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Kenakin T. Know your molecule: pharmacological characterization of drug candidates to enhance efficacy and reduce late-stage attrition. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-00958-9. [PMID: 38890494 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite advances in chemical, computational and biological sciences, the rate of attrition of drug candidates in clinical development is still high. A key point in the small-molecule discovery process that could provide opportunities to help address this challenge is the pharmacological characterization of hit and lead compounds, culminating in the selection of a drug candidate. Deeper characterization is increasingly important, because the 'quality' of drug efficacy, at least for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is now understood to be much more than activation of commonly evaluated pathways such as cAMP signalling, with many more 'efficacies' of ligands that could be harnessed therapeutically. Such characterization is being enabled by novel assays to characterize the complex behaviour of GPCRs, such as biased signalling and allosteric modulation, as well as advances in structural biology, such as cryo-electron microscopy. This article discusses key factors in the assessments of the pharmacology of hit and lead compounds in the context of GPCRs as a target class, highlighting opportunities to identify drug candidates with the potential to address limitations of current therapies and to improve the probability of them succeeding in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Kenakin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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2
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Tang H, Zhu HY, Huang YF, Wu ZY, Zou SP, Liu ZQ, Zheng YG. Hydrophobic substrate binding pocket remodeling of echinocandin B deacylase based on multi-dimensional rational design. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131473. [PMID: 38614185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131473] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Actinoplanes utahensis deacylase (AAC)-catalyzed deacylation of echinocandin B (ECB) is a promising method for the synthesis of anidulafungin, the newest of the echinocandin antifungal agents. However, the low activity of AAC significantly limits its practical application. In this work, we have devised a multi-dimensional rational design strategy for AAC, conducting separate analyses on the substrate-binding pocket's volume, curvature, and length. Furthermore, we quantitatively analyzed substrate properties, particularly on hydrophilic and hydrophobic. Accordingly, we tailored the linoleic acid-binding pocket of AAC to accommodate the extended long lipid chain of ECB. By fine-tuning the key residues, the resulting AAC mutants can accommodate the ECB lipid chain with a lower curvature binding pocket. The D53A/I55F/G57M/F154L/Q661L mutant (MT) displayed 331 % higher catalytic efficiency than the wild-type (WT) enzyme. The MT product conversion was 94.6 %, reaching the highest reported level. Utilizing a multi-dimensional rational design for a customized mutation strategy of the substrate-binding pocket is an effective approach to enhance the catalytic efficiency of enzymes in handling complicated substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Tang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Han-Yue Zhu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Yin-Feng Huang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Ze-Yu Wu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Shu-Ping Zou
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
| | - Yu-Guo Zheng
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Biomanufacturing of Chiral Chemicals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Synthesis of Zhejiang Province, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China
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3
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Cebi E, Lee J, Subramani VK, Bak N, Oh C, Kim KK. Cryo-electron microscopy-based drug design. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1342179. [PMID: 38501110 PMCID: PMC10945328 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1342179] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has gained popularity owing to its ability to develop more potent drugs compared to conventional drug-discovery methods. The success of SBDD relies heavily on obtaining the three-dimensional structures of drug targets. X-ray crystallography is the primary method used for solving structures and aiding the SBDD workflow; however, it is not suitable for all targets. With the resolution revolution, enabling routine high-resolution reconstruction of structures, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a promising alternative and has attracted increasing attention in SBDD. Cryo-EM offers various advantages over X-ray crystallography and can potentially replace X-ray crystallography in SBDD. To fully utilize cryo-EM in drug discovery, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this technique and noting the key advancements in the field are crucial. This review provides an overview of the general workflow of cryo-EM in SBDD and highlights technical innovations that enable its application in drug design. Furthermore, the most recent achievements in the cryo-EM methodology for drug discovery are discussed, demonstrating the potential of this technique for advancing drug development. By understanding the capabilities and advancements of cryo-EM, researchers can leverage the benefits of designing more effective drugs. This review concludes with a discussion of the future perspectives of cryo-EM-based SBDD, emphasizing the role of this technique in driving innovations in drug discovery and development. The integration of cryo-EM into the drug design process holds great promise for accelerating the discovery of new and improved therapeutic agents to combat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Changsuk Oh
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
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4
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Dawson JRD, Wadman GM, Zhang P, Tebben A, Carter PH, Gu S, Shroka T, Borrega-Roman L, Salanga CL, Handel TM, Kufareva I. Molecular determinants of antagonist interactions with chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.15.567150. [PMID: 38014122 PMCID: PMC10680698 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
By driving monocyte chemotaxis, the chemokine receptor CCR2 shapes inflammatory responses and the formation of tumor microenvironments. This makes it a promising target in inflammation and immuno-oncology; however, despite extensive efforts, there are no FDA-approved CCR2-targeting therapeutics. Cited challenges include the redundancy of the chemokine system, suboptimal properties of compound candidates, and species differences that confound the translation of results from animals to humans. Structure-based drug design can rationalize and accelerate the discovery and optimization of CCR2 antagonists to address these challenges. The prerequisites for such efforts include an atomic-level understanding of the molecular determinants of action of existing antagonists. In this study, using molecular docking and artificial-intelligence-powered compound library screening, we uncover the structural principles of small molecule antagonism and selectivity towards CCR2 and its sister receptor CCR5. CCR2 orthosteric inhibitors are shown to universally occupy an inactive-state-specific tunnel between receptor helices 1 and 7; we also discover an unexpected role for an extra-helical groove accessible through this tunnel, suggesting its potential as a new targetable interface for CCR2 and CCR5 modulation. By contrast, only shape complementarity and limited helix 8 hydrogen bonding govern the binding of various chemotypes of allosteric antagonists. CCR2 residues S1012.63 and V2446.36 are implicated as determinants of CCR2/CCR5 and human/mouse orthosteric and allosteric antagonist selectivity, respectively, and the role of S1012.63 is corroborated through experimental gain-of-function mutagenesis. We establish a critical role of induced fit in antagonist recognition, reveal strong chemotype selectivity of existing structures, and demonstrate the high predictive potential of a new deep-learning-based compound scoring function. Finally, this study expands the available CCR2 structural landscape with computationally generated chemotype-specific models well-suited for structure-based antagonist design.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R D Dawson
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Grant M Wadman
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Percy H Carter
- Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ, USA
- (current affiliation) Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Gu
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- (current affiliation) Lycia Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA
| | - Thomas Shroka
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- (current affiliation) Avidity Biosciences Inc., San Diego, CA
| | - Leire Borrega-Roman
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Catherina L Salanga
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tracy M Handel
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Irina Kufareva
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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5
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Li H, Sun X, Cui W, Xu M, Dong J, Ekundayo BE, Ni D, Rao Z, Guo L, Stahlberg H, Yuan S, Vogel H. Computational drug development for membrane protein targets. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:229-242. [PMID: 38361054 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The application of computational biology in drug development for membrane protein targets has experienced a boost from recent developments in deep learning-driven structure prediction, increased speed and resolution of structure elucidation, machine learning structure-based design and the evaluation of big data. Recent protein structure predictions based on machine learning tools have delivered surprisingly reliable results for water-soluble and membrane proteins but have limitations for development of drugs that target membrane proteins. Structural transitions of membrane proteins have a central role during transmembrane signaling and are often influenced by therapeutic compounds. Resolving the structural and functional basis of dynamic transmembrane signaling networks, especially within the native membrane or cellular environment, remains a central challenge for drug development. Tackling this challenge will require an interplay between experimental and computational tools, such as super-resolution optical microscopy for quantification of the molecular interactions of cellular signaling networks and their modulation by potential drugs, cryo-electron microscopy for determination of the structural transitions of proteins in native cell membranes and entire cells, and computational tools for data analysis and prediction of the structure and function of cellular signaling networks, as well as generation of promising drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijian Li
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Marc Xu
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junlin Dong
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Babatunde Edukpe Ekundayo
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, IPHYS, SB, EPFL and Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dongchun Ni
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, IPHYS, SB, EPFL and Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zhili Rao
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Liwei Guo
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Henning Stahlberg
- Laboratory of Biological Electron Microscopy, IPHYS, SB, EPFL and Department of Fundamental Microbiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China.
| | - Horst Vogel
- Center for Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology/Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIAT/CAS), Shenzhen, China.
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques (ISIC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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6
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Baumann C, Chiang W, Valsecchi R, Jurt S, Deluigi M, Schuster M, Rosengren KJ, Plückthun A, Zerbe O. Side-chain dynamics of the α 1B -adrenergic receptor determined by NMR via methyl relaxation. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4801. [PMID: 37805830 PMCID: PMC10593183 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4801] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are medically important membrane proteins that sample inactive, intermediate, and active conformational states characterized by relatively slow interconversions (~μs-ms). On a faster timescale (~ps-ns), the conformational landscape of GPCRs is governed by the rapid dynamics of amino acid side chains. Such dynamics are essential for protein functions such as ligand recognition and allostery. Unfortunately, technical challenges have almost entirely precluded the study of side-chain dynamics for GPCRs. Here, we investigate the rapid side-chain dynamics of a thermostabilized α1B -adrenergic receptor (α1B -AR) as probed by methyl relaxation. We determined order parameters for Ile, Leu, and Val methyl groups in the presence of inverse agonists that bind orthosterically (prazosin, tamsulosin) or allosterically (conopeptide ρ-TIA). Despite the differences in the ligands, the receptor's overall side-chain dynamics are very similar, including those of the apo form. However, ρ-TIA increases the flexibility of Ile1764×56 and possibly of Ile2145×49 , adjacent to Pro2155×50 of the highly conserved P5×50 I3×40 F6×44 motif crucial for receptor activation, suggesting differences in the mechanisms for orthosteric and allosteric receptor inactivation. Overall, increased Ile side-chain rigidity was found for residues closer to the center of the membrane bilayer, correlating with denser packing and lower protein surface exposure. In contrast to two microbial membrane proteins, in α1B -AR Leu exhibited higher flexibility than Ile side chains on average, correlating with the presence of Leu in less densely packed areas and with higher protein-surface exposure than Ile. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of studying receptor-wide side-chain dynamics in GPCRs to gain functional insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wan‐Chin Chiang
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Simon Jurt
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Mattia Deluigi
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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7
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Santos-López J, de la Paz K, Fernández FJ, Vega MC. Structural biology of complement receptors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1239146. [PMID: 37753090 PMCID: PMC10518620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1239146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays crucial roles in a wide breadth of immune and inflammatory processes and is frequently cited as an etiological or aggravating factor in many human diseases, from asthma to cancer. Complement receptors encompass at least eight proteins from four structural classes, orchestrating complement-mediated humoral and cellular effector responses and coordinating the complex cross-talk between innate and adaptive immunity. The progressive increase in understanding of the structural features of the main complement factors, activated proteolytic fragments, and their assemblies have spurred a renewed interest in deciphering their receptor complexes. In this review, we describe what is currently known about the structural biology of the complement receptors and their complexes with natural agonists and pharmacological antagonists. We highlight the fundamental concepts and the gray areas where issues and problems have been identified, including current research gaps. We seek to offer guidance into the structural biology of the complement system as structural information underlies fundamental and therapeutic research endeavors. Finally, we also indicate what we believe are potential developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Santos-López
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Karla de la Paz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Research & Development, Abvance Biotech SL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - M. Cristina Vega
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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8
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Arar S, Haque MA, Kayed R. Protein aggregation and neurodegenerative disease: Structural outlook for the novel therapeutics. Proteins 2023:10.1002/prot.26561. [PMID: 37530227 PMCID: PMC10834863 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Before the controversial approval of humanized monoclonal antibody lecanemab, which binds to the soluble amyloid-β protofibrils, all the treatments available earlier, for Alzheimer's disease (AD) were symptomatic. The researchers are still struggling to find a breakthrough in AD therapeutic medicine, which is partially attributable to lack in understanding of the structural information associated with the intrinsically disordered proteins and amyloids. One of the major challenges in this area of research is to understand the structural diversity of intrinsically disordered proteins under in vitro conditions. Therefore, in this review, we have summarized the in vitro applications of biophysical methods, which are aimed to shed some light on the heterogeneity, pathogenicity, structures and mechanisms of the intrinsically disordered protein aggregates associated with proteinopathies including AD. This review will also rationalize some of the strategies in modulating disease-relevant pathogenic protein entities by small molecules using structural biology approaches and biophysical characterization. We have also highlighted tools and techniques to simulate the in vivo conditions for native and cytotoxic tau/amyloids assemblies, urge new chemical approaches to replicate tau/amyloids assemblies similar to those in vivo conditions, in addition to designing novel potential drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Arar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Md Anzarul Haque
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
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9
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Pettersen JM, Yang Y, Robinson AS. Advances in nanodisc platforms for membrane protein purification. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1041-1054. [PMID: 36935323 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.02.006] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Membrane scaffold protein nanodiscs (MSPNDs) are an invaluable tool for improving purified membrane protein (MP) stability and activity compared to traditional micellar methods, thus enabling an increase in high-resolution MP structures, particularly in concert with cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) approaches. In this review we highlight recent advances and breakthroughs in MSPND methodology and applications. We also introduce and discuss saposin-lipoprotein nanoparticles (salipros) and copolymer nanodiscs which have recently emerged as authentic MSPND alternatives. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of MSPNDs, salipros, and copolymer nanodisc technologies to highlight potential opportunities for using each platform for MP purification and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Pettersen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anne S Robinson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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10
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Gusach A, García-Nafría J, Tate CG. New insights into GPCR coupling and dimerisation from cryo-EM structures. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2023; 80:102574. [PMID: 36963163 PMCID: PMC10423944 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2023.102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three years (2020-2022) more structures of GPCRs have been determined than in the previous twenty years (2000-2019), primarily of GPCR complexes that are large enough for structure determination by single-particle cryo-EM. This review will present some structural highlights that have advanced our molecular understanding of promiscuous G protein coupling, how a G protein receptor kinase and β-arrestins couple to GPCRs, and GPCR dimerisation. We will also discuss advances in the use of gene fusions, nanobodies, and Fab fragments to facilitate the structure determination of GPCRs in the inactive state that, on their own, are too small for structure determination by single-particle cryo-EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Gusach
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 2QH, UK. https://twitter.com/GusachAnastasia
| | - Javier García-Nafría
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas (LMA), University of Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain. https://twitter.com/JGarciaNafria
| | - Christopher G Tate
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 2QH, UK.
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Zhu KF, Yuan C, Du YM, Sun KL, Zhang XK, Vogel H, Jia XD, Gao YZ, Zhang QF, Wang DP, Zhang HW. Applications and prospects of cryo-EM in drug discovery. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:10. [PMID: 36872349 PMCID: PMC9986049 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery is a crucial part of human healthcare and has dramatically benefited human lifespan and life quality in recent centuries, however, it is usually time- and effort-consuming. Structural biology has been demonstrated as a powerful tool to accelerate drug development. Among different techniques, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is emerging as the mainstream of structure determination of biomacromolecules in the past decade and has received increasing attention from the pharmaceutical industry. Although cryo-EM still has limitations in resolution, speed and throughput, a growing number of innovative drugs are being developed with the help of cryo-EM. Here, we aim to provide an overview of how cryo-EM techniques are applied to facilitate drug discovery. The development and typical workflow of cryo-EM technique will be briefly introduced, followed by its specific applications in structure-based drug design, fragment-based drug discovery, proteolysis targeting chimeras, antibody drug development and drug repurposing. Besides cryo-EM, drug discovery innovation usually involves other state-of-the-art techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly active in diverse areas. The combination of cryo-EM and AI provides an opportunity to minimize limitations of cryo-EM such as automation, throughput and interpretation of medium-resolution maps, and tends to be the new direction of future development of cryo-EM. The rapid development of cryo-EM will make it as an indispensable part of modern drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kong-Fu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Chuang Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yong-Ming Du
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Kai-Lei Sun
- Center for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Xiao-Kang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Horst Vogel
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Xu-Dong Jia
- State Key Lab for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Yuan-Zhu Gao
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Qin-Fen Zhang
- State Key Lab for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Da-Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Orthopedic Technology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000 Guangdong China
| | - Hua-Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
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12
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Tzortzini E, Corey RA, Kolocouris A. Comparative Study of Receptor-, Receptor State-, and Membrane-Dependent Cholesterol Binding Sites in A 2A and A 1 Adenosine Receptors Using Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:928-949. [PMID: 36637988 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We used coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG MD) simulations to study protein-cholesterol interactions for different activation states of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR) and the A1 adenosine receptor (A1R) and predict new cholesterol binding sites indicating amino acid residues with a high residence time in three biologically relevant membranes. Compared to 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)-cholesterol and POPC-phosphatidylinositol-bisphosphate (PIP2)-cholesterol, the plasma mimetic membrane best described the cholesterol binding sites previously detected for the inactive state of A2AR and revealed the binding sites with long-lasting amino acid residues. We observed that using the plasma mimetic membrane and plotting residues with cholesterol residence time ≥2 μs, our CG MD simulations captured most obviously the cholesterol-protein interactions. For the inactive A2AR, we identified one more binding site in which cholesterol is bound to residues with a long residence time compared to the previously detected, for the active A1R, three binding sites, and for the inactive A1R, two binding sites. We calculated that for the active states, cholesterol binds to residues with a much longer residence time compared to the inactive state for both A2AR and A1R. The stability of the identified binding sites to A1R or A2AR with CG MD simulations was additionally investigated with potential of mean force calculations using umbrella sampling. We observed that the binding sites with residues to which cholesterol has a long residence time in A2AR have shallow binding free energy minima compared to the related binding sites in A1R, suggesting a stronger binding for cholesterol to A1R. The differences in binding sites in which cholesterol is stabilized and interacts with residues with a long residence time between active and inactive states of A1R and A2AR can be important for differences in functional activity and orthosteric agonist or antagonist affinity and can be used for the design of allosteric modulators, which can bind through lipid pathways. We observed a stronger binding for cholesterol to A1R (i.e., generally higher association rates) compared to A2AR, which remains to be demonstrated. For the active states, cholesterol binds to residues with much longer residence times compared to the inactive state for both A2AR and A1R. Taken together, binding sites of active A1R may be considered as promising allosteric targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efpraxia Tzortzini
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Section of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771Athens, Greece
| | - Robin A Corey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, OxfordOX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Antonios Kolocouris
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Section of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, 15771Athens, Greece
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13
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Carrión-Antolí Á, Mallor-Franco J, Arroyo-Urea S, García-Nafría J. Structural insights into promiscuous GPCR-G protein coupling. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 195:137-152. [PMID: 36707152 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Carrión-Antolí
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Mallor-Franco
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra Arroyo-Urea
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier García-Nafría
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas (LMA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
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14
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Abstract
Membrane transporter proteins are divided into channels/pores and carriers and constitute protein families of physiological and pharmacological importance. Several presently used therapeutic compounds elucidate their effects by targeting membrane transporter proteins, including anti-arrhythmic, anesthetic, antidepressant, anxiolytic and diuretic drugs. The lack of three-dimensional structures of human transporters hampers experimental studies and drug discovery. In this chapter, the use of homology modeling for generating structural models of membrane transporter proteins is reviewed. The increasing number of atomic resolution structures available as templates, together with improvements in methods and algorithms for sequence alignments, secondary structure predictions, and model generation, in addition to the increase in computational power have increased the applicability of homology modeling for generating structural models of transporter proteins. Different pitfalls and hints for template selection, multiple-sequence alignments, generation and optimization, validation of the models, and the use of transporter homology models for structure-based virtual ligand screening are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingebrigt Sylte
- Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Mari Gabrielsen
- Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kurt Kristiansen
- Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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15
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Zhang M, Kou L, Qin Y, Chen J, Bai D, Zhao L, Lin H, Jiang G. A bibliometric analysis of the recent advances in diazepam from 2012 to 2021. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1042594. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1042594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diazepam is a classic benzodiazepine drug that has been widely used for disorders such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy, over the past 59 years. The study of diazepam has always been an important research topic. However, there are few bibliometric analyses or systematic studies in this field. This study undertook bibliometric and visual analysis to ascertain the current status of diazepam research, and to identify research hotspots and trends in the past 10 years, to better understand future developments in basic and clinical research.Methods: Articles and reviews of diazepam were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection. Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica software, countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords in the field were visually analyzed.Results: A total of 3,870 publications were included. Diazepam-related literature had high volumes of publications and citations. The majority of publications were from the USA and China. The highest number of publications and co-citations, among the authors, was by James M Cook. Epilepsia and the Latin American Journal of Pharmacy were the journals with the most publications on diazepam and Epilepsia was the most frequently cited journal. Through a comprehensive analysis of keywords and references, we found that current research on diazepam has focused on its mechanism of action, application in disease, pharmacokinetics, risk, assessment, and management of use, status epilepticus, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAR), intranasal formulation, gephyrin, and that ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is the current research hotspot.Conclusion: Research on diazepam is flourishing. We identified research hotspots and trends in diazepam research using bibliometric and visual analytic methods. The clinical applications, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and assessment and management of the use of diazepam are the focus of current research and the development trend of future research.
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16
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Zhang Y, Luo M, Wu P, Wu S, Lee TY, Bai C. Application of Computational Biology and Artificial Intelligence in Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13568. [PMID: 36362355 PMCID: PMC9658956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional drug design requires a great amount of research time and developmental expense. Booming computational approaches, including computational biology, computer-aided drug design, and artificial intelligence, have the potential to expedite the efficiency of drug discovery by minimizing the time and financial cost. In recent years, computational approaches are being widely used to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of drug discovery and pipeline, leading to the approval of plenty of new drugs for marketing. The present review emphasizes on the applications of these indispensable computational approaches in aiding target identification, lead discovery, and lead optimization. Some challenges of using these approaches for drug design are also discussed. Moreover, we propose a methodology for integrating various computational techniques into new drug discovery and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Mengqi Luo
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Peng Wu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Song Wu
- South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Tzong-Yi Lee
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Chen Bai
- School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518172, China
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, Shenzhen 518172, China
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17
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Wentinck K, Gogou C, Meijer DH. Putting on molecular weight: Enabling cryo-EM structure determination of sub-100-kDa proteins. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:332-337. [PMID: 36248264 PMCID: PMC9562432 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant advances in the past decade have enabled high-resolution structure determination of a vast variety of proteins by cryogenic electron microscopy single particle analysis. Despite improved sample preparation, next-generation imaging hardware, and advanced single particle analysis algorithms, small proteins remain elusive for reconstruction due to low signal-to-noise and lack of distinctive structural features. Multiple efforts have therefore been directed at the development of size-increase techniques for small proteins. Here we review the latest methods for increasing effective molecular weight of proteins <100 kDa through target protein binding or target protein fusion - specifically by using nanobody-based assemblies, fusion tags, and symmetric scaffolds. Finally, we summarize these state-of-the-art techniques into a decision-tree to facilitate the design of tailored future approaches, and thus for further exploration of ever-smaller proteins that make up the largest part of the human genome.
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Key Words
- BRIL, cytochromeb562 RIL
- DARPin, Design Ankyrin Repeat Protein
- Fab, antigen binding fragment
- GFP, Green Fluorecent Protein
- GPCR, G protein-coupled receptor
- MW, molecular weight
- Mb, megabody
- Nb, nanobody
- SNR, signal-to-noise ratio
- SPA, single particle analysis
- TM, transmembrane
- cryo-EM, cryogenic electron microscopy
- kDa, kiloDalton
- κOR ICL3, κ-opiod receptor intracellular loop 3
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18
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Hofmann L, Ruthstein S. EPR Spectroscopy Provides New Insights into Complex Biological Reaction Mechanisms. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7486-7494. [PMID: 36137278 PMCID: PMC9549461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c05235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
In the last 20 years, the use of electron paramagnetic
resonance
(EPR) has made a pronounced and lasting impact in the field of structural
biology. The advantage of EPR spectroscopy over other structural techniques
is its ability to target even minor conformational changes in any
biomolecule or macromolecular complex, independent of its size or
complexity, or whether it is in solution or in the cell during a biological
or chemical reaction. Here, we focus on the use of EPR spectroscopy
to study transmembrane transport and transcription mechanisms. We
discuss experimental and analytical concerns when referring to studies
of two biological reaction mechanisms, namely, transfer of copper
ions by the human copper transporter hCtr1 and the mechanism of action
of the Escherichia coli copper-dependent
transcription factor CueR. Last, we elaborate on future avenues in
the field of EPR structural biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Sharon Ruthstein
- Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
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19
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Suno R, Sugita Y, Morimoto K, Takazaki H, Tsujimoto H, Hirose M, Suno-Ikeda C, Nomura N, Hino T, Inoue A, Iwasaki K, Kato T, Iwata S, Kobayashi T. Structural insights into the G protein selectivity revealed by the human EP3-G i signaling complex. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111323. [PMID: 36103815 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin receptors have been implicated in a wide range of functions, including inflammation, immune response, reproduction, and cancer. Our group has previously determined the crystal structure of the active-like EP3 bound to its endogenous agonist, prostaglandin E2. Here, we present the single-particle cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the human EP3-Gi signaling complex at a resolution of 3.4 Å. The structure reveals the binding mode of Gi to EP3 and the structural changes induced in EP3 by Gi binding. In addition, we compare the structure of the EP3-Gi complex with other subtypes of prostaglandin receptors (EP2 and EP4) bound to Gs that have been previously reported and examine the differences in amino acid composition at the receptor-G protein interface. Mutational analysis reveals that the selectivity of the G protein depends on specific amino acid residues in the second intracellular loop and TM5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Suno
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Yukihiko Sugita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan; Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kazushi Morimoto
- Physical Chemistry for Life Science Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroko Takazaki
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tsujimoto
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mika Hirose
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chiyo Suno-Ikeda
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Norimichi Nomura
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoya Hino
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan; Center for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kenji Iwasaki
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kato
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - So Iwata
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Konoe-cho, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takuya Kobayashi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan; Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), 1-7-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
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20
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The neuropeptide galanin adopts an irregular secondary structure. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 626:121-128. [PMID: 35994823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.032] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human galanin is a 30-residue neuropeptide targeted for development of analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. While previous work from our group and others has already produced significant insights into galanin's N-terminal region, no extant structures of galanin in databases include its full-length sequence and the function of its C-terminus remains ambiguous. We report the NMR solution structure of full-length human galanin C-terminal amide, determined from 2D 1H-1H COSY, TOCSY, and ROESY NMR data. Galanin adopts an irregular helical structure across its N-terminus, likely the average of several coiling states. We present the NMR structure of a peptide encompassing the C-terminus of galanin as a stand-alone fragment. The C-terminus of full-length galanin appears to indirectly assist the intramolecular association of hydrophobic sidechains within its N-terminus, remotely rigidifying their position when compared to previously studied N-terminal galanin fragments. By contrast, there is flexibility in the C-terminus of galanin, characterized by two i to i + 2 hydrogen-bonded turns within an otherwise dynamic backbone. The C-terminal portion of the peptide renders it soluble, and plays a hitherto undescribed biophysical role in pre-organizing the galanin receptor binding epitope. We speculate that hydrophilic microdomains of signaling peptides, hormones, and perhaps intrinsically disordered proteins may also function similarly.
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21
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Ma X, Gao M, Vischer HF, Leurs R. A NanoBRET-Based H 3R Conformational Biosensor to Study Real-Time H 3 Receptor Pharmacology in Cell Membranes and Living Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158211. [PMID: 35897787 PMCID: PMC9332000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformational biosensors to monitor the activation state of G protein-coupled receptors are a useful addition to the molecular pharmacology assay toolbox to characterize ligand efficacy at the level of receptor proteins instead of downstream signaling. We recently reported the initial characterization of a NanoBRET-based conformational histamine H3 receptor (H3R) biosensor that allowed the detection of both (partial) agonism and inverse agonism on living cells in a microplate reader assay format upon stimulation with H3R ligands. In the current study, we have further characterized this H3R biosensor on intact cells by monitoring the effect of consecutive ligand injections in time and evaluating its compatibility with photopharmacological ligands that contain a light-sensitive azobenzene moiety for photo-switching. In addition, we have validated the H3R biosensor in membrane preparations and found that observed potency values better correlated with binding affinity values that were measured in radioligand competition binding assays on membranes. Hence, the H3R conformational biosensor in membranes might be a ready-to-use, high-throughput alternative for radioligand binding assays that in addition can also detect ligand efficacies with comparable values as the intact cell assay.
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22
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de Grip WJ, Ganapathy S. Rhodopsins: An Excitingly Versatile Protein Species for Research, Development and Creative Engineering. Front Chem 2022; 10:879609. [PMID: 35815212 PMCID: PMC9257189 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.879609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The first member and eponym of the rhodopsin family was identified in the 1930s as the visual pigment of the rod photoreceptor cell in the animal retina. It was found to be a membrane protein, owing its photosensitivity to the presence of a covalently bound chromophoric group. This group, derived from vitamin A, was appropriately dubbed retinal. In the 1970s a microbial counterpart of this species was discovered in an archaeon, being a membrane protein also harbouring retinal as a chromophore, and named bacteriorhodopsin. Since their discovery a photogenic panorama unfolded, where up to date new members and subspecies with a variety of light-driven functionality have been added to this family. The animal branch, meanwhile categorized as type-2 rhodopsins, turned out to form a large subclass in the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and are essential to multiple elements of light-dependent animal sensory physiology. The microbial branch, the type-1 rhodopsins, largely function as light-driven ion pumps or channels, but also contain sensory-active and enzyme-sustaining subspecies. In this review we will follow the development of this exciting membrane protein panorama in a representative number of highlights and will present a prospect of their extraordinary future potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem J. de Grip
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biophysical Organic Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Srividya Ganapathy
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
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23
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Yeast-based directed-evolution for high-throughput structural stabilization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Sci Rep 2022; 12:8657. [PMID: 35606532 PMCID: PMC9126886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12731-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The immense potential of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as targets for drug discovery is not fully realized due to the enormous difficulties associated with structure elucidation of these profoundly unstable membrane proteins. The existing methods of GPCR stability-engineering are cumbersome and low-throughput; in addition, the scope of GPCRs that could benefit from these techniques is limited. Here, we present a yeast-based screening platform for a single-step isolation of GRCR variants stable in the presence of short-chain detergents, a feature essential for their successful crystallization using vapor diffusion method. The yeast detergent-resistant cell wall presents a unique opportunity for compartmentalization, to physically link the receptor's phenotype to its encoding DNA, and thus enable discovery of stable GPCR variants with unprecedent efficiency. The scope of mutations identified by the method reveals a surprising amenability of the GPCR scaffold to stabilization, and suggests an intriguing possibility of amending the stability properties of GPCR by varying the structural status of the C-terminus.
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24
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Malik F, Li Z. Is there a common allosteric binding site for G-protein coupled receptors? J Comput Aided Mol Des 2022; 36:405-413. [PMID: 35507106 PMCID: PMC10150935 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-022-00454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the allosteric sites on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) for drug discovery is attracting increased interest. Given a GPCR target, identifying the allosteric binding sites in it remains a challenge. Previous works from our and other labs suggest the intracellular region below the middle of the transmembrane (TM) domain that spatially overlaps with the G-protein binding site could contain a common allosteric site for all GPCRs. We performed several bioinformatics analyses on this site for more than 100 representative human GPCR structures. Results of the studies confirmed that the proposed region contains an allosteric site that is druggable for 89% of the GPCRs and is not 100% identical between a GPCR and its most similar homolog for 94% of the GPCRs. The physico-chemical properties and amino acid composition of this site vary among and within GPCR classes. Since this proposed region occupies the space existing in all GPCRs of known structure, it could represent a common host of an allosteric site for all GPCRs that can be targeted for structure-based allosteric drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Malik
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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25
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Golani LK, Yeunus Mian M, Ahmed T, Pandey KP, Mondal P, Sharmin D, Rezvanian S, Witkin JM, Cook JM. Rationalizing the binding and α subtype selectivity of synthesized imidazodiazepines and benzodiazepines at GABAA receptors by using molecular docking studies. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 62:128637. [PMID: 35218882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological actions exerted by benzodiazepines are dependent on the discrete α protein subunits of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA R). Recent developments via a cryo-EM structure of the α1β3γ2L GABAA R ion channel provide crucial insights into ligand efficacy and binding affinity at this subtype. We investigated the molecular interactions of diazepam and alprazolam bound GABAA R structures (6HUP and 6HUO) to determine key binding interaction domains. A halogen bond between the chlorine atoms of diazepam and alprazolam with the group on the backbone of the α1 histidine amino acid 102 is important to the positive allosteric modulatory actions of diazepam and alprazolam in the α1β3γ2L GABAA R ion channel. In order to gain insight into α subtype selectivity we designed and synthesized close structural analogs of diazepam and alprazolam. These compounds were then docked into the recently publish cryo-EM structures of GABAA Rs (6HUP and 6HUO). This modeling along with radio-ligand binding data resulted in the conclusion that the non-classical bioisosteric replacement of the chlorine atom at C7 with an ethinyl group (compound 5) resulted in an 11-fold gain in α5 binding selectivity over the α1 subtype. Moreover, the potency of compound 5 resulted in a ligand with less sedation than diazepam, while still maintaining the same anxiolytic potency. These modeling data extend our understanding of the structural requirements for α-subtype-selective compounds that can be utilized to achieve improved medical treatments. It is clear that the ethinyl group in place of a halogen atom decreases the affinity and efficacy of benzodiazepines and imidazodiazepines at α1 subtypes, which results in less sedation and ataxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit K Golani
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Md Yeunus Mian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Taukir Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kamal P Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Prithu Mondal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Dishary Sharmin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Sepideh Rezvanian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Witkin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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Quinone binding sites of cyt bc complexes analysed by X-ray crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:877-893. [PMID: 35356963 PMCID: PMC9162462 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190963] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome (cyt) bc1, bcc and b6f complexes, collectively referred to as cyt bc complexes, are homologous isoprenoid quinol oxidising enzymes present in diverse phylogenetic lineages. Cyt bc1 and bcc complexes are constituents of the electron transport chain (ETC) of cellular respiration, and cyt b6f complex is a component of the photosynthetic ETC. Cyt bc complexes share in general the same Mitchellian Q cycle mechanism, with which they accomplish proton translocation and thus contribute to the generation of proton motive force which drives ATP synthesis. They therefore require a quinol oxidation (Qo) and a quinone reduction (Qi) site. Yet, cyt bc complexes evolved to adapt to specific electrochemical properties of different quinone species and exhibit structural diversity. This review summarises structural information on native quinones and quinone-like inhibitors bound in cyt bc complexes resolved by X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM structures. Although the Qi site architecture of cyt bc1 complex and cyt bcc complex differs considerably, quinone molecules were resolved at the respective Qi sites in very similar distance to haem bH. In contrast, more diverse positions of native quinone molecules were resolved at Qo sites, suggesting multiple quinone binding positions or captured snapshots of trajectories toward the catalytic site. A wide spectrum of inhibitors resolved at Qo or Qi site covers fungicides, antimalarial and antituberculosis medications and drug candidates. The impact of these structures for characterising the Q cycle mechanism, as well as their relevance for the development of medications and agrochemicals are discussed.
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Berto L, Dumazer A, Malhaire F, Cannone G, Kutti Ragunath V, Goudet C, Lebon G. [Recent advances in the structural biology of the class C G protein-coupled receptors: The metabotropic Glutamate receptor 5]. Biol Aujourdhui 2022; 215:85-94. [PMID: 35275053 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2021013] [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: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Class C GPCRs, that include metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu), taste receptors, GABAB receptor and Calcium-sensing receptor, are unusual in terms of their molecular architecture and allosteric regulation. They all form obligatory dimers, dimerization being fundamental for their function. More specifically, the mGlu are activated by the main excitatory neurotransmitter, L-glutamate. mGlu activation by glutamate binding in the venus flytrap domain (VFT) triggers conformational changes that are transmitted, through the Cystein-Rich Domain (CRD), to the conserved fold of 7 transmembrane helices (7TM), that couples to intracellular G protein. mGlu activity can also be allosterically modulated by positive (PAM) or negative (NAM) allosteric modulators binding to the 7TM. Recent progress in cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) has allowed unprecedented advances in deciphering the structural and molecular basis of their activation mechanism. The agonist induces a large movement between the subunits, bringing the 7TMs together and stabilizing a 7TM conformation structurally similar to the inactive state. The diversity of inactive conformations for the class C was unexpected but allows PAM stabilising a 7TM active conformation independent of the conformational changes induced by agonists, representing an alternative mode of mGlu activation. Here we present and discuss recent structural characterisation of mGlu receptors, highlighting findings that make the class C of GPCR unique. Understanding the structural basis of mGlu dimer signaling represents a landmark achievement and paves the way for structural investigation of GPCR dimer signaling in general. Structural information will open new avenues for structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Berto
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Anaëlle Dumazer
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Fanny Malhaire
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Cyril Goudet
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Guillaume Lebon
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34094 Montpellier, France
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Ahlawat S, Mote KR, Lakomek NA, Agarwal V. Solid-State NMR: Methods for Biological Solids. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9643-9737. [PMID: 35238547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy has transformed from a spectroscopic technique investigating small molecules and industrial polymers to a potent tool decrypting structure and underlying dynamics of complex biological systems, such as membrane proteins, fibrils, and assemblies, in near-physiological environments and temperatures. This transformation can be ascribed to improvements in hardware design, sample preparation, pulsed methods, isotope labeling strategies, resolution, and sensitivity. The fundamental engagement between nuclear spins and radio-frequency pulses in the presence of a strong static magnetic field is identical between solution and ssNMR, but the experimental procedures vastly differ because of the absence of molecular tumbling in solids. This review discusses routinely employed state-of-the-art static and MAS pulsed NMR methods relevant for biological samples with rotational correlation times exceeding 100's of nanoseconds. Recent developments in signal filtering approaches, proton methodologies, and multiple acquisition techniques to boost sensitivity and speed up data acquisition at fast MAS are also discussed. Several examples of protein structures (globular, membrane, fibrils, and assemblies) solved with ssNMR spectroscopy have been considered. We also discuss integrated approaches to structurally characterize challenging biological systems and some newly emanating subdisciplines in ssNMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Ahlawat
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, Survey No. 36/P Gopanpally, Serilingampally, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Kaustubh R Mote
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, Survey No. 36/P Gopanpally, Serilingampally, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Nils-Alexander Lakomek
- University of Düsseldorf, Institute for Physical Biology, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vipin Agarwal
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Hyderabad, Survey No. 36/P Gopanpally, Serilingampally, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
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Targeting GPCRs and Their Signaling as a Therapeutic Option in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030706. [PMID: 35158973 PMCID: PMC8833576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sixteen G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been involved in melanogenesis or melanomagenesis. Here, we review these GPCRs, their associated signaling, and therapies. Abstract G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) serve prominent roles in melanocyte lineage physiology, with an impact at all stages of development, as well as on mature melanocyte functions. GPCR ligands are present in the skin and regulate melanocyte homeostasis, including pigmentation. The role of GPCRs in the regulation of pigmentation and, consequently, protection against external aggression, such as ultraviolet radiation, has long been established. However, evidence of new functions of GPCRs directly in melanomagenesis has been highlighted in recent years. GPCRs are coupled, through their intracellular domains, to heterotrimeric G-proteins, which induce cellular signaling through various pathways. Such signaling modulates numerous essential cellular processes that occur during melanomagenesis, including proliferation and migration. GPCR-associated signaling in melanoma can be activated by the binding of paracrine factors to their receptors or directly by activating mutations. In this review, we present melanoma-associated alterations of GPCRs and their downstream signaling and discuss the various preclinical models used to evaluate new therapeutic approaches against GPCR activity in melanoma. Recent striking advances in our understanding of the structure, function, and regulation of GPCRs will undoubtedly broaden melanoma treatment options in the future.
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Zhang C, Wu J, Chen Q, Tan H, Huang F, Guo J, Zhang X, Yu H, Shi W. Allosteric binding on nuclear receptors: Insights on screening of non-competitive endocrine-disrupting chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 159:107009. [PMID: 34883459 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can compete with endogenous hormones and bind to the orthosteric site of nuclear receptors (NRs), affecting normal endocrine system function and causing severe symptoms. Recently, a series of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been discovered to bind to the allosteric sites of NRs and induce similar effects. However, it remains unclear how diverse EDCs work in this new way. Therefore, we have systematically summarized the allosteric sites and underlying mechanisms based on existing studies, mainly regarding drugs belonging to the PPCP class. Advanced methods, classified as structural biology, biochemistry and computational simulation, together with their advantages and hurdles for allosteric site recognition and mechanism insight have also been described. Furthermore, we have highlighted two available strategies for virtual screening of numerous EDCs, relying on the structural features of allosteric sites and lead compounds, respectively. We aim to provide reliable theoretical and technical support for a broader view of various allosteric interactions between EDCs and NRs, and to drive high-throughput and accurate screening of potential EDCs with non-competitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinqiu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoyue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Ecology and Environment Protection Key Laboratory of Chemical Safety and Health Risk, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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Sych T, Levental KR, Sezgin E. Lipid–Protein Interactions in Plasma Membrane Organization and Function. Annu Rev Biophys 2022; 51:135-156. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-090721-072718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Lipid–protein interactions in cells are involved in various biological processes, including metabolism, trafficking, signaling, host–pathogen interactions, and transmembrane transport. At the plasma membrane, lipid–protein interactions play major roles in membrane organization and function. Several membrane proteins have motifs for specific lipid binding, which modulate protein conformation and consequent function. In addition to such specific lipid–protein interactions, protein function can be regulated by the dynamic, collective behavior of lipids in membranes. Emerging analytical, biochemical, and computational technologies allow us to study the influence of specific lipid–protein interactions, as well as the collective behavior of membranes on protein function. In this article, we review the recent literature on lipid–protein interactions with a specific focus on the current state-of-the-art technologies that enable novel insights into these interactions. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biophysics, Volume 51 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taras Sych
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden;,
| | - Kandice R. Levental
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Erdinc Sezgin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden;,
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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32
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Le HT, D’Ambrosio EA, Mashayekh S, Grimes CL. Customized peptidoglycan surfaces to investigate innate immune recognition via surface plasmon resonance. Methods Enzymol 2022; 665:73-103. [PMID: 35379444 PMCID: PMC9042648 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Glycan-protein interactions facilitate some of the most important biomolecular processes in and between cells. They are involved in different cellular pathways, cell-cell interactions and associated with many diseases, making these interactions of great interest. However, their structural and functional diversity poses great challenges in studying them at the molecular level. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology presents great advantages to study glycan-protein interactions due to its superior sensitivity, ability to monitor real-time interactions, relatively simple data interpretation, and most importantly, direct measurement of binding without a need for fluorescent labeling. Here, another dimensionality of SPR in studying glycan-protein interactions is demonstrated via examples of binding between human innate immune receptors and their bacterial peptidoglycan ligands. In order to best resemble interactions in solution, a novel strategy of tethering the carbohydrate at different positions to the biosensor surface is applied to represent the potential displays of the carbohydrate ligand to the receptor. Subsequent kinetic analysis provides insights into the optimized configuration of peptidoglycan fragments for binding with its receptors. The manuscript contains a "how-to guide" to help with the implementation of these methods in other glycan-protein binding systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha T. Le
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. D’Ambrosio
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Siavash Mashayekh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Catherine Leimkuhler Grimes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States,Correspondence to Catherine L. Grimes, The University of Delaware, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Newark, DE 19716,
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33
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Krishna Deepak RNV, Verma RK, Hartono YD, Yew WS, Fan H. Recent Advances in Structure, Function, and Pharmacology of Class A Lipid GPCRs: Opportunities and Challenges for Drug Discovery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 15:12. [PMID: 35056070 PMCID: PMC8779880 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Great progress has been made over the past decade in understanding the structural, functional, and pharmacological diversity of lipid GPCRs. From the first determination of the crystal structure of bovine rhodopsin in 2000, much progress has been made in the field of GPCR structural biology. The extraordinary progress in structural biology and pharmacology of GPCRs, coupled with rapid advances in computational approaches to study receptor dynamics and receptor-ligand interactions, has broadened our comprehension of the structural and functional facets of the receptor family members and has helped usher in a modern age of structure-based drug design and development. First, we provide a primer on lipid mediators and lipid GPCRs and their role in physiology and diseases as well as their value as drug targets. Second, we summarize the current advancements in the understanding of structural features of lipid GPCRs, such as the structural variation of their extracellular domains, diversity of their orthosteric and allosteric ligand binding sites, and molecular mechanisms of ligand binding. Third, we close by collating the emerging paradigms and opportunities in targeting lipid GPCRs, including a brief discussion on current strategies, challenges, and the future outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. N. V. Krishna Deepak
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671, Singapore; (R.K.V.); (Y.D.H.)
| | - Ravi Kumar Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671, Singapore; (R.K.V.); (Y.D.H.)
| | - Yossa Dwi Hartono
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671, Singapore; (R.K.V.); (Y.D.H.)
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 8 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Hao Fan
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix #07-01, Singapore 138671, Singapore; (R.K.V.); (Y.D.H.)
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
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Tsai MD, Wu WJ, Ho MC. Enzymology and Dynamics by Cryogenic Electron Microscopy. Annu Rev Biophys 2021; 51:19-38. [PMID: 34932913 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-100121-075228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revolutionized the field of structural biology, particularly in solving the structures of large protein complexes or cellular machineries that play important biological functions. This review focuses on the contribution and future potential of cryo-EM in related emerging applications-enzymatic mechanisms and dynamic processes. Work on these subjects can benefit greatly from the capability of cryo-EM to solve the structures of specific protein complexes in multiple conditions, including variations in the buffer condition, ligands, and temperature, and to capture multiple conformational states, conformational change intermediates, and reaction intermediates. These studies can expand the structural landscape of specific proteins or protein complexes in multiple dimensions and drive new advances in the fields of enzymology and dynamic processes. The advantages and complementarity of cryo-EM relative to X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance with regard to these applications are also addressed. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biophysics, Volume 51 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Daw Tsai
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; .,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jin Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan;
| | - Meng-Chiao Ho
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; .,Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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35
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Abrol R, Serrano E, Santiago LJ. Development of enhanced conformational sampling methods to probe the activation landscape of GPCRs. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 128:325-359. [PMID: 35034722 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) make up the largest superfamily of integral membrane proteins and play critical signal transduction roles in many physiological processes. Developments in molecular biology, biophysical, biochemical, pharmacological, and computational techniques aimed at these important therapeutic targets are beginning to provide unprecedented details on the structural as well as functional basis of their pleiotropic signaling mediated by G proteins, β arrestins, and other transducers. This pleiotropy presents a pharmacological challenge as the same ligand-receptor interaction can cause a therapeutic effect as well as an undesirable on-target side-effect through different downstream pathways. GPCRs don't function as simple binary on-off switches but as finely tuned shape-shifting machines described by conformational ensembles, where unique subsets of conformations may be responsible for specific signaling cascades. X-ray crystallography and more recently cryo-electron microscopy are providing snapshots of some of these functionally-important receptor conformations bound to ligands and/or transducers, which are being utilized by computational methods to describe the dynamic conformational energy landscape of GPCRs. In this chapter, we review the progress in computational conformational sampling methods based on molecular dynamics and discrete sampling approaches that have been successful in complementing biophysical and biochemical studies on these receptors in terms of their activation mechanisms, allosteric effects, actions of biased ligands, and effects of pathological mutations. Some of the sampled simulation time scales are beginning to approach receptor activation time scales. The list of conformational sampling methods and example uses discussed is not exhaustive but includes representative examples that have pushed the limits of classical molecular dynamics and discrete sampling methods to describe the activation energy landscape of GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Abrol
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States.
| | - Erik Serrano
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States
| | - Luis Jaimes Santiago
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge, CA, United States
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36
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Ballante F, Kooistra AJ, Kampen S, de Graaf C, Carlsson J. Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Ligands of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: What Can Molecular Docking Do for You? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:527-565. [PMID: 34907092 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of membrane proteins in the human genome and are important therapeutic targets. During the last decade, the number of atomic-resolution structures of GPCRs has increased rapidly, providing insights into drug binding at the molecular level. These breakthroughs have created excitement regarding the potential of using structural information in ligand design and initiated a new era of rational drug discovery for GPCRs. The molecular docking method is now widely applied to model the three-dimensional structures of GPCR-ligand complexes and screen for chemical probes in large compound libraries. In this review article, we first summarize the current structural coverage of the GPCR superfamily and the understanding of receptor-ligand interactions at atomic resolution. We then present the general workflow of structure-based virtual screening and strategies to discover GPCR ligands in chemical libraries. We assess the state of the art of this research field by summarizing prospective applications of virtual screening based on experimental structures. Strategies to identify compounds with specific efficacy and selectivity profiles are discussed, illustrating the opportunities and limitations of the molecular docking method. Our overview shows that structure-based virtual screening can discover novel leads and will be essential in pursuing the next generation of GPCR drugs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Extraordinary advances in the structural biology of G protein-coupled receptors have revealed the molecular details of ligand recognition by this large family of therapeutic targets, providing novel avenues for rational drug design. Structure-based docking is an efficient computational approach to identify novel chemical probes from large compound libraries, which has the potential to accelerate the development of drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Ballante
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (F.B., S.K., J.C.); Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (A.J.K.); and Sosei Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.d.G.)
| | - Albert J Kooistra
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (F.B., S.K., J.C.); Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (A.J.K.); and Sosei Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.d.G.)
| | - Stefanie Kampen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (F.B., S.K., J.C.); Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (A.J.K.); and Sosei Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.d.G.)
| | - Chris de Graaf
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (F.B., S.K., J.C.); Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (A.J.K.); and Sosei Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.d.G.)
| | - Jens Carlsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (F.B., S.K., J.C.); Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark (A.J.K.); and Sosei Heptares, Steinmetz Building, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, United Kingdom (C.d.G.)
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37
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Katayama K, Suzuki K, Suno R, Kise R, Tsujimoto H, Iwata S, Inoue A, Kobayashi T, Kandori H. Vibrational spectroscopy analysis of ligand efficacy in human M 2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M 2R). Commun Biol 2021; 4:1321. [PMID: 34815515 PMCID: PMC8635417 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02836-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic efficacy of ligand binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) reflects the ability of the ligand to differentially activate its receptor to cause a physiological effect. Here we use attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy to examine the ligand-dependent conformational changes in the human M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2R). We show that different ligands affect conformational alteration appearing at the C=O stretch of amide-I band in M2R. Notably, ATR-FTIR signals strongly correlated with G-protein activation levels in cells. Together, we propose that amide-I band serves as an infrared probe to distinguish the ligand efficacy in M2R and paves the path to rationally design ligands with varied efficacy towards the target GPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Katayama
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Kohei Suzuki
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan
| | - Ryoji Suno
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, 573-1010, Japan
| | - Ryoji Kise
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tsujimoto
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - So Iwata
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Takuya Kobayashi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, 573-1010, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, Japan
| | - Hideki Kandori
- Department of Life Science and Applied Chemistry, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
- OptoBioTechnology Research Center, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8555, Japan.
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Battiti FO, Zaidi SA, Katritch V, Newman AH, Bonifazi A. Chiral Cyclic Aliphatic Linkers as Building Blocks for Selective Dopamine D 2 or D 3 Receptor Agonists. J Med Chem 2021; 64:16088-16105. [PMID: 34699207 PMCID: PMC11091832 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Linkers are emerging as a key component in regulating the pharmacology of bitopic ligands directed toward G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this study, the role of regio- and stereochemistry in cyclic aliphatic linkers tethering well-characterized primary and secondary pharmacophores targeting dopamine D2 and D3 receptor subtypes (D2R and D3R, respectively) is described. We introduce several potent and selective D2R (rel-trans-16b; D2R Ki = 4.58 nM) and D3R (rel-cis-14a; D3R Ki = 5.72 nM) agonists while modulating subtype selectivity in a stereospecific fashion, transferring D2R selectivity toward D3R via inversion of the stereochemistry around these cyclic aliphatic linkers [e.g., (-)-(1S,2R)-43 and (+)-(1R,2S)-42]. Pharmacological observations were supported with extensive molecular docking studies. Thus, not only is it an innovative approach to modulate the pharmacology of dopaminergic ligands described, but a new class of optically active cyclic linkers are also introduced, which can be used to expand the bitopic drug design approach toward other GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco O. Battiti
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Saheem A. Zaidi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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García-Nafría J, Tate CG. Structure determination of GPCRs: cryo-EM compared with X-ray crystallography. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2345-2355. [PMID: 34581758 PMCID: PMC8589417 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest single family of cell surface receptors encoded by the human genome and they play pivotal roles in co-ordinating cellular systems throughout the human body, making them ideal drug targets. Structural biology has played a key role in defining how receptors are activated and signal through G proteins and β-arrestins. The application of structure-based drug design (SBDD) is now yielding novel compounds targeting GPCRs. There is thus significant interest from both academia and the pharmaceutical industry in the structural biology of GPCRs as currently only about one quarter of human non-odorant receptors have had their structure determined. Initially, all the structures were determined by X-ray crystallography, but recent advances in electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) now make GPCRs tractable targets for single-particle cryo-EM with comparable resolution to X-ray crystallography. So far this year, 78% of the 99 GPCR structures deposited in the PDB (Jan-Jul 2021) were determined by cryo-EM. Cryo-EM has also opened up new possibilities in GPCR structural biology, such as determining structures of GPCRs embedded in a lipid nanodisc and multiple GPCR conformations from a single preparation. However, X-ray crystallography still has a number of advantages, particularly in the speed of determining many structures of the same receptor bound to different ligands, an essential prerequisite for effective SBDD. We will discuss the relative merits of cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography for the structure determination of GPCRs and the future potential of both techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Nafría
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI) and Laboratorio de Microscopías Avanzadas (LMA), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
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Kricker JA, Page CP, Gardarsson FR, Baldursson O, Gudjonsson T, Parnham MJ. Nonantimicrobial Actions of Macrolides: Overview and Perspectives for Future Development. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:233-262. [PMID: 34716226 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrolides are among the most widely prescribed broad spectrum antibacterials, particularly for respiratory infections. It is now recognized that these drugs, in particular azithromycin, also exert time-dependent immunomodulatory actions that contribute to their therapeutic benefit in both infectious and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Their increased chronic use in airway inflammation and, more recently, of azithromycin in COVID-19, however, has led to a rise in bacterial resistance. An additional crucial aspect of chronic airway inflammation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as other inflammatory disorders, is the loss of epithelial barrier protection against pathogens and pollutants. In recent years, azithromycin has been shown with time to enhance the barrier properties of airway epithelial cells, an action that makes an important contribution to its therapeutic efficacy. In this article, we review the background and evidence for various immunomodulatory and time-dependent actions of macrolides on inflammatory processes and on the epithelium and highlight novel nonantibacterial macrolides that are being studied for immunomodulatory and barrier-strengthening properties to circumvent the risk of bacterial resistance that occurs with macrolide antibacterials. We also briefly review the clinical effects of macrolides in respiratory and other inflammatory diseases associated with epithelial injury and propose that the beneficial epithelial effects of nonantibacterial azithromycin derivatives in chronic inflammation, even given prophylactically, are likely to gain increasing attention in the future. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Based on its immunomodulatory properties and ability to enhance the protective role of the lung epithelium against pathogens, azithromycin has proven superior to other macrolides in treating chronic respiratory inflammation. A nonantibiotic azithromycin derivative is likely to offer prophylactic benefits against inflammation and epithelial damage of differing causes while preserving the use of macrolides as antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Kricker
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Clive P Page
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Fridrik Runar Gardarsson
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Olafur Baldursson
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Thorarinn Gudjonsson
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
| | - Michael J Parnham
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., C.P.P., F.R.G., O.B., T.G., M.J.P.); Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland (J.A.K., T.G.); Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom (C.P.P.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (O.B.), Department of Laboratory Hematology (T.G.), Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmacy, JW Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany (M.J.P.)
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Shepherd DC, Dalvi S, Ghosal D. From cells to atoms: Cryo-EM as an essential tool to investigate pathogen biology, host-pathogen interaction, and drug discovery. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:610-617. [PMID: 34592048 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) has lately emerged as a powerful method in structural biology and cell biology. While cryo-EM single-particle analysis (SPA) is now routinely delivering structures of purified proteins and protein complexes at near-atomic resolution, the use of electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET), together with subtomogram averaging, is allowing visualization of macromolecular complexes in their native cellular environment, at unprecedented resolution. The unique ability of cryo-EM to provide information at many spatial resolution scales from ångströms to microns makes it an invaluable tool that bridges the classic "resolution-gap" between structural biology and cell biology domains. Like in many other fields of biology, in recent years, cryo-EM has revolutionized our understanding of pathogen biology, host-pathogen interaction and has made significant strides toward structure-based drug discovery. In a very recent example, during the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the structure of the stabilized severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein was deciphered by SPA. This led to the development of multiple vaccines. Alongside, cryo-ET provided key insights into the structure of the native virion, mechanism of its entry, replication, and budding; demonstrating the unrivaled power of cryo-EM in investigating pathogen biology, host-pathogen interaction, and drug discovery. In this review, we showcase a few examples of how different imaging modalities within cryo-EM have enabled the study of microbiology and host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doulin C Shepherd
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Somavally Dalvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Debnath Ghosal
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
In the recent years, the protein databank has been fueled by the exponential growth of high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) structures. This trend will be further accelerated through the continuous software and method developments and the increasing availability of imaging centers, which will open cryo-EM to a wide array of researchers with their diverse scientific goals and questions. Especially for structural biology of membrane proteins, cryo-EM offers significant advantages as it can overcome multiple limitations of classical methods. Most importantly, in cryo-EM, the sample is prepared as a vitrified suspension, which abolishes the need for crystallization, reduces the required sample amount and allows usage of a wide arsenal of hydrophobic environments. Despite recent improvements, high-resolution cryo-EM still poses some significant challenges, and standardized procedures, especially for the characterization of membrane proteins, are missing. While there can be no ultimate recipe toward a high-resolution cryo-EM structure for every membrane protein, certain factors seem to be universally relevant. Here, we share the protocols that have been successfully used in our laboratory. We hope that this may be a useful resource to other researchers in the field and may increase their chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dovile Januliene
- Max-Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Structural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Arne Moeller
- Max-Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany. .,Department of Structural Biology, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany.
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Sikdar A, Gupta R, Boura E. Reviewing Antiviral Research Against Viruses Causing Human Diseases - A Structure Guided Approach. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:306-337. [PMID: 34348638 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210804152836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The littlest of all the pathogens, viruses have continuously been the foremost strange microorganisms to consider. Viral Infections can cause extreme sicknesses as archived by the HIV/AIDS widespread or the later Ebola or Zika episodes. Apprehensive framework distortions are too regularly watched results of numerous viral contaminations. Besides, numerous infections are oncoviruses, which can trigger different sorts of cancer. Nearly every year a modern infection species rises debilitating the world populace with an annihilating episode. Subsequently, the need of creating antivirals to combat such rising infections. In any case, from the innovation of to begin with antiviral medicate Idoxuridine in 1962 to the revelation of Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) that was FDA-approved in 2018, the hone of creating antivirals has changed significantly. In this article, different auxiliary science strategies have been described that can be referral for therapeutics innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Sikdar
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 920 Madison Ave, P.O.Box-38103, Memphis, Tennessee. United States
| | - Rupali Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. United States
| | - Evzen Boura
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 542/2, P.O. Box:16000, Prague. Czech Republic
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Agamennone M, Nicoli A, Bayer S, Weber V, Borro L, Gupta S, Fantacuzzi M, Di Pizio A. Protein-protein interactions at a glance: Protocols for the visualization of biomolecular interactions. Methods Cell Biol 2021; 166:271-307. [PMID: 34752337 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a key role in many biological processes and are intriguing targets for drug discovery campaigns. Advancements in experimental and computational techniques are leading to a growth of data accessibility, and, with it, an increased need for the analysis of PPIs. In this respect, visualization tools are essential instruments to represent and analyze biomolecular interactions. In this chapter, we reviewed some of the available tools, highlighting their features, and describing their functions with practical information on their usage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bayer
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Luca Borro
- Department of Imaging, Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Shailendra Gupta
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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Ghadermarzi S, Krawczyk B, Song J, Kurgan L. XRRpred: Accurate Predictor of Crystal Structure Quality from Protein Sequence. Bioinformatics 2021; 37:4366-4374. [PMID: 34247234 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION X-ray crystallography was used to produce nearly 90% of protein structures. These efforts were supported by numerous sequence-based tools that accurately predict crystallizable proteins. However, protein structures vary widely in their quality, typically measured with resolution and R-free. This impacts the ability to use these structures for some applications including rational drug design and molecular docking and motivates development of methods that accurately predict structure quality. RESULTS We introduce XRRpred, the first predictor of the resolution and R-free values from protein sequences. XRRpred relies on original sequence profiles, hand-crafted features, empirically selected and parametrized regressors, and modern resampling techniques. Using an independent test dataset, we show that XRRpred provides accurate predictions of resolution and R-free. We demonstrate that XRRpred's predictions correctly model relationship between the resolution and R-free and reproduce structure quality relations between structural classes of proteins. We also show that XRRpred significantly outperforms indirect alternative ways to predict the structure quality that include predictors of crystallization propensity and an alignment-based approach. XRRpred is available as a convenient webserver that allows batch predictions and offers informative visualization of the results. AVAILABILITY http://biomine.cs.vcu.edu/servers/XRRPred/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Ghadermarzi
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Bartosz Krawczyk
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Jiangning Song
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.,Monash Centre for Data Science, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lukasz Kurgan
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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Mezei M, Latif R, Das B, Davies TF. Implications of an Improved Model of the TSH Receptor Transmembrane Domain (TSHR-TMD-TRIO). Endocrinology 2021; 162:6161546. [PMID: 33693584 PMCID: PMC8183494 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor group A family member with 7 transmembrane helices. We generated 3 new models of its entire transmembrane region using a 600 ns molecular simulation. The simulation started from our previously published model, which we have now revised by also modeling the intracellular loops and the C-terminal tail, adding internal waters and embedding it into a lipid bilayer with a water layer and with ions added to complete the system. We have named this model TSHR-TMD-TRIO since 3 representative dominant structures were then extracted from the simulation trajectory and compared with the original model. These structures each showed small but significant changes in the relative positions of the helices. The 3 models were also used as targets to dock a set of small molecules that are known active compounds including a new TSHR antagonist (BT362), which confirmed the appropriateness of the model with some small molecules showing significant preference for one or other of the structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaly Mezei
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Mihaly Mezei, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. E-mail:
| | - Rauf Latif
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bhaskar Das
- Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Long Island University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Terry F Davies
- Thyroid Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Mulligan VK. Current directions in combining simulation-based macromolecular modeling approaches with deep learning. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:1025-1044. [PMID: 33993816 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1918097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Structure-guided drug discovery relies on accurate computational methods for modeling macromolecules. Simulations provide means of predicting macromolecular folds, of discovering function from structure, and of designing macromolecules to serve as drugs. Success rates are limited for any of these tasks, however. Recently, deep neural network-based methods have greatly enhanced the accuracy of predictions of protein structure from sequence, generating excitement about the potential impact of deep learning.Areas covered: This review introduces biologists to deep neural network architecture, surveys recent successes of deep learning in structure prediction, and discusses emerging deep learning-based approaches for structure-function analysis and design. Particular focus is given to the interplay between simulation-based and neural network-based approaches.Expert opinion: As deep learning grows integral to macromolecular modeling, simulation- and neural network-based approaches must grow more tightly interconnected. Modular software architecture must emerge allowing both types of tools to be combined with maximal versatility. Open sharing of code under permissive licenses will be essential. Although experiments will remain the gold standard for reliable information to guide drug discovery, we may soon see successful drug development projects based on high-accuracy predictions from algorithms that combine simulation with deep learning - the ultimate validation of this combination's power.
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Structure-based protein function prediction using graph convolutional networks. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3168. [PMID: 34039967 PMCID: PMC8155034 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23303-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid increase in the number of proteins in sequence databases and the diversity of their functions challenge computational approaches for automated function prediction. Here, we introduce DeepFRI, a Graph Convolutional Network for predicting protein functions by leveraging sequence features extracted from a protein language model and protein structures. It outperforms current leading methods and sequence-based Convolutional Neural Networks and scales to the size of current sequence repositories. Augmenting the training set of experimental structures with homology models allows us to significantly expand the number of predictable functions. DeepFRI has significant de-noising capability, with only a minor drop in performance when experimental structures are replaced by protein models. Class activation mapping allows function predictions at an unprecedented resolution, allowing site-specific annotations at the residue-level in an automated manner. We show the utility and high performance of our method by annotating structures from the PDB and SWISS-MODEL, making several new confident function predictions. DeepFRI is available as a webserver at https://beta.deepfri.flatironinstitute.org/ .
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Advancements in macromolecular crystallography: from past to present. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:127-149. [PMID: 33969867 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein Crystallography or Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) started as a new discipline of science with the pioneering work on the determination of the protein crystal structures by John Kendrew in 1958 and Max Perutz in 1960. The incredible achievements in MX are attributed to the development of advanced tools, methodologies, and automation in every aspect of the structure determination process, which have reduced the time required for solving protein structures from years to a few days, as evident from the tens of thousands of crystal structures of macromolecules available in PDB. The advent of brilliant synchrotron sources, fast detectors, and novel sample delivery methods has shifted the paradigm from static structures to understanding the dynamic picture of macromolecules; further propelled by X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) that explore the femtosecond regime. The revival of the Laue diffraction has also enabled the understanding of macromolecules through time-resolved crystallography. In this review, we present some of the astonishing method-related and technological advancements that have contributed to the progress of MX. Even with the rapid evolution of several methods for structure determination, the developments in MX will keep this technique relevant and it will continue to play a pivotal role in gaining unprecedented atomic-level details as well as revealing the dynamics of biological macromolecules. With many exciting developments awaiting in the upcoming years, MX has the potential to contribute significantly to the growth of modern biology by unraveling the mechanisms of complex biological processes as well as impacting the area of drug designing.
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Taghon GJ, Rowe JB, Kapolka NJ, Isom DG. Predictable cholesterol binding sites in GPCRs lack consensus motifs. Structure 2021; 29:499-506.e3. [PMID: 33508215 PMCID: PMC9162085 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A rich diversity of transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are used by eukaryotes to sense physical and chemical signals. In humans alone, 800 GPCRs comprise the largest and most therapeutically targeted receptor class. Recent advances in GPCR structural biology have produced hundreds of GPCR structures solved by X-ray diffraction and increasingly, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Many of these structures are stabilized by site-specific cholesterol binding, but it is unclear whether these interactions are a product of recurring cholesterol-binding motifs and if observed patterns of cholesterol binding differ by experimental technique. Here, we comprehensively analyze the location and composition of cholesterol binding sites in the current set of 473 human GPCR structural chains. Our findings establish that cholesterol binds similarly in cryo-EM and X-ray structures and show that 92% of cholesterol molecules on GPCR surfaces reside in predictable locations that lack discernable cholesterol-binding motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey J Taghon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, RMSB 6078A, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jacob B Rowe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, RMSB 6078A, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Nicholas J Kapolka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, RMSB 6078A, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel G Isom
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, RMSB 6078A, Miami, FL 33136, USA; University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA; University of Miami Institute for Data Science and Computing, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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