme inhibitors and anti-cancer medicines. The isokaempferide' ability to inhibit the enzymes urease, elastase, and collagenase were also studied. The results showed that isokaempferide was the most effective compound against the assigned enzymes, with IC 50 values of 23.05 µM for elastase, 12.83 µM for urease, and 33.62 µM for collagenase respectively. It should be emphasized that natural compound was more effective at inhibiting some enzymes. Additionally, the compound was tested for their anti-cancer properties using colon, lung, breast cancer cell lines. The chemical activities of isokaempferide against urease, collagenase, and elastase were investigated utilizing the molecular docking study. The anti-cancer activities of the compound were evaluated against lung cancer cells such as SPC-A-1, SK-LU-1, 95D, breast cancer cells like MCF7, Hs 578Bst, Hs 319.T, and UACC-3133 cell lines, and colon cancer cell lines like CL40, SW1417, LS1034, and SW480. The chemical activities of isokaempferide against some of the expressed surface receptor proteins (EGFR, estrogen receptor, CD47, progesterone receptor, folate receptor, CD44, HER2, CD155, CXCR4, CD97, and endothelin receptor) in the mentioned cell lines were assessed using the molecular docking calculations. The results showed the probable interactions and their characteristics at an atomic level. The docking scores revealed that isokaempferide has a strong binding affinity to the enzymes and proteins. In addition, the compound formed powerful contact with the enzymes and receptors. Thus, isokaempferide could be potential inhibitor for enzymes and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yin
- Department of Pathology, The Third Clinical Medical College of China Three Gorges University·Gezhouba Central Hospital of Sinopharm
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Clinical Medical College of China Three Gorges University·Gezhouba Central Hospital of Sinopharm
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Oncology, No. 215 Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Dalian University Affiliated Xinhua Hospital
| | - Sally Negm
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Art Mahyel Aseer, King Khalid University
| | - Attalla F El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University
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22
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Li L, Zhu Y, Huang YG, Hou DZ, Ahmed Zaki MS, Sideeg AM, Mohammed H, El-Kott AF, Al-Saeed FA, Ling P. Therapeutic properties, biological effects, antiliver cancer, and anticolon cancer effects of some natural compounds: A biochemical approach. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23573. [PMID: 37934567 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, or terpenoids, are physiologically active components found in plants (pigments), often known as phytochemicals or phytonutrients. The in vitro cytotoxic and anticolon cancer effects of biologically bavachin, bavachinin, artepillin C, and aromadendrin compounds against SW48, SNU-C1, COLO 205, RKO, LS411N, and SW1417 cancer cell lines were assessed. Results of enzymes and antibacterial, antifungal were in level of micromolar that is good impacts. These natural compounds may be antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibacterial candidates for drug design. IC50 results were obtained between 14-19 and 5-119 µM for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Good inhibitor Bavachinin was detected for both enzymes (IC50 for α-amylase: 14.37 µM and IC50 for α-glucosidase: 5.27 µM). The chemical activities of aromadendrin, artepillin C, bavachin, and bavachinin against pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase were assessed by conducting the molecular docking study. The chemical activities of aromadendrin, artepillin C, bavachin, and bavachinin against some of the expressed surface receptor proteins (CD44, CD47, CXCR4, EGFR, folate receptor, HER2, and endothelin receptor) in the mentioned cell lines were investigated using the molecular docking calculations. The results illustrated the atomic-level properties and potential interactions. These chemicals have high binding affinities to the enzymes and proteins, according to the docking scores. In addition, the compounds formed strong contacts with the enzymes and receptors. Thus, these compounds could be potential inhibitors for enzymes and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- Department of General Surgery I, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of General Surgery I, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ying-Guang Huang
- Department of General Surgery I, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - De-Zhi Hou
- Department of General Surgery I, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | | | - Abulqasim M Sideeg
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heitham Mohammed
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Attalla F El-Kott
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Fatimah A Al-Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ping Ling
- Department of General Surgery I, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Hassanzadeh L, Erfani M, Jokar S, Shariatpanahi M. Design of a New 99mTc-radiolabeled Cyclo-peptide as Promising Molecular Imaging Agent of CXCR 4 Receptor: Molecular Docking, Synthesis, Radiolabeling, and Biological Evaluation. Curr Radiopharm 2024; 17:77-90. [PMID: 37921191 DOI: 10.2174/0118744710249305231017073022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION C-X-C Chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is often overexpressed or overactivated in different types and stages of cancer disease. Therefore, it is considered a promising target for imaging and early detection of primary tumors and metastasis. In the present research, a new cyclo-peptide radiolabelled with 99mTc, 99mTc-Cyclo [D-Phe-D-Tyr-Lys (HYNIC)- D-Arg-2-Nal-Gly-Lys(iPr)], was designed based on the parental LY251029 peptide, as a potential in vivo imaging agent of CXCR4-expressing tumors. METHODS The radioligand was successfully prepared using the method of Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis and was evaluated in biological assessment. Molecular docking findings revealed high affinity (binding energy of -9.7 kcal/mol) and effective interaction of Cyclo [D-Phe- D-Tyr-Lys (HYNIC)-D-Arg-2-Nal-Gly-Lys(iPr)] in the binding pocket of CXCR4 receptor (PDB code: 3OE0) as well. RESULT The synthesized peptide and its purity were assessed by both reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and mass spectroscopy. High stability (95%, n = 3) in human serum and favorable affinity (Kd = 28.70 ± 13.56 nM and Bmax = 1.896 ± 0.123 fmol/mg protein) in the B16-F10 cell line resulted. Biodistribution evaluation findings and planar image interpretation of mice both showed high affinity and selectivity of the radiotracer to the CXCR4 receptors. CONCLUSION Therefore, the findings indicate this designed radioligand could be used as a potential SPECT imaging agent in highly proliferated CXCR4 receptor tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hassanzadeh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical & Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Imaging Technology, Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Erfani
- Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, (NSTRI), P.O. Box: 14395-836, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safura Jokar
- Department of Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Shariatpanahi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Sonawani A, Naglekar A, Kharche S, Sengupta D. Assessing Protein-Protein Docking Protocols: Case Studies of G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2780:257-280. [PMID: 38987472 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3985-6_13] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The interactions of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with other proteins are critical in several cellular processes but resolving their structural dynamics remains challenging. An increasing number of GPCR complexes have been experimentally resolved but others including receptor variants are yet to be characterized, necessitating computational predictions of their interactions. Although integrative approaches with multi-scale simulations would provide rigorous estimates of their conformational dynamics, protein-protein docking remains a first tool of choice of many researchers due to the availability of open-source programs and easy to use web servers with reasonable predictive power. Protein-protein docking algorithms have limited ability to consider protein flexibility, environment effects, and entropy contributions and are usually a first step towards more integrative approaches. The two critical steps of docking: the sampling and scoring algorithms have improved considerably and their performance has been validated against experimental data. In this chapter, we provide an overview and generalized protocol of a few docking protocols using GPCRs as test cases. In particular, we demonstrate the interactions of GPCRs with extracellular protein ligands and an intracellular protein effectors (G-protein) predicted from docking approaches and test their limitations. The current chapter will help researchers critically assess docking protocols and predict experimentally testable structures of GPCR complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Sonawani
- School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D.Y. Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Amit Naglekar
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Durba Sengupta
- CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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25
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Meng Q, Zhu R, Mao Y, Zhu S, Wu Y, Huang L, Ciechanover A, An J, Xu Y, Huang Z. Biological and mutational analyses of CXCR4-antagonist interactions and design of new antagonistic analogs. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:BSR20230981. [PMID: 38131305 PMCID: PMC10987480 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20230981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 has become an attractive therapeutic target for HIV-1 infection, hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, and cancer metastasis. A wide variety of synthetic antagonists of CXCR4 have been developed and studied for a growing list of clinical applications. To compare the biological effects of different antagonists on CXCR4 functions and their common and/or distinctive molecular interactions with the receptor, we conducted head-to-head comparative cell-based biological and mutational analyses of the interactions with CXCR4 of eleven reported antagonists, including HC4319, DV3, DV1, DV1 dimer, V1, vMIP-II, CVX15, LY2510924, IT1t, AMD3100, and AMD11070 that were representative of different structural classes of D-peptides, L-peptide, natural chemokine, cyclic peptides, and small molecules. The results were rationalized by molecular modeling of CXCR4-antagonist interactions from which the common as well as different receptor binding sites of these antagonists were derived, revealing a number of important residues such as W94, D97, H113, D171, D262, and E288, mostly of negative charge. To further examine this finding, we designed and synthesized new antagonistic analogs by adding positively charged residues Arg to a D-peptide template to enhance the postulated charge-charge interactions. The newly designed analogs displayed significantly increased binding to CXCR4, which supports the notion that negatively charged residues of CXCR4 can engage in interactions with moieties of positive charge of the antagonistic ligands. The results from these mutational, modeling and new analog design studies shed new insight into the molecular mechanisms of different types of antagonists in recognizing CXCR4 and guide the development of new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ruohan Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yujia Mao
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lina S.M. Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Aaron Ciechanover
- The Rapport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Jing An
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Yan Xu
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Heath, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Ciechanover Institute of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
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26
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Madsen JJ, Petersen JE, Christensen DP, Hansen JB, Schwartz TW, Frimurer TM, Olsen OH. Deciphering specificity and cross-reactivity in tachykinin NK1 and NK2 receptors. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105438. [PMID: 37944618 PMCID: PMC10724690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105438] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The tachykinin receptors neurokinin 1 (NK1R) and neurokinin 2 (NK2R) are G protein-coupled receptors that bind preferentially to the natural peptide ligands substance P and neurokinin A, respectively, and have been targets for drug development. Despite sharing a common C-terminal sequence of Phe-X-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2 that helps direct biological function, the peptide ligands exhibit some degree of cross-reactivity toward each other's non-natural receptor. Here, we investigate the detailed structure-activity relationships of the ligand-bound receptor complexes that underlie both potent activation by the natural ligand and cross-reactivity. We find that the specificity and cross-reactivity of the peptide ligands can be explained by the interactions between the amino acids preceding the FxGLM consensus motif of the bound peptide ligand and two regions of the receptor: the β-hairpin of the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) and a N-terminal segment leading into transmembrane helix 1. Positively charged sidechains of the ECL2 (R177 of NK1R and K180 of NK2R) are seen to play a vital role in the interaction. The N-terminal positions 1 to 3 of the peptide ligand are entirely dispensable. Mutated and chimeric receptor and ligand constructs neatly swap around ligand specificity as expected, validating the structure-activity hypotheses presented. These findings will help in developing improved agonists or antagonists for NK1R and NK2R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper J Madsen
- Global and Planetary Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA; Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jacob E Petersen
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Thue W Schwartz
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas M Frimurer
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole H Olsen
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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27
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Jiao H, Pang B, Chiang YC, Chen Q, Pan Q, Ren R, Hu H. Structure basis for the modulation of CXC chemokine receptor 3 by antagonist AMG487. Cell Discov 2023; 9:119. [PMID: 38012179 PMCID: PMC10682378 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00617-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Haizhan Jiao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Chih Chiang
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Pan
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruobing Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongli Hu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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28
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Li M, Qing R, Tao F, Xu P, Zhang S. Dynamic Dimerization of Chemokine Receptors and Potential Inhibitory Role of Their Truncated Isoforms Revealed through Combinatorial Prediction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16266. [PMID: 38003455 PMCID: PMC10671024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216266] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors play crucial roles in fundamental biological processes. Their malfunction may result in many diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and HIV. The oligomerization of chemokine receptors holds significant functional implications that directly affect their signaling patterns and pharmacological responses. However, the oligomerization patterns of many chemokine receptors remain poorly understood. Furthermore, several chemokine receptors have highly truncated isoforms whose functional role is not yet clear. Here, we computationally show homo- and heterodimerization patterns of four human chemokine receptors, namely CXCR2, CXCR7, CCR2, and CCR7, along with their interaction patterns with their respective truncated isoforms. By combining the neural network-based AlphaFold2 and physics-based protein-protein docking tool ClusPro, we predicted 15 groups of complex structures and assessed the binding affinities in the context of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Our results are in agreement with previous experimental observations and support the dynamic and diverse nature of chemokine receptor dimerization, suggesting possible patterns of higher-order oligomerization. Additionally, we uncover the strong potential of truncated isoforms to block homo- and heterodimerization of chemokine receptors, also in a dynamic manner. Our study provides insights into the dimerization patterns of chemokine receptors and the functional significance of their truncated isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengke Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Architecture, Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.Q.); (F.T.); (P.X.)
| | - Rui Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.Q.); (F.T.); (P.X.)
| | - Fei Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.Q.); (F.T.); (P.X.)
| | - Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.Q.); (F.T.); (P.X.)
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Architecture, Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
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29
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Jung CK, Münch J, Jacob T. Conformational States of the CXCR4 Inhibitor Peptide EPI-X4-A Theoretical Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16229. [PMID: 38003419 PMCID: PMC10671355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216229] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EPI-X4, an endogenous peptide inhibitor, has exhibited potential as a blocker of CXCR4-a G protein-coupled receptor. This unique inhibitor demonstrates the ability to impede HIV-1 infection and halt CXCR4-dependent processes such as tumor cell migration and invagination. Despite its promising effects, a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between EPI-X4 and CXCR4 under natural conditions remains elusive due to experimental limitations. To bridge this knowledge gap, a simulation approach was undertaken. Approximately 150,000 secondary structures of EPI-X4 were subjected to simulations to identify thermodynamically stable candidates. This simulation process harnessed a self-developed reactive force field operating within the ReaxFF framework. The application of the Two-Phase Thermodynamic methodology to ReaxFF facilitated the derivation of crucial thermodynamic attributes of the EPI-X4 conformers. To deepen insights, an ab initio density functional theory calculation method was employed to assess the electrostatic potentials of the most relevant (i.e., stable) EPI-X4 structures. This analytical endeavor aimed to enhance comprehension of the inhibitor's structural characteristics. As a result of these investigations, predictions were made regarding how EPI-X4 interacts with CXCR4. Two pivotal requirements emerged. Firstly, the spatial conformation of EPI-X4 must align effectively with the CXCR4 receptor protein. Secondly, the functional groups present on the surface of the inhibitor's structure must complement the corresponding features of CXCR4 to induce attraction between the two entities. These predictive outcomes were based on a meticulous analysis of the conformers, conducted in a gaseous environment. Ultimately, this rigorous exploration yielded a suitable EPI-X4 structure that fulfills the spatial and functional prerequisites for interacting with CXCR4, thus potentially shedding light on new avenues for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Karsten Jung
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtzstr. 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Timo Jacob
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtzstr. 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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30
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Sukhtankar DD, Fung JJ, Kim MN, Cayton T, Chiou V, Caculitan NG, Zalicki P, Kim S, Jo Y, Kim S, Lee JM, Choi J, Mun S, Chin A, Jang Y, Lee JY, Kim G, Kim EH, Huh WK, Jeong JY, Seen DS, Cardarelli PM. GPC-100, a novel CXCR4 antagonist, improves in vivo hematopoietic cell mobilization when combined with propranolol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287863. [PMID: 37878624 PMCID: PMC10599528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287863] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) is increasingly used to treat hematological malignancies. A key requisite for ASCT is mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells into peripheral blood, where they are collected by apheresis and stored for later transplantation. However, success is often hindered by poor mobilization due to factors including prior treatments. The combination of G-CSF and GPC-100, a small molecule antagonist of CXCR4, showed potential in a multiple myeloma clinical trial for sufficient and rapid collection of CD34+ stem cells, compared to the historical results from the standards of care, G-CSF alone or G-CSF with plerixafor, also a CXCR4 antagonist. In the present study, we show that GPC-100 has high affinity towards the chemokine receptor CXCR4, and it potently inhibits β-arrestin recruitment, calcium flux and cell migration mediated by its ligand CXCL12. Proximity Ligation Assay revealed that in native cell systems with endogenous receptor expression, CXCR4 co-localizes with the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR). Co-treatment with CXCL12 and the β2AR agonist epinephrine synergistically increases β-arrestin recruitment to CXCR4 and calcium flux. This increase is blocked by the co-treatment with GPC-100 and propranolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocker, indicating a functional synergy. In mice, GPC-100 mobilized more white blood cells into peripheral blood compared to plerixafor. GPC-100 induced mobilization was further amplified by propranolol pretreatment and was comparable to mobilization by G-CSF. Addition of propranolol to the G-CSF and GPC-100 combination resulted in greater stem cell mobilization than the G-CSF and plerixafor combination. Together, our studies suggest that the combination of GPC-100 and propranolol is a novel strategy for stem cell mobilization and support the current clinical trial in multiple myeloma registered as NCT05561751 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devki D. Sukhtankar
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Juan José Fung
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Mi-na Kim
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas Cayton
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Valerie Chiou
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Niña G. Caculitan
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Piotr Zalicki
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Sujeong Kim
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjung Jo
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SoHui Kim
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Min Lee
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhee Choi
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Ashley Chin
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
| | - Yongdae Jang
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeong Lee
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gowoon Kim
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Kim
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Huh
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Microbiology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Jeong
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc., Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Pina M. Cardarelli
- GPCR Therapeutics USA, Inc., Redwood City, California, United States of America
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31
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Xu X, Lambert NA, Wu G. Sequence-directed concentration of G protein-coupled receptors in COPII vesicles. iScience 2023; 26:107969. [PMID: 37810244 PMCID: PMC10551652 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of plasma membrane signaling proteins. However, virtually nothing is known about their recruitment to COPII vesicles for forward delivery after synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we demonstrate that some GPCRs are highly concentrated at ER exit sites (ERES) before COPII budding. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) and CXCR4 concentration are directed by a di-acidic motif and a 9-residue domain, respectively, and these motifs also control receptor ER-Golgi traffic. We further show that AT2R interacts with Sar1 GTPase and that distinct GPCRs have different ER-Golgi transport rates via COPII which is independent of their concentration at ERES. Collectively, these data demonstrate that GPCRs can be actively captured by COPII via specific motifs and direct interaction with COPII components that in turn affects their export dynamics, and provide important insights into COPII targeting and forward trafficking of nascent GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Nevin A. Lambert
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Guangyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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32
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Malik P, Rani R, Solanki R, Patel VH, Mukherjee TK. Understanding the feasibility of chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic targets against non-small cell lung cancers: an update of resistant responses and recent combinatorial therapies. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:850-895. [PMID: 37970206 PMCID: PMC10645466 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00171] [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: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite consistent progress in prompt diagnosis and curative therapies in the last decade, lung cancer (LC) continues to threaten mankind, accounting for nearly twice the casualties compared to prostate, breast, and other cancers. Statistics associate ~25% of 2021 cancer-related deaths with LC, more than 80% of which are explicitly caused by tobacco smoking. Prevailing as small and non-small cell pathologies, with respective occurring frequency of nearly 15% and 80-85%, non-small cell LCs (NSCLCs) are prominently distinguished into lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), subtypes. Since the first use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor gefitinib for NSCLC treatment in 2002, immense progress has been made for targeted therapies with the next generation of drugs spanning across the chronological generations of small molecule inhibitors. The last two years have overseen the clinical approval of more than 10 therapeutic agents as first-line NSCLC medications. However, uncertain mutational aberrations as well as systemic resistant responses, and abysmal overall survival curtail the combating efficacies. Of late, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) against various molecules including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have been demonstrated as reliable LC treatment targets. Keeping these aspects in mind, this review article discusses the success of NSCLC chemo and immunotherapies with their characteristic effectiveness and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Malik
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382030, Gujarat, India
| | - Ruma Rani
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India
| | - Raghu Solanki
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar 382030, Gujarat, India
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Luginina A, Gusach A, Lyapina E, Khorn P, Safronova N, Shevtsov M, Dmitirieva D, Dashevskii D, Kotova T, Smirnova E, Borshchevskiy V, Cherezov V, Mishin A. Structural diversity of leukotriene G-protein coupled receptors. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105247. [PMID: 37703990 PMCID: PMC10570957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105247] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydroxy acid leukotriene (LTB4) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) are inflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. While structurally similar, these two types of leukotrienes (LTs) exert their functions through interactions with two distinct G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) families, BLT and CysLT receptors, which share low sequence similarity and belong to phylogenetically divergent GPCR groups. Selective antagonism of LT receptors has been proposed as a promising strategy for the treatment of many inflammation-related diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Selective CysLT1R antagonists are currently used as antiasthmatic drugs, however, there are no approved drugs targeting CysLT2 and BLT receptors. In this review, we highlight recently published structures of BLT1R and CysLTRs revealing unique structural features of the two receptor families. X-ray and cryo-EM data shed light on their overall conformations, differences in functional motifs involved in receptor activation, and details of the ligand-binding pockets. An unexpected binding mode of the selective antagonist BIIL260 in the BLT1R structure makes it the first example of a compound targeting the sodium-binding site of GPCRs and suggests a novel strategy for the receptor activity modulation. Taken together, these recent structural data reveal dramatic differences in the molecular architecture of the two LT receptor families and pave the way to new therapeutic strategies of selective targeting individual receptors with novel tool compounds obtained by the structure-based drug design approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Luginina
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anastasiia Gusach
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Elizaveta Lyapina
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Polina Khorn
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Nadezda Safronova
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail Shevtsov
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Daria Dmitirieva
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Dmitrii Dashevskii
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Tatiana Kotova
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Smirnova
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Valentin Borshchevskiy
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia; Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia
| | - Vadim Cherezov
- Bridge Institute, Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Alexey Mishin
- Research Сenter for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia.
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Gill KS, Mehta K, Heredia JD, Krishnamurthy VV, Zhang K, Procko E. Multiple mechanisms of self-association of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 demonstrated by deep mutagenesis. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105229. [PMID: 37690681 PMCID: PMC10551899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors are members of the rhodopsin-like class A GPCRs whose signaling through G proteins drives the directional movement of cells in response to a chemokine gradient. Chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 have been extensively studied due to their roles in leukocyte development and inflammation and their status as coreceptors for HIV-1 infection, among other roles. Both receptors form dimers or oligomers of unclear function. While CXCR4 has been crystallized in a dimeric arrangement, available atomic resolution structures of CCR5 are monomeric. To investigate their dimerization interfaces, we used a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC)-based screen and deep mutational scanning to find mutations that change how the receptors self-associate, either via specific oligomer assembly or alternative mechanisms of clustering in close proximity. Many disruptive mutations promoted self-associations nonspecifically, suggesting they aggregated in the membrane. A mutationally intolerant region was found on CXCR4 that matched the crystallographic dimer interface, supporting this dimeric arrangement in living cells. A mutationally intolerant region was also observed on the surface of CCR5 by transmembrane helices 3 and 4. Mutations predicted from the scan to reduce BiFC were validated and were localized in the transmembrane domains as well as the C-terminal cytoplasmic tails where they reduced lipid microdomain localization. A mutation in the dimer interface of CXCR4 had increased binding to the ligand CXCL12 and yet diminished calcium signaling. There was no change in syncytia formation with cells expressing HIV-1 Env. The data highlight that multiple mechanisms are involved in self-association of chemokine receptor chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Gill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kritika Mehta
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeremiah D Heredia
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA; Cyrus Biotechnology, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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35
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Hong JM, Lee JW, Seen DS, Jeong JY, Huh WK. LPA1-mediated inhibition of CXCR4 attenuates CXCL12-induced signaling and cell migration. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:257. [PMID: 37749552 PMCID: PMC10518940 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G protein-coupled receptor heteromerization is believed to exert dynamic regulatory impact on signal transduction. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand CXCL12, both of which are overexpressed in many cancers, play a pivotal role in metastasis. Likewise, lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) is implicated in cancer cell proliferation and migration. In our preliminary study, we identified LPA1 as a prospective CXCR4 interactor. In the present study, we investigated in detail the formation of the CXCR4-LPA1 heteromer and characterized the unique molecular features and function of this heteromer. METHODS We employed bimolecular fluorescence complementation, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, and proximity ligation assays to demonstrate heteromerization between CXCR4 and LPA1. To elucidate the distinctive molecular characteristics and functional implications of the CXCR4-LPA1 heteromer, we performed various assays, including cAMP, BRET for G protein activation, β-arrestin recruitment, ligand binding, and transwell migration assays. RESULTS We observed that CXCR4 forms heteromers with LPA1 in recombinant HEK293A cells and the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Coexpression of LPA1 with CXCR4 reduced CXCL12-mediated cAMP inhibition, ERK activation, Gαi/o activation, and β-arrestin recruitment, while CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 remained unaffected. In contrast, CXCR4 had no impact on LPA1-mediated signaling. The addition of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) further hindered CXCL12-induced Gαi/o recruitment to CXCR4. LPA or alkyl-OMPT inhibited CXCL12-induced migration in various cancer cells that endogenously express both CXCR4 and LPA1. Conversely, CXCL12-induced calcium signaling and migration were increased in LPAR1 knockout cells, and LPA1-selective antagonists enhanced CXCL12-induced Gαi/o signaling and cell migration in the parental MDA-MB-231 cells but not in LPA1-deficient cells. Ultimately, complete inhibition of cell migration toward CXCL12 and alkyl-OMPT was only achieved in the presence of both CXCR4 and LPA1 antagonists. CONCLUSIONS The presence and impact of CXCR4-LPA1 heteromers on CXCL12-induced signaling and cell migration have been evidenced across various cell lines. This discovery provides crucial insights into a valuable regulatory mechanism of CXCR4 through heteromerization. Moreover, our findings propose a therapeutic potential in combined CXCR4 and LPA1 inhibitors for cancer and inflammatory diseases associated with these receptors, simultaneously raising concerns about the use of LPA1 antagonists alone for such conditions. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Min Hong
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Seung Seen
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08790, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Jeong
- GPCR Therapeutics Inc, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08790, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Ki Huh
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Microbiology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Gu S, Huang M, Handel TM. On-bead purification and nanodisc reconstitution of human chemokine receptor complexes for structural and biophysical studies. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102460. [PMID: 37516969 PMCID: PMC10407235 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors, a subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are responsible for cell migration during physiological processes as well as in diseases like inflammation and cancers. Here, we present a protocol for solubilizing, purifying, and reconstituting complexes of chemokine receptors with their ligands in "nanodiscs," soluble lipid bilayers that mimic the native environment of membrane receptors. The protocol yields chemokine receptor complexes with sufficient purity and yield for structural and biophysical studies and should be applicable to other GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Gu
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Mian Huang
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tracy M Handel
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA.
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37
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Mayo KH. Heterologous Interactions with Galectins and Chemokines and Their Functional Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14083. [PMID: 37762385 PMCID: PMC10531749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extra- and intra-cellular activity occurs under the direction of numerous inter-molecular interactions, and in any tissue or cell, molecules are densely packed, thus promoting those molecular interactions. Galectins and chemokines, the focus of this review, are small, protein effector molecules that mediate various cellular functions-in particular, cell adhesion and migration-as well as cell signaling/activation. In the past, researchers have reported that combinations of these (and other) effector molecules act separately, yet sometimes in concert, but nevertheless physically apart and via their individual cell receptors. This view that each effector molecule functions independently of the other limits our thinking about functional versatility and cooperation, and, in turn, ignores the prospect of physiologically important inter-molecular interactions, especially when both molecules are present or co-expressed in the same cellular environment. This review is focused on such protein-protein interactions with chemokines and galectins, the homo- and hetero-oligomeric structures that they can form, and the functional consequences of those paired interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Mayo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, University of Minnesota Health Sciences Center, 6-155 Jackson Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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38
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Bueschbell B, Magalhães PR, Barreto CA, Melo R, Schiedel AC, Machuqueiro M, Moreira IS. The World of GPCR dimers - Mapping dopamine receptor D 2 homodimers in different activation states and configuration arrangements. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4336-4353. [PMID: 37711187 PMCID: PMC10497915 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.032] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are known to dimerize, but the molecular and structural basis of GPCR dimers is not well understood. In this study, we developed a computational framework to generate models of symmetric and asymmetric GPCR dimers using different monomer activation states and identified their most likely interfaces with molecular details. We chose the dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) homodimer as a case study because of its biological relevance and the availability of structural information. Our results showed that transmembrane domains 4 and 5 (TM4 and TM5) are mostly found at the dimer interface of the D2R dimer and that these interfaces have a subset of key residues that are mostly nonpolar from TM4 and TM5, which was in line with experimental studies. In addition, TM2 and TM3 appear to be relevant for D2R dimers. In some cases, the inactive configuration is unaffected by the partnered protomer, whereas in others, the active protomer adopts the properties of an inactive receptor. Additionally, the β-arrestin configuration displayed the properties of an active receptor in the absence of an agonist, suggesting that a switch to another meta-state during dimerization occurred. Our findings are consistent with the experimental data, and this method can be adapted to study heterodimers and potentially extended to include additional proteins such as G proteins or β-arrestins. In summary, this approach provides insight into the impact of the conformational status of partnered protomers on the overall quaternary GPCR macromolecular structure and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Bueschbell
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIs-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro R. Magalhães
- BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos A.V. Barreto
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIs-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Melo
- CIBB - Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Miguel Machuqueiro
- BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande C8 bdg, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB-Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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39
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Kapur B, Baldessari F, Lazaratos M, Nar H, Schnapp G, Giorgetti A, Bondar AN. Protons taken hostage: Dynamic H-bond networks of the pH-sensing GPR68. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4370-4384. [PMID: 37711190 PMCID: PMC10498176 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.034] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Proton-sensing G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) sense changes in the extracellular pH to effect cell signaling for cellular homeostasis. They tend to be overexpressed in solid tumors associated with acidic extracellular pH, and are of direct interest as drug targets. How proton-sensing GPCRs sense extracellular acidification and activate upon protonation change is important to understand, because it may guide the design of therapeutics. Lack of publicly available experimental structures make it challenging to discriminate between conflicting mechanisms proposed for proton-binding, as main roles have been assigned to either an extracellular histidine cluster or to an internal carboxylic triad. Here we present a protocol to derive and evaluate structural models of the proton-sensing GPR68. This approach integrates state-of-the-art homology modeling with microsecond-timescale atomistic simulations, and with a detailed assessment of the compatibility of the structural models with known structural features of class A GPCRs. To decipher structural elements of potential interest for protonation-coupled conformational changes of GPR68, we used the best-compatible model as a starting point for independent atomistic simulations of GPR68 with different protonation states, and graph computations to characterize the response of GPR68 to changes in protonation. We found that GPR68 hosts an extended hydrogen-bond network that inter-connects the extracellular histidine cluster to the internal carboxylic triad, and which can even reach groups at the cytoplasmic G-protein binding site. Taken together, results suggest that GPR68 relies on dynamic, hydrogen-bond networks to inter-connect extracellular and internal proton-binding sites, and to elicit conformational changes at the cytoplasmic G-protein binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhav Kapur
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
- Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Michalis Lazaratos
- Department of Physics, Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Group, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Herbert Nar
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Gisela Schnapp
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- University of Verona, Department of Biotechnology, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5/INM-9), Computational Biomedicine, Wilhelm-Johnen Straße, 52525 Jülich, Germany
| | - Ana-Nicoleta Bondar
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (IAS-5/INM-9), Computational Biomedicine, Wilhelm-Johnen Straße, 52525 Jülich, Germany
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, Str. Atomiştilor 405, 077125 Bucharest-Măgurele, Romania
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Wang Y, Gao F. Research Progress of CXCR4-Targeting Radioligands for Oncologic Imaging. Korean J Radiol 2023; 24:871-889. [PMID: 37634642 PMCID: PMC10462898 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays a key role in various physiological functions, such as immune processes and disease development, and can influence angiogenesis, proliferation, and distant metastasis in tumors. Recently, several radioligands, including peptides, small molecules, and nanoclusters, have been developed to target CXCR4 for diagnostic purposes, thereby providing new diagnostic strategies based on CXCR4. Herein, we focus on the recent research progress of CXCR4-targeting radioligands for tumor diagnosis. We discuss their application in the diagnosis of hematological tumors, such as lymphomas, multiple myelomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and myeloproliferative tumors, as well as nonhematological tumors, including tumors of the esophagus, breast, and central nervous system. Additionally, we explored the theranostic applications of CXCR4-targeting radioligands in tumors. Targeting CXCR4 using nuclear medicine shows promise as a method for tumor diagnosis, and further research is warranted to enhance its clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Research Center for Experimental Nuclear Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Research Center for Experimental Nuclear Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Kranjc A, Narwani TJ, Abby SS, de Brevern AG. Structural Space of the Duffy Antigen/Receptor for Chemokines' Intrinsically Disordered Ectodomain 1 Explored by Temperature Replica-Exchange Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13280. [PMID: 37686086 PMCID: PMC10488288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax malaria affects 14 million people each year. Its invasion requires interactions between the parasitic Duffy-binding protein (PvDBP) and the N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD1) of the host's Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines (DARC). ECD1 is highly flexible and intrinsically disordered, therefore it can adopt different conformations. We computationally modeled the challenging ECD1 local structure. With T-REMD simulations, we sampled its dynamic behavior and collected its most representative conformations. Our results suggest that most of the DARC ECD1 domain remains in a disordered state during the simulated time. Globular local conformations are found in the analyzed local free-energy minima. These globular conformations share an α-helix spanning residues Ser18 to Ser29 and in many cases they comprise an antiparallel β-sheet, whose β-strands are formed around residues Leu10 and Ala49. The formation of a parallel β-sheet is almost negligible. So far, progress in understanding the mechanisms forming the basis of the P. vivax malaria infection of reticulocytes has been hampered by experimental difficulties, along with a lack of DARC structural information. Our collection of the most probable ECD1 structural conformations will help to advance modeling of the DARC structure and to explore DARC-ECD1 interactions with a range of physiological and pathological ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kranjc
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles and Université de la Réunion, BIGR, UMR_S1134, DSIMB Team, Inserm, F-75014 Paris, France;
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine (INTS), F-75015 Paris, France
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-9)/Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-5), Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Tarun Jairaj Narwani
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles and Université de la Réunion, BIGR, UMR_S1134, DSIMB Team, Inserm, F-75014 Paris, France;
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine (INTS), F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sophie S. Abby
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, F-38000 Grenoble, France;
| | - Alexandre G. de Brevern
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles and Université de la Réunion, BIGR, UMR_S1134, DSIMB Team, Inserm, F-75014 Paris, France;
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine (INTS), F-75015 Paris, France
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Su C, Yu R, Hong X, Zhang P, Guo Y, Cai JC, Hou J. CXCR4 Expressed by Tumor-Infiltrating B Cells in Gastric Cancer Related to Survival in the Tumor Microenvironment: An Analysis Combining Single-Cell RNA Sequencing with Bulk RNA Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12890. [PMID: 37629071 PMCID: PMC10454711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of tumor-related mortality globally and one of the most prevalent malignant tumors. To better understand the role of tumor-infiltrating B cells (TIBs) in GC, this work used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-Seq) data to identify candidate hub genes. Both scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq data for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases, respectively. Using scRNA-seq data, the FindNeighbors and FindClusters tools were used to group the cells into distinct groups. Immune cell clusters were sought in the massive RNA-seq expression matrix using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). The expression profiles were used in Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to build TCGA's gene coexpression networks. Next, univariate Cox regression, LASSO regression, and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to identify hub genes in scRNA-seq data from sequential B-cell analyses. Finally, we examined the correlation between the hub genes and TIBs utilizing the TISIDB database. We confirmed the immune-related markers in clinical validation samples using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). 15 cell clusters were classified in the scRNA-seq database. According to the WGCNA findings, the green module is most associated with cancer and B cells. The intersection of 12 genes in two separate datasets (scRNA and bulk) was attained for further analysis. However, survival studies revealed that increased C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression was linked to worse overall survival. CXCR4 expression is correlated with active, immature, and memory B cells in STAD were identified. Finally, RT-PCR and IHC assays verified that in GC, CXCR4 is overexpressed, and its expression level correlates with TIBs. We used scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq to study STAD's cellular composition. We found that CXCR4 is highly expressed by TIBs in GC, suggesting that it may serve as a hub gene for these cells and a starting point for future research into the molecular mechanisms by which these immune cells gain access to tumors and potentially identify therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Su
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (C.S.); (R.Y.)
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Rong Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (C.S.); (R.Y.)
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Xiaoquan Hong
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jian-Chun Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (C.S.); (R.Y.)
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Jingjing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (C.S.); (R.Y.)
- Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; (X.H.); (P.Z.); (Y.G.)
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Våbenø J, Oliva-Santiago M, Jørgensen AS, Karlshøj S, Rosenkilde MM. Identification of a Salt Bridge That Is Functionally Important for Chemokine Receptor CXCR1 but not CXCR2. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1120-1128. [PMID: 37588755 PMCID: PMC10425996 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00070] [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: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptors 1 (CXCR1) and 2 (CXCR2) have high sequence similarity and overlapping chemokine ligand profiles. Residue positions 3.32 and 7.39 are critical for signal transduction in the related CXCR4, and in these positions CXCR1 and CXCR2 contain oppositely charged residues (Lys3.32 and Glu7.39). Experimental and computed receptor structures reveal the possible formation of a salt bridge between transmembrane (TM) helices 3 and 7 via these two residues. To investigate the functional importance of Lys1173.32 and Glu2917.39 in CXCR1, along with the flanking Glu1183.33, we performed a signaling study on 16 CXCR1 mutants using two different CXCL8 isoforms. While single Ala-mutation (K1173.32A, E2917.39A) and charge reversal (K1173.32E, E2917.39K) resulted in nonfunctional receptors, double (K1173.32E-E2917.39K) and triple (K1173.32E-E1183.33A-E2917.39K) mutants rescued CXCR1 function. In contrast, the corresponding mutations did not affect the CXCR2 function to the same extent. Our findings show that the Lys3.32-Glu7.39 salt bridge between TM3 and -7 is functionally important for CXCR1 but not for CXCR2, meaning that signal transduction for these highly homologous receptors is not conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Våbenø
- Helgeland
Hospital Trust, Prestmarkveien
1, 8800 Sandnessjøen, Norway
| | - Marta Oliva-Santiago
- Laboratory
for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Astrid S. Jørgensen
- Laboratory
for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Stefanie Karlshøj
- Laboratory
for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mette M. Rosenkilde
- Laboratory
for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Cao Y, van der Velden WJC, Namkung Y, Nivedha AK, Cho A, Sedki D, Holleran B, Lee N, Leduc R, Muk S, Le K, Bhattacharya S, Vaidehi N, Laporte SA. Unraveling allostery within the angiotensin II type 1 receptor for Gα q and β-arrestin coupling. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadf2173. [PMID: 37552769 PMCID: PMC10640921 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adf2173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors engage both G proteins and β-arrestins, and their coupling can be biased by ligands and mutations. Here, to resolve structural elements and mechanisms underlying effector coupling to the angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT1R), we combined alanine scanning mutagenesis of the entire sequence of the receptor with pharmacological profiling of Gαq and β-arrestin engagement to mutant receptors and molecular dynamics simulations. We showed that Gαq coupling to AT1R involved a large number of residues spread across the receptor, whereas fewer structural regions of the receptor contributed to β-arrestin coupling regulation. Residue stretches in transmembrane domain 4 conferred β-arrestin bias and represented an important structural element in AT1R for functional selectivity. Furthermore, we identified allosteric small-molecule binding sites that were enclosed by communities of residues that produced biased signaling when mutated. Last, we showed that allosteric communication within AT1R emanating from the Gαq coupling site spread beyond the orthosteric AngII-binding site and across different regions of the receptor, including currently unresolved structural regions. Our findings reveal structural elements and mechanisms within AT1R that bias Gαq and β-arrestin coupling and that could be harnessed to design biased receptors for research purposes and to develop allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Wijnand J. C. van der Velden
- Department of Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Yoon Namkung
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Anita K. Nivedha
- Department of Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Aaron Cho
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Dana Sedki
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Brian Holleran
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Nicholas Lee
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Richard Leduc
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sanychen Muk
- Department of Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Keith Le
- Department of Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Supriyo Bhattacharya
- Department of Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Stéphane A. Laporte
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
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Hjazi A, Nasir F, Noor R, Alsalamy A, Zabibah RS, Romero-Parra RM, Ullah MI, Mustafa YF, Qasim MT, Akram SV. The pathological role of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression; special focus on molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutics. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154616. [PMID: 37379710 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is comprised of transformed cells and non-malignant cells including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), endothelial vasculature cells, and tumor-infiltrating cells. These nonmalignant cells, as well as soluble factors (e.g., cytokines), and the extracellular matrix (ECM), form the tumor microenvironment (TME). In general, the cancer cells and their surrounding TME can crosstalk by direct cell-to-cell contact and via soluble factors, such as cytokines (e.g., chemokines). TME not only promotes cancer progression through growth-promoting cytokines but also provides resistance to chemotherapy. Understanding the mechanisms of tumor growth and progression and the roles of chemokines in CRC will likely suggest new therapeutic targets. In this line, a plethora of reports has evidenced the critical role of chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12 or SDF-1) axis in CRC pathogenesis. In the current review, we take a glimpse into the role of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in CRC growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and immune escape. Also, a summary of recent reports concerning targeting CXCR4/CXCL12 axis for CRC management and therapy has been delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rabia Noor
- Amna Inayat Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Medical Technique, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
| | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | | | - Muhammad Ikram Ullah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 75471, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41001, Iraq
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health and Medical Technololgy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Shaik Vaseem Akram
- Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Division of Research & Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
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Yang K, Xie Q, Liao J, Zhao N, Liang J, Liu B, Chen J, Cheng W, Bai X, Zhang P, Liu Q, Song B, Wang JD, Zheng F, Hu C, Liu L, Chen L, Wang Y. Shang-Ke-Huang-Shui and coptisine alleviate osteoarthritis in the knee of monosodium iodoacetate-induced rats through inhibiting CXCR4 signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116476. [PMID: 37031825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shang-Ke-Huang-Shui (SKHS) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula originally from the southern China city of Foshan. It has been widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) but underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF STUDY Recently, activation of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) signaling has been reported to induce cartilage degradation in OA patients; therefore, inhibition of CXCR4 signaling has becoming a promising approach for OA treatment. The aim of this study was to validate the cartilage protective effect of SKHS and test whether the anti-OA effects of SKHS depend on its inhibition on CXCR4 signaling. Additionally, CXCR4 antagonist in SKHS should be identified and its anti-OA activity should also be tested in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The anti-OA effects of SKHS and the newly identified CXCR4 antagonist was evaluated by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rats. The articular cartilage surface was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green (S-F) staining whereas the subchondral bone was examined by micro-CT. CXCR4 antagonist screenings were conducted by molecular docking and calcium response assay. The CXCR4 antagonist was characterized by UPLC/MS/MS. The bulk RNA-Seq was conducted to identify CXCR4-mediated signaling pathway. The expression of ADAMTS4,5 was tested by qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS SKHS protected rats from MIA-induced cartilage degradation and subchondral bone damage. SKHS also inhibited CXCL12-indcued ADAMTS4,5 overexpression in chondrocytes through inhibiting Akt pathway. Coptisine has been identified as the most potent CXCR4 antagonist in SKHS. Coptisine reduced CXCL12-induced ADAMTS4,5 overexpression in chondrocytes. Furthermore, in MIA-induced OA model, the repaired cartilage and subchondral bone were observed in the coptisine-treated rats. CONCLUSION We first report here that the traditional Chinese medicine formula SKHS and its predominate phytochemical coptisine significantly alleviated cartilage degradation as well as subchondral bone damage through inhibiting CXCR4-mediated ADAMTS4,5 overexpression. Together, our work has provided an important insight of the molecular mechanism of SKHS and coptisine for their treatment of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuangyang Yang
- Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Qian Xie
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jiaxin Liao
- The Eighth School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Jianhui Liang
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Ben Liu
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jianhai Chen
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenxiang Cheng
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xueling Bai
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bing Song
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | | | - Fanghao Zheng
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Center, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Chun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Lichu Liu
- Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Center for Translation Medicine Research and Development, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Alluri SR, Higashi Y, Berendzen A, Grisanti LA, Watkinson LD, Singh K, Hoffman TJ, Carmack T, Devanny EA, Tanner M, Kil KE. Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of a novel fluorine-18 labeled small-molecule PET radiotracer for imaging of CXCR3 receptor in mouse models of atherosclerosis. EJNMMI Res 2023; 13:67. [PMID: 37438543 PMCID: PMC10338423 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-023-01017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor and is expressed in innate and adaptive immune cells. It promotes the recruitment of T-lymphocytes and other immune cells to the inflammatory site in response to the binding of cognate chemokines. Upregulation of CXCR3 and its chemokines has been found during atherosclerotic lesion formation. Therefore, detection of CXCR3 by positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer can be a useful tool for detecting the development of atherosclerosis in a noninvasive manner. Herein, we report the synthesis, radiosynthesis, and characterization of a novel fluorine-18 (F-18, 18F) labeled small-molecule radiotracer for the imaging of the CXCR3 receptor in mouse models of atherosclerosis. RESULTS The reference standard 1 and its precursor 9 were synthesized over 5 steps from starting materials in good to moderate yields. The measured Ki values of CXCR3A and CXCR3B were 0.81 ± 0.02 nM and 0.31 ± 0.02 nM, respectively. [18F]1 was prepared by a two-step radiosynthesis with a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 13 ± 2%, radiochemical purity > 99%, and specific activity of 44.4 ± 3.7 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis (n = 6). The baseline studies showed that [18F]1 displayed high uptake in the atherosclerotic aorta and brown adipose tissue in Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) mice fed with a high-fat diet over 12 weeks. The uptake of [18F]1 in these regions was reduced significantly in self-blocking studies, demonstrating CXCR3 binding specificity. Contrary to this, no significant differences in uptake of [18F]1 in the abdominal aorta of C57BL/6 control mice fed with a normal diet were observed in both baseline and blocking studies, indicating increased CXCR3 expression in atherosclerotic lesions. Immunohistochemistry studies demonstrated that [18F]1-positive regions were correlated with CXCR3 expression, but some atherosclerotic plaques with significant size were not detected by [18F]1, and their CXCR3 expressions were minimal. CONCLUSION [18F]1 was synthesized with good radiochemical yield and high radiochemical purity. In PET imaging studies, [18F]1 displayed CXCR3-specific uptake in the atherosclerotic aorta in ApoE KO mice. [18F]1 visualized CXCR3 expression in different regions in mice aligned with the tissue histology studies. Taken together, [18F]1 is a potential PET radiotracer for imaging CXCR3 in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh R Alluri
- University of Missouri Research Reactor, University of Missouri, 1513 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Yusuke Higashi
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Ashley Berendzen
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Laurel A Grisanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Lisa D Watkinson
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Kamlendra Singh
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Timothy J Hoffman
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Terry Carmack
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Devanny
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Miles Tanner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Kun-Eek Kil
- University of Missouri Research Reactor, University of Missouri, 1513 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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48
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Harms M, Smith N, Han M, Groß R, von Maltitz P, Stürzel C, Ruiz-Blanco YB, Almeida-Hernández Y, Rodriguez-Alfonso A, Cathelin D, Caspar B, Tahar B, Sayettat S, Bekaddour N, Vanshylla K, Kleipass F, Wiese S, Ständker L, Klein F, Lagane B, Boonen A, Schols D, Benichou S, Sanchez-Garcia E, Herbeuval JP, Münch J. Spermine and spermidine bind CXCR4 and inhibit CXCR4- but not CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf8251. [PMID: 37406129 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf8251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Semen is an important vector for sexual HIV-1 transmission. Although CXCR4-tropic (X4) HIV-1 may be present in semen, almost exclusively CCR5-tropic (R5) HIV-1 causes systemic infection after sexual intercourse. To identify factors that may limit sexual X4-HIV-1 transmission, we generated a seminal fluid-derived compound library and screened it for antiviral agents. We identified four adjacent fractions that blocked X4-HIV-1 but not R5-HIV-1 and found that they all contained spermine and spermidine, abundant polyamines in semen. We showed that spermine, which is present in semen at concentrations up to 14 mM, binds CXCR4 and selectively inhibits cell-free and cell-associated X4-HIV-1 infection of cell lines and primary target cells at micromolar concentrations. Our findings suggest that seminal spermine restricts sexual X4-HIV-1 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Nikaïa Smith
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris-Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Mingyu Han
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris-Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Rüdiger Groß
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Pascal von Maltitz
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christina Stürzel
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Yasser B Ruiz-Blanco
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 2, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernández
- Computational Bioengineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Emil-Figge Str. 66., 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Armando Rodriguez-Alfonso
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Core Unit Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominique Cathelin
- CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Paris, France
| | - Birgit Caspar
- CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Paris, France
| | - Bouceba Tahar
- Sorbonne University, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Protein Engineering Platform, Molecular Interaction Service, F-75252 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Sayettat
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris-Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Nassima Bekaddour
- CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Paris, France
| | - Kanika Vanshylla
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Franziska Kleipass
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiese
- Core Unit Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Bonn-Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernard Lagane
- Infinity, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Boonen
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 1030, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, P.O. Box 1030, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Serge Benichou
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université Paris-Cité, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Biochemistry, Center of Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 2, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Computational Bioengineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Emil-Figge Str. 66., 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Herbeuval
- CNRS UMR-8601, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- Chemistry and Biology, Modeling and Immunology for Therapy (CBMIT), Paris, France
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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49
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Guo M, Yu X, Zhu YZ, Yu Y. From Bench to Bedside: What Do We Know about Imidazothiazole Derivatives So Far? Molecules 2023; 28:5052. [PMID: 37446714 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135052] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Imidazothiazole derivatives are becoming increasingly important in therapeutic use due to their outstanding physiological activities. Recently, applying imidazothiazole as the core, researchers have synthesized a series of derivatives with biological effects such as antitumor, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this review, we summarize the main pharmacological effects and pharmacological mechanisms of imidazothiazole derivates; the contents summarized herein are intended to advance the research and rational development of imidazothiazole-based drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Xiangbin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yue Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Fujian Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation, Fuzhou 350122, China
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50
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Pawnikar S, Akhter S, Miao Y. Structural dynamics of chemokine receptors. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:645-662. [PMID: 37718001 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.05.005] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Membrane proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in awide range of physiological and pathological cellular processes. Binding of extracellular signals to GPCRs, including hormones, neurotransmitters, peptides and proteins, can activate intracellular signaling cascades via G protein interaction. Chemokine receptors are key GPCRs implicated in cancers, immune responses, cell migration and inflammation. Specifically, the CCR5 and CXCR4 chemokine receptors serve as important therapeutic targets against Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry into human cells. Maraviroc and Vicriviroc, two clinically used HIV entry inhibitors, are antagonists of the CCR5 receptor. These drugs block HIV entry, but ultimately resistance develops, due to emergence of viruses that can utilize the CXCR4 co-receptor. Unfortunately, development of chemokine receptor antagonists as selective drugs of HIV infection has been greatly hindered as their target orthosteric site is conserved among different receptor subtypes. Accordingly, it is important to understand the structural dynamics of these receptors to develop more effective therapeutics. In this chapter, we describe the latest advances in studies of these two key chemokine receptors with respect to their structures, dynamics and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shristi Pawnikar
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Sana Akhter
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Yinglong Miao
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States.
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