1
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Nag R, Joshi S, Rathore AS, Majumder S. Profiling Enzyme Activity of l-Asparaginase II by NMR-Based Methyl Fingerprinting at Natural Abundance. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:10826-10838. [PMID: 37154467 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
l-asparaginase II (MW 135 kDa) from E. coli is an FDA-approved protein drug used for the treatment of childhood leukemia. Despite its long history as a chemotherapeutic, the structural basis of enzyme action, in solution, remains widely contested. In this work, methyl-based 2D [1H-13C]-heteronuclear single-quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR, at natural abundance, has been used to profile the enzymatic activity of the commercially available enzyme drug. The [1H-13C]-HSQC NMR spectra of the protein reveal the role of a flexible loop segment in the activity of the enzyme, in solution. Addition of asparagine to the protein results in distinct conformational changes of the loop that could be signatures of intermediates formed in the catalytic reaction. To this end, an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)-based assay has been developed to measure the enzymatic reaction enthalpy, as a marker for its activity. Combining both ITC and NMR, it was shown that the disruption of the protein conformation can result in the loss of function. The scope, robustness, and validity of the loop fingerprints in relation to enzyme activity have been tested under different solution conditions. Overall, our results indicate that 2D NMR can be used reliably to gauge the structure-function of this enzyme, bypassing the need to label the protein. Such natural abundant NMR methods can be potentially extended to probe the structure-function aspects of high-molecular-weight protein therapeutics (glycosylated protein drugs, enzymes, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and Fc-fusion proteins), where (a) flexible loops are required for their function and (b) isotope labeling may not be straightforward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachayita Nag
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Srishti Joshi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anurag Singh Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Subhabrata Majumder
- Biophysics & Structural Genomics, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
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2
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Zhou R, Liang T, Li T, Huang J, Chen C. Possible mechanism of metabolic and drug resistance with L-asparaginase therapy in childhood leukaemia. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1070069. [PMID: 36816964 PMCID: PMC9929349 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1070069] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
L-asparaginase, which hydrolyzes asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, is frequently used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. When combined with other chemotherapy drugs, the event-free survival rate is 90%. Due to immunogenicity and drug resistance, however, not all patients benefit from it, restricting the use of L-asparaginase therapy in other haematological cancers. To solve the problem of immunogenicity, several L-ASNase variants have emerged, such as Erwinia-ASNase and PEG-ASNase. However, even when Erwinia-ASNase is used as a substitute for E. coli-ASNase or PEG-ASNase, allergic reactions occur in 3%-33% of patients. All of these factors contributed to the development of novel L-ASNases. Additionally, L-ASNase resistance mechanisms, such as the methylation status of ASNS promoters and activation of autophagy, have further emphasized the importance of personalized treatment for paediatric haematological neoplasms. In this review, we discussed the metabolic effects of L-ASNase, mechanisms of drug resistance, applications in non-ALL leukaemia, and the development of novel L-ASNase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chun Chen
- *Correspondence: Junbin Huang, ; Chun Chen,
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3
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Pokrovskaya MV, Pokrovsky VS, Aleksandrova SS, Sokolov NN, Zhdanov DD. Molecular Analysis of L-Asparaginases for Clarification of the Mechanism of Action and Optimization of Pharmacological Functions. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030599. [PMID: 35335974 PMCID: PMC8948990 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
L-asparaginases (EC 3.5.1.1) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of L-asparagine to L-aspartic acid and ammonia. These proteins with different biochemical, physicochemical and pharmacological properties are found in many organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, plants and mammals. To date, asparaginases from E. coli and Dickeya dadantii (formerly known as Erwinia chrysanthemi) are widely used in hematology for the treatment of lymphoblastic leukemias. However, their medical use is limited by side effects associated with the ability of these enzymes to hydrolyze L-glutamine, as well as the development of immune reactions. To solve these issues, gene-editing methods to introduce amino-acid substitutions of the enzyme are implemented. In this review, we focused on molecular analysis of the mechanism of enzyme action and to optimize the antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina V. Pokrovskaya
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Vadim S. Pokrovsky
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Combined Treatment, N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center, Kashirskoe Shosse 24, 115478 Moscow, Russia
- Center of Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Federal Territory Sirius, Olimpiisky Prospect 1, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Svetlana S. Aleksandrova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Nikolay N. Sokolov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (N.N.S.)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Str. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.P.); (S.S.A.); (N.N.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence:
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4
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Adhikari UK, Sakiz E, Zhou X, Habiba U, Kumar S, Mikhael M, Senesi M, Guang Li C, Guillemin GJ, Ooi L, David MA, Collins S, Karl T, Tayebi M. Cross-Linking Cellular Prion Protein Induces Neuronal Type 2-Like Hypersensitivity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:639008. [PMID: 34394070 PMCID: PMC8361482 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.639008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous reports identified proteins associated with ‘apoptosis’ following cross-linking PrPC with motif-specific anti-PrP antibodies in vivo and in vitro. The molecular mechanisms underlying this IgG-mediated neurotoxicity and the role of the activated proteins in the apoptotic pathways leading to neuronal death has not been properly defined. Previous reports implicated a number of proteins, including apolipoprotein E, cytoplasmic phospholipase A2, prostaglandin and calpain with anti-PrP antibody-mediated ‘apoptosis’, however, these proteins are also known to play an important role in allergy. In this study, we investigated whether cross-linking PrPC with anti-PrP antibodies stimulates a neuronal allergenic response. Methods Initially, we predicted the allergenicity of the epitope sequences associated with ‘neurotoxic’ anti-PrP antibodies using allergenicity prediction servers. We then investigated whether anti-PrP antibody treatment of mouse primary neurons (MPN), neuroblastoma cells (N2a) and microglia (N11) cell lines lead to a neuronal allergenic response. Results In-Silico studies showed that both tail- and globular-epitopes were allergenic. Specifically, binding regions that contain epitopes for previously reported ‘neurotoxic’ antibodies such as ICSM18 (146-159), ICSM35 (91-110), POM 1 (138-147) and POM 3 (95-100) lead to activation of allergenic related proteins. Following direct application of anti-PrPC antibodies on N2a cells, we identified 4 neuronal allergenic-related proteins when compared with untreated cells. Furthermore, we identified 8 neuronal allergenic-related proteins following treatment of N11 cells with anti-PrPC antibodies prior to co-culture with N2a cells when compared with untreated cells. Antibody treatment of MPN or MPN co-cultured with antibody-treated N11 led to identifying 10 and 7 allergenic-related proteins when compared with untreated cells. However, comparison with 3F4 antibody treatment revealed 5 and 4 allergenic-related proteins respectively. Of importance, we showed that the allergenic effects triggered by the anti-PrP antibodies were more potent when antibody-treated microglia were co-cultured with the neuroblastoma cell line. Finally, co-culture of N2a or MPN with N11-treated with anti-PrP antibodies resulted in significant accumulation of NO and IL6 but not TNF-α in the cell culture media supernatant. Conclusions This study showed for the first time that anti-PrP antibody binding to PrPC triggers a neuronal hypersensitivity response and highlights the important role of microglia in triggering an IgG-mediated neuronal hypersensitivity response. Moreover, this study provides an important impetus for including allergenic assessment of therapeutic antibodies for neurodegenerative disorders to derive safe and targeted biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elif Sakiz
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Xian Zhou
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Umma Habiba
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sachin Kumar
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Meena Mikhael
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Matteo Senesi
- Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chun Guang Li
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Steven Collins
- Australian National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Registry, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mourad Tayebi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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5
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Díaz-Barriga C, Villanueva-Flores F, Quester K, Zárate-Romero A, Cadena-Nava RD, Huerta-Saquero A. Asparaginase-Phage P22 Nanoreactors: Toward a Biobetter Development for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050604. [PMID: 33922106 PMCID: PMC8170886 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparaginase (ASNase) is a biopharmaceutical for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment. However, it shows undesirable side effects such as short lifetimes, susceptibility to proteases, and immunogenicity. Here, ASNase encapsidation was genetically directed in bacteriophage P22-based virus-like particles (VLPs) (ASNase-P22 nanoreactors) as a strategy to overcome these challenges. ASNase-P22 was composed of 58.4 ± 7.9% of coat protein and 41.6 ± 8.1% of tetrameric ASNase. Km and Kcat values of ASNase-P22 were 15- and 2-fold higher than those obtained for the free enzyme, respectively. Resulting Kcat/Km value was 2.19 × 105 M−1 s−1. ASNase-P22 showed an aggregation of 60% of the volume sample when incubated at 37 °C for 12 days. In comparison, commercial asparaginase was completely aggregated under the same conditions. ASNase-P22 was stable for up to 24 h at 37 °C, independent of the presence of human blood serum (HBS) or whether ASNase-P22 nanoreactors were uncoated or PEGylated. Finally, we found that ASNase-P22 caused cytotoxicity in the leukemic cell line MOLT-4 in a concentration dependent manner. To our knowledge, this is the first work where ASNase is encapsulated inside of VLPs, as a promising alternative to fight ALL.
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6
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Lin Y, Liao K, Miao Y, Qian Z, Fang Z, Yang X, Nie Q, Jiang G, Liu J, Yu Y, Wan J, Zhang X, Hu Y, Jiang J, Qiu Y. Role of Asparagine Endopeptidase in Mediating Wild-Type p53 Inactivation of Glioblastoma. J Natl Cancer Inst 2020; 112:343-355. [PMID: 31400201 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djz155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type (WT) glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for 90% of all GBMs, yet only 27% of isocitrate dehydrogenase WT-GBMs have p53 mutations. However, the tumor surveillance function of WT-p53 in GBM is subverted by mechanisms that are not fully understood. METHODS We investigated the proteolytic inactivation of WT-p53 by asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) and its effects on GBM progression in cancer cells, murine models, and patients' specimens using biochemical and functional assays. The sera of healthy donors (n = 48) and GBM patients (n = 20) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, effects of AEP inhibitors on GBM progression were evaluated in murine models (n = 6-8 per group). The statistical significance between groups was determined using two-tailed Student t tests. RESULTS We demonstrate that AEP binds to and directly cleaves WT-p53, resulting in the inhibition of WT-p53-mediated tumor suppressor function in both tumor cells and stromal cells via extracellular vesicle communication. High expression of uncleavable p53-N311A-mutant rescue AEP-induced tumorigenesis, proliferation, and anti-apoptotic abilities. Knock down or pharmacological inhibition of AEP reduced tumorigenesis and prolonged survival in murine models. However, overexpression of AEP promoted tumorigenesis and shortened the survival time. Moreover, high AEP levels in GBM tissues were associated with a poor prognosis of GBM patients (n = 83; hazard ratio = 3.94, 95% confidence interval = 1.87 to 8.28; P < .001). A correlation was found between high plasma AEP levels and a larger tumor size in GBM patients (r = 0.6, P = .03), which decreased dramatically after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that AEP promotes GBM progression via inactivation of WT-p53 and may serve as a prognostic and therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keman Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongrun Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanmin Nie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Institute of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyi Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieqing Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaomin Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongming Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Radadiya A, Zhu W, Coricello A, Alcaro S, Richards NGJ. Improving the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3193-3200. [PMID: 32786406 PMCID: PMC7497903 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
l-Asparaginase (EC 3.5.1.1) was first used as a component of combination drug therapies to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, almost 50 years ago. Administering this enzyme to reduce asparagine levels in the blood is a cornerstone of modern clinical protocols for ALL; indeed, this remains the only successful example of a therapy targeted against a specific metabolic weakness in any form of cancer. Three problems, however, constrain the clinical use of l-asparaginase. First, a type II bacterial variant of l-asparaginase is administered to patients, the majority of whom are children, which produces an immune response thereby limiting the time over which the enzyme can be tolerated. Second, l-asparaginase is subject to proteolytic degradation in the blood. Third, toxic side effects are observed, which may be correlated with the l-glutaminase activity of the enzyme. This Perspective will outline how asparagine depletion negatively impacts the growth of leukemic blasts, discuss the structure and mechanism of l-asparaginase, and briefly describe the clinical use of chemically modified forms of clinically useful l-asparaginases, such as Asparlas, which was recently given FDA approval for use in children (babies to young adults) as part of multidrug treatments for ALL. Finally, we review ongoing efforts to engineer l-asparaginase variants with improved therapeutic properties and briefly detail emerging, alternate strategies for the treatment of forms of ALL that are resistant to asparagine depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Radadiya
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Adriana Coricello
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.,Net4Science, Università "Magna Græcia" di Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nigel G J Richards
- School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, U.K.,Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, 13079 Progress Boulevard, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
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8
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de Moura WAF, Schultz L, Breyer CA, de Oliveira ALP, Tairum CA, Fernandes GC, Toyama MH, Pessoa-Jr A, Monteiro G, de Oliveira MA. Functional and structural evaluation of the antileukaemic enzyme L-asparaginase II expressed at low temperature by different Escherichia coli strains. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:2333-2344. [PMID: 32638188 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02955-5] [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: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) affects lymphoblastic cells and is the most common neoplasm during childhood. Among the pharmaceuticals used in the treatment protocols for ALL, Asparaginase (ASNase) from Escherichia coli (EcAII) is an essential biodrug. Meanwhile, the use of EcAII in neoplastic treatments causes several side effects, such as immunological reactions, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, depression, and coagulation abnormalities. Commercial EcAII is expressed as a recombinant protein, similar to novel enzymes from different organisms; in fact, EcAII is a tetrameric enzyme with high molecular weight (140 kDa), and its overexpression in recombinant systems often results in bacterial cell death or the production of aggregated or inactive EcAII protein, which is related to the formation of inclusion bodies. On the other hand, several commercial expression strains have been developed to overcome these expression issues, but no studies on a systematic evaluation of the E. coli strains aiming to express recombinant asparaginases have been performed to date. In this study, we evaluated eleven expression strains at a low temperature (16 °C) with different characteristics to determine which is the most appropriate for asparaginase expression; recombinant wild-type EcAII (rEcAII) was used as a prototype enzyme and the secondary structure content, oligomeric state, aggregation and specific activity of the enzymes were assessed. Structural analysis suggested that a correctly folded tetrameric rEcAII was obtained using ArcticExpress (DE3), a strain that co-express chaperonins, while all other strains produced poorly folded proteins. Additionally, the enzymatic assays showed high specific activity of proteins expressed by ArcticExpress (DE3) when compared to the other strains used in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Alfinito Feio de Moura
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Schultz
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre Breyer
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Pires de Oliveira
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Abrunhosa Tairum
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Costa Fernandes
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos Hikari Toyama
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Pessoa-Jr
- Biochemical-Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Biochemical-Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio de Oliveira
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, 11330-900, Brazil.
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9
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Wrona E, Jakubowska J, Pawlik B, Pastorczak A, Madzio J, Lejman M, Sędek Ł, Kowalczyk J, Szczepański T, Młynarski W. Gene expression of ASNS, LGMN and CTSB is elevated in a subgroup of childhood BCP-ALL with PAX5 deletion. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:6926-6932. [PMID: 31807194 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to L-asparaginase (L-asp) is a major contributor to poor treatment outcomes of several subtypes of childhood B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Asparagine synthetase (ASNS), legumain (LGMN) and cathepsin B (CTSB) serve a key role in L-asp resistance. The association between genetic subtypes of BCP-ALL and the expression of ASNS, LGMN and CTSB may elucidate the mechanisms of treatment failure. Bone marrow samples of 52 children newly diagnosed with BCP-ALL were screened for major genetic abnormalities and ASNS, LGMN and CTSB gene expression levels. The cohort was further divided into groups corresponding to the key genetic aberrations occurring in BCP-ALL: Breakpoint cluster region and Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 fusion; hyperdiploidy, hypodiploidy, ETS variant 6 and runt-related transcription factor 1 fusion and other BCP-ALL with no primary genetic aberration identified. A subgroup analysis based on the differences in copy number variations demonstrated a significant increase of ASNS, LGMN and CTSB median expression in other BCP-ALL cases with paired box 5 (PAX5) deletion (P=0.0117; P=0.0036; P<0.0001, respectively) compared with those with wild-type PAX5. Patients with high ASNS expression exhibited longer relapse-free survival (RFS) compared with those with low ASNS levels (P=0.0315; HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.86); the 5-year RFS for patients in the high ASNS expression group was 90.15% (95% CI, 87.90-92.40%). Despite the impact on ASNS, LGMN and CTSB expression, PAX5 deletion did not influence RFS in the other BCP-ALL group (P=0.6839). Therefore, the results of the present study revealed high levels of ASNS, LGMN and CTSB expression in the other BCP-ALL group with concomitant PAX5 deletion and no subsequent deterioration in 5-year RFS. High ASNS expression level, as a single factor, was strongly associated with an improved outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Wrona
- Department of Chemotherapy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland
| | - Justyna Jakubowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Pawlik
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland
| | - Agata Pastorczak
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland
| | - Joanna Madzio
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Katowice 40-752, Poland
| | - Jerzy Kowalczyk
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szczepański
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Katowice 40-752, Poland
| | - Wojciech Młynarski
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 91-738, Poland
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10
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Amino acid metabolism in hematologic malignancies and the era of targeted therapy. Blood 2019; 134:1014-1023. [PMID: 31416801 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells rewire metabolic pathways to adapt to their increased nutritional demands for energy, reducing equivalents, and cellular biosynthesis. Alternations in amino acid metabolism are 1 modality for satisfying those demands. Amino acids are not only components of proteins but also intermediate metabolites fueling multiple biosynthetic pathways. Amino acid-depletion therapies target amino acid uptake and catabolism using heterologous enzymes or recombinant or engineered human enzymes. Notably, such therapies have minimal effect on normal cells due to their lower demand for amino acids compared with tumor cells and their ability to synthesize the targeted amino acids under conditions of nutrient stress. Here, we review novel aspects of amino acid metabolism in hematologic malignancies and deprivation strategies, focusing on 4 key amino acids: arginine, asparagine, glutamine, and cysteine. We also present the roles of amino acid metabolism in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and in drug resistance. This summary also offers an argument for the reclassification of amino acid-depleting enzymes as targeted therapeutic agents.
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11
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Faschinger AM, Sessler N. Development of a Lyophilized Formulation of Pegaspargase and Comparability Versus Liquid Pegaspargase. Adv Ther 2019; 36:2106-2121. [PMID: 31140125 PMCID: PMC6822849 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-019-00988-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pegaspargase, a pegylated asparaginase, is a core component in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pegaspargase in liquid form has a limited shelf life of 8 months due to depegylation, leading to changes in purity and potency over time. Lyophilization is an approach that can improve the stability of biological drug conjugates. METHODS Here we describe the development of a lyophilized formulation of pegaspargase and present results of a series of tests demonstrating that the lyophilized form has comparable physicochemical properties to the liquid form. RESULTS Stability tests of critical quality attributes, including purity, potency, aggregates and total free polyethylene glycol, demonstrate that lyophilized pegaspargase remains stable for at least 3 years, with optimum stability achieved with storage under refrigerated conditions (2-8 °C). CONCLUSIONS Lyophilization improved the stability of pegaspargase without altering other physicochemical properties, permitting a prolonged shelf life of at least 2 years when stored at 2-8 °C. This may enable greater storage flexibility and allow for better management of pegaspargase. FUNDING Study Sponsor: Baxalta (now part of Takeda). Publication Sponsor: Servier Affaires Médicales.
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Meneguetti GP, Santos JHPM, Obreque KMT, Barbosa CMV, Monteiro G, Farsky SHP, Marim de Oliveira A, Angeli CB, Palmisano G, Ventura SPM, Pessoa-Junior A, de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui C. Novel site-specific PEGylated L-asparaginase. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211951. [PMID: 30753228 PMCID: PMC6372183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
L-asparaginase (ASNase) from Escherichia coli is currently used in some countries in its PEGylated form (ONCASPAR, pegaspargase) to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PEGylation refers to the covalent attachment of poly(ethylene) glycol to the protein drug and it not only reduces the immune system activation but also decreases degradation by plasmatic proteases. However, pegaspargase is randomly PEGylated and, consequently, with a high degree of polydispersity in its final formulation. In this work we developed a site-specific N-terminus PEGylation protocol for ASNase. The monoPEG-ASNase was purified by anionic followed by size exclusion chromatography to a final purity of 99%. The highest yield of monoPEG-ASNase of 42% was obtained by the protein reaction with methoxy polyethylene glycol-carboxymethyl N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester (10kDa) in 100 mM PBS at pH 7.5 and PEG:ASNase ratio of 25:1. The monoPEG-ASNase was found to maintain enzymatic stability for more days than ASNase, also was resistant to the plasma proteases like asparaginyl endopeptidase and cathepsin B. Additionally, monoPEG-ASNase was found to be potent against leukemic cell lines (MOLT-4 and REH) in vitro like polyPEG-ASNase. monoPEG-ASNase demonstrates its potential as a novel option for ALL treatment, being an inventive novelty that maintains the benefits of the current enzyme and solves challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João Henrique Picado Madalena Santos
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- CICECO–Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | | | - Gisele Monteiro
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Claudia Blanes Angeli
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Adalberto Pessoa-Junior
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Brumano LP, da Silva FVS, Costa-Silva TA, Apolinário AC, Santos JHPM, Kleingesinds EK, Monteiro G, Rangel-Yagui CDO, Benyahia B, Junior AP. Development of L-Asparaginase Biobetters: Current Research Status and Review of the Desirable Quality Profiles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 6:212. [PMID: 30687702 PMCID: PMC6335324 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Asparaginase (ASNase) is a vital component of the first line treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an aggressive type of blood cancer expected to afflict over 53,000 people worldwide by 2020. More recently, ASNase has also been shown to have potential for preventing metastasis from solid tumors. The ASNase treatment is, however, characterized by a plethora of potential side effects, ranging from immune reactions to severe toxicity. Consequently, in accordance with Quality-by-Design (QbD) principles, ingenious new products tailored to minimize adverse reactions while increasing patient survival have been devised. In the following pages, the reader is invited for a brief discussion on the most recent developments in this field. Firstly, the review presents an outline of the recent improvements on the manufacturing and formulation processes, which can severely influence important aspects of the product quality profile, such as contamination, aggregation and enzymatic activity. Following, the most recent advances in protein engineering applied to the development of biobetter ASNases (i.e., with reduced glutaminase activity, proteolysis resistant and less immunogenic) using techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis, molecular dynamics, PEGylation, PASylation and bioconjugation are discussed. Afterwards, the attention is shifted toward nanomedicine including technologies such as encapsulation and immobilization, which aim at improving ASNase pharmacokinetics. Besides discussing the results of the most innovative and representative academic research, the review provides an overview of the products already available on the market or in the latest stages of development. With this, the review is intended to provide a solid background for the current product development and underpin the discussions on the target quality profile of future ASNase-based pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Pereira Brumano
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Vitor Santos da Silva
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tales Alexandre Costa-Silva
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexsandra Conceição Apolinário
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Picado Madalena Santos
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Krebs Kleingesinds
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlota de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brahim Benyahia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Adalberto Pessoa Junior
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ramirez-Paz J, Saxena M, Delinois LJ, Joaquín-Ovalle FM, Lin S, Chen Z, Rojas-Nieves VA, Griebenow K. Thiol-maleimide poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinking of L-asparaginase subunits at recombinant cysteine residues introduced by mutagenesis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197643. [PMID: 30052638 PMCID: PMC6063399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Asparaginase is an enzyme successfully being used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. However, some disadvantages still limit its full application potential, e.g., allergic reactions, pancreatitis, and blood clotting impairment. Therefore, much effort has been directed at improving its performance. A popular strategy is to randomly conjugate L-asparaginase with mono-methoxy polyethylene glycol, which became a commercial FDA approved formulation widely used in recent years. To improve this formulation by PEGylation, herein we performed cysteine-directed conjugation of the L-asparaginase subunits to prevent dissociation-induced loss of activity. The recombinant cysteine conjugation sites were introduced by mutagenesis at surface-exposed positions on the protein to avoid affecting the catalytic activity. Three conjugates were obtained using different linear PEGs of 1000, 2000, and 5000 g/mol, with physical properties ranging from a semi-solid gel to a fully soluble state. The soluble-conjugate exhibited higher catalytic activity than the non-conjugated mutant, and the same activity than the native enzyme. The cysteine-directed crosslinking of the L-asparaginase subunits produced a higher molecular weight conjugate compared to the native tetrameric enzyme. This strategy might improve L-asparaginase efficiency for leukemia treatment by reducing glomerular filtration due to the increase in hydrodynamic size thus extending half-live, while at the same time retaining full catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josell Ramirez-Paz
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Manoj Saxena
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Delinois
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Freisa M. Joaquín-Ovalle
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Shiru Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Zhongfang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Virginia A. Rojas-Nieves
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Kai Griebenow
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zenatti PP, Migita NA, Cury NM, Mendes-Silva RA, Gozzo FC, de Campos-Lima PO, Yunes JA, Brandalise SR. Low Bioavailability and High Immunogenicity of a New Brand of E. colil-Asparaginase with Active Host Contaminating Proteins. EBioMedicine 2018; 30:158-166. [PMID: 29550241 PMCID: PMC5952248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug l-asparaginase is a cornerstone in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The native E. colil-asparaginase used in Brazil until recently has been manufactured by Medac/Kyowa. Then a decision was taken by the Ministry of Health in 2017 to supply the National Health System with a cheaper alternative l-asparaginase manufactured by Beijing SL Pharmaceutical, called Leuginase®. As opposed to Medac, the asparaginase that has been in use in Brazil under the trade name of Aginasa®, it was not possible to find a single entry with the terms Leuginase in the Pubmed repository. The apparent lack of clinical studies and the scarcity of safety information provided to the hospitals by the drug distributor created a debate among Brazilian pediatric oncologists about issues of safety and efficacy that culminated eventually in a court decision to halt the distribution of the new drug all over the country. Boldrini Children's Center, a non-profit pediatric oncohematology hospital, has conducted its own evaluation of Leuginase®. Mass spectrometry analyses found at least 12 different contaminating host-cell proteins (HCP) in Leuginase®. The presence of two HCP (beta-lactamase and malate dehydrogenase) was confirmed by orthogonal methodologies. The relative number of HCP peptides ranged from 19 to 37% of the total peptides identified by mass spectrometry. In vivo studies in mice injected with Leuginase® revealed a 3 times lower plasma bioavailability and the development of higher antibody titres against l-asparaginase in comparison to Aginasa®-injected animals. The decision to buy a new drug based on its price alone is not safe. Developing countries are especially vulnerable to cheaper alternatives that lack solid quality assurance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fabio Cesar Gozzo
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - José Andrés Yunes
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Dutta A, Potier DN, Walker MJ, Gray OJ, Parker C, Holland M, Williamson AJK, Pierce A, Unwin RD, Krishnan S, Saha V, Whetton AD. Development of a selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry-based assay to detect asparaginyl endopeptidase activity in biological fluids. Oncotarget 2018; 7:70822-70831. [PMID: 27683124 PMCID: PMC5342591 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer Biomarkers have the capability to improve patient outcomes. They have potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of disease progression and measuring response to treatment. This type of information is particularly useful in the individualisation of treatment regimens. Biomarkers may take many forms but considerable effort has been made to identify and quantify proteins in biological fluids. However, a major challenge in measuring protein in biological fluids, such as plasma, is the sensitivity of the assay and the complex matrix of proteins present. Furthermore, determining the effect of proteases in disease requires measurement of their activity in biological fluids as quantification of the protein itself may not provide sufficient information. To date little progress has been made towards monitoring activity of proteases in plasma. The protease asparaginyl endopeptidase has been implicated in diseases such as breast cancer, leukaemia and dementia. Here we describe a new approach to sensitively and in a targeted fashion quantify asparaginyl endopeptidase activity in plasma using a synthetic substrate peptide protected from nonspecific hydrolysis using D-amino acids within the structure. Our selected reaction monitoring approach enabled asparaginyl endopeptidase activity to be measured in human plasma with both a high dynamic range and sensitivity. This manuscript describes a paradigm for future development of assays to measure protease activities in biological fluids as biomarkers of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Dutta
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Tata Translational Cancer Research Centre, Kolkata, India
| | - David N Potier
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael J Walker
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Oliver J Gray
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Catriona Parker
- Children's Cancer Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark Holland
- Children's Cancer Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew J K Williamson
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Pierce
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard D Unwin
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Current address: Centre for Advanced Discovery and Experimental Therapeutics, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Vaskar Saha
- Tata Translational Cancer Research Centre, Kolkata, India.,Children's Cancer Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anthony D Whetton
- Stem Cell and Leukaemia Proteomics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Asparaginyl endopeptidase promotes the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer through modulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and analysis of their phosphorylation signaling pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 7:34356-70. [PMID: 27102302 PMCID: PMC5085161 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) is a lysosomal protease often overexpressed in gastric cancer. AEP was expressed higher in peritoneal metastatic loci than in primary gastric cancer. Then we overexpressed AEP or knocked it down with a lentiviral vector in gastric cancer cell lines and detected the cell cycle arrest and the changes of the invasive and metastatic ability in vitro and in vivo. When AEP was knocked-down, the proliferative, invasive and metastatic capacity of gastric cancer cells were inhibited, and the population of sub-G1 cells increased. AEP knockdown led to significant decrease of expression of transcription factor Twist and the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, ß-catenin and Vimentin and to increased expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin. These results showed that AEP could promote invasion and metastasis by modulating EMT. We used phosphorylation-specific antibody microarrays to investigate the mechanism how AEP promotes gastric cancer invasion and metastasis, and found that the phosphorylation level of AKT and MAPK signaling pathways was decreased significantly if AEP was knocked-down. Therefore, AKT and MAPK signaling pathways took part in the modulation.
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18
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Maggi M, Mittelman SD, Parmentier JH, Colombo G, Meli M, Whitmire JM, Merrell DS, Whitelegge J, Scotti C. A protease-resistant Escherichia coli asparaginase with outstanding stability and enhanced anti-leukaemic activity in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14479. [PMID: 29101342 PMCID: PMC5670125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Asparaginases (ASNases) have been used as first line drugs for paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) treatment for more than 40 years. Both the Escherichia coli (EcAII) and Erwinia chrysanthemi (ErAII) type II ASNases currently used in the clinics are characterized by high in vivo instability, short half-life and the requirement of several administrations to obtain a pharmacologically active concentration. Moreover, they are sensitive to proteases (cathepsin B and asparagine endopeptidase) that are over-expressed by resistant leukaemia lymphoblasts, thereby impairing drug activity and pharmacokinetics. Herein, we present the biochemical, structural and in vitro antiproliferative characterization of a new EcAII variant, N24S. The mutant shows completely preserved asparaginase and glutaminase activities, long-term storage stability, improved thermal parameters, and outstanding resistance to proteases derived from leukaemia cells. Structural analysis demonstrates a modification in the hydrogen bond network related to residue 24, while Normal Mode-based geometric Simulation and Molecular Dynamics predict a general rigidification of the monomer as compared to wild-type. These improved features render N24S a potential alternative treatment to reduce the number of drug administrations in vivo and to successfully address one of the major current challenges of ALL treatment: spontaneous, protease-dependent and immunological inactivation of ASNase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Maggi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Steven D Mittelman
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean Hugues Parmentier
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Biomolecular Simulations & Computational Chemistry Group, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Meli
- Biomolecular Simulations & Computational Chemistry Group, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Jeannette Marie Whitmire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - D Scott Merrell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julian Whitelegge
- Julian Whitelegge, The Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, The NPI-Semel Institute & Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Fung MKL, Chan GCF. Drug-induced amino acid deprivation as strategy for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:144. [PMID: 28750681 PMCID: PMC5530962 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is caused by uncontrollable growth of neoplastic cells, leading to invasion of adjacent and distant tissues resulting in death. Cancer cells have specific nutrient(s) auxotrophy and have a much higher nutrient demand compared to normal tissues. Therefore, different metabolic inhibitors or nutrient-depleting enzymes have been tested for their anti-cancer activities. We review recent available laboratory and clinical data on using various specific amino acid metabolic pathways inhibitors in treating cancers. Our focus is on glutamine, asparagine, and arginine starvation. These three amino acids are chosen due to their better scientific evidence compared to other related approaches in cancer treatment. Amino acid-specific depleting enzymes have been adopted in different standard chemotherapy protocols. Glutamine starvation by glutaminase inhibitior, transporter inhibitor, or glutamine depletion has shown to have significant anti-cancer effect in pre-clinical studies. Currently, glutaminase inhibitor is under clinical trial for testing anti-cancer efficacy. Clinical data suggests that asparagine depletion is effective in treating hematologic malignancies even as a single agent. On the other hand, arginine depletion has lower toxicity profile and can effectively reduce the level of pro-cancer biochemicals in patients as shown by ours and others’ data. This supports the clinical use of arginine depletion as anti-cancer therapy but its exact efficacy in various cancers requires further investigation. However, clinical application of these enzymes is usually hindered by common problems including allergy to these foreign proteins, off-target cytotoxicity, short half-life and rapidly emerging chemoresistance. There have been efforts to overcome these problems by modifying the drugs in different ways to circumvent these hindrance such as (1) isolate human native enzymes to reduce allergy, (2) isolate enzyme isoforms with higher specificities and efficiencies, (3) pegylate the enzymes to reduce allergy and prolong the half-lives, and (4) design drug combinations protocols to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by drug synergy and minimizing resistance. These improvements can potentially lead to the development of more effective anti-cancer treatment with less adverse effects and higher therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Kwong Lam Fung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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Johnson SM, Dempsey C, Parker C, Mironov A, Bradley H, Saha V. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells produce large extracellular vesicles containing organelles and an active cytoskeleton. J Extracell Vesicles 2017; 6:1294339. [PMID: 28386390 PMCID: PMC5373679 DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2017.1294339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles have been described in non-paracrine cellular interactions in cancer. We report a similar phenomenon in B-cell precursor (BCP) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Using advanced microscopy and high throughput screening, we further characterise a subset of large vesicles (LEVs) identified in cell lines, murine models of human BCP-ALL and clinical samples. Primary ALL blasts and cell lines released heterogeneous anucleate vesicles <6 micron into extracellular fluids. Larger LEVs were enclosed in continuous membranes, contained intact organelles and demonstrated an organised cytoskeleton. An excess of circulating CD19-positive LEVs were observed in diagnostic samples and isolated from mice engrafted with BCP-ALL primary cells. LEVs exhibited dynamic shape change in vitro and were internalised by other leukaemic cell lines leading to phenotypic transformation analogous to the cell of origin. In patient-derived xenografts, LEVs were released by primary ALL cells into extracellular spaces and internalised by murine mesenchymal cells in vivo. Collectively these data highlight the heterogeneity but accessibility of LEVs in clinical samples and their potential to provide a unique insight into the biology of the cell of origin and to their development as novel biomarkers to aid diagnosis and improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Johnson
- Children's Cancer Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Clare Dempsey
- Children's Cancer Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Catriona Parker
- Children's Cancer Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Aleksandr Mironov
- Children's Cancer Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Helen Bradley
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, CRUK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester , Manchester , UK
| | - Vaskar Saha
- Children's Cancer Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Tata Translational Cancer Research Centre, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
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Lanvers-Kaminsky C. Asparaginase pharmacology: challenges still to be faced. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:439-450. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second leading type of cancer in women living in less developed countries. The pathological and molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer are not comprehensively known. Though legumain has been found to be highly expressed in various types of solid tumors, its expression and biological function in cervical cancer remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate legumain expression and functions in cervical cancer. We found that legumain was highly expressed in cervical cancer cells. When knocked down, legumain expression in HeLa and SiHa cells significantly reduced its migration and invasion abilities compared with control cells. Furthermore, legumain silencing suppressed the activation of matrix metalloproteases (MMP2 and MMP3) in cervical cancer cells. This study indicates that legumain might play an important role in cervical cancer cell migration and invasion. Legumain might be a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shenyang Medical Center, Shenyang, China
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23
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Xu C, Cao L, Liu J, Qian Z, Peng Y, Zhu W, Qiu Y, Lin Y. Suppression of Asparaginyl Endopeptidase Inhibits Polyomavirus Middle T Antigen-Induced Tumor Formation and Metastasis. Oncol Res 2016; 25:407-415. [PMID: 27660925 PMCID: PMC7841005 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14743350548249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated circulating asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP), a novel lysosomal protease, has been found in breast cancer, and AEP is thus considered to be a prognostic factor in this disease. However, the pathological functions of circulating AEP in the development of breast cancer and the potential of AEP-targeted therapy remain unclear. We used MMTV-PyVmT transgenic mice, which spontaneously develop mammary tumors. Western blotting showed overexpression of AEP in both primary tumor tissue and lung metastases compared to their normal counterparts. Moreover, the concentration of circulating AEP gradually increased in the serum during the development of mammary tumors. Purified AEP protein injected through the tail vein promoted tumor growth and mammary tumor metastasis and shortened survival, whereas AEP-specific small compound inhibitors (AEPIs) effectively suppressed tumor progression and prolonged host survival. Further analysis of the molecular mechanism revealed that AEP was important for PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Thus, an elevated serum AEP level was closely related to mammary cancer progression and metastasis, and AEP is a potential target for breast cancer therapy in the clinic.
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24
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Zhang Z, Xie M, Ye K. Asparagine endopeptidase is an innovative therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1237-45. [PMID: 27115710 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1182990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) is a pH-dependent endolysosomal cysteine protease that cleaves its substrates after asparagine residues. Our most recent study identifies that it possesses the delta-secretase activity, and that it is implicated in numerous neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and stroke. Accumulating evidence supports that the inhibition of AEP exhibits beneficial effects for treating these devastating diseases. AREAS COVERED Based on recent evidence, it is clear that AEP cleaves its substrate, such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), tau and SET, and plays a critical role in neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. In this article, the basic biology of AEP, its knockout phenotypes in mouse models, its substrates in neurodegenerative diseases, and its small peptidyl inhibitors and prodrugs are discussed. In addition, we discuss the potential of AEP as a novel therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. EXPERT OPINION AEP plays a unique role in numerous biological processes, depending on both pH and context. Most striking is our most recent finding; that AEP is activated in an age-dependent manner and simultaneously cleaves both APP and tau, thereby unifying both major pathological events in AD. Thus, AEP acts as an innovative trigger for neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of AEP will provide a disease-modifying treatment for neurodegenerative diseases including AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zhang
- a Department of Neurology , Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University , Wuhan , China.,b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Manling Xie
- b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , GA , USA
| | - Keqiang Ye
- b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , GA , USA
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25
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L-Asparaginase delivered by Salmonella typhimurium suppresses solid tumors. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2015; 2:15007. [PMID: 27119104 PMCID: PMC4845971 DOI: 10.1038/mto.2015.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria can be engineered to deliver anticancer proteins to tumors via a controlled expression system that maximizes the concentration of the therapeutic agent in the tumor. L-asparaginase (L-ASNase), which primarily converts asparagine to aspartate, is an anticancer protein used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this study, Salmonellae were engineered to express L-ASNase selectively within tumor tissues using the inducible araBAD promoter system of Escherichia coli. Antitumor efficacy of the engineered bacteria was demonstrated in vivo in solid malignancies. This result demonstrates the merit of bacteria as cancer drug delivery vehicles to administer cancer-starving proteins such as L-ASNase to be effective selectively within the microenvironment of cancer tissue.
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26
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EVI1 expression in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is not restricted to MLL and BCR/ABL rearrangements and is influenced by age. Blood Cancer J 2014; 4:e179. [PMID: 24464103 PMCID: PMC3913945 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2013.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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27
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Lin Y, Wei C, Liu Y, Qiu Y, Liu C, Guo F. Selective ablation of tumor-associated macrophages suppresses metastasis and angiogenesis. Cancer Sci 2013; 104:1217-25. [PMID: 23691974 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a critical role in promoting tumor development and metastasis. In the present study, we found that legumain, an asparaginyl endopeptidase, was highly expressed on the surface of TAM. A doxorubicin-based prodrug specifically activated by legumain selectively ablated TAM and resulted in a significant reduction of angiogenic factors and related tumor vessel growth. Treatment with the prodrug also suppressed circulating tumor cells and myeloid immune suppressor Gr-1+/CD11b+ cells in tumor-bearing animals. After selective ablation of TAM using the prodrug, tumor growth and metastases were greatly inhibited in murine tumor models. These results indicate that legumain-activated prodrugs targeting TAM in tumors might represent a novel anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Lin
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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28
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van der Sluis I, Möricke A, Escherich G, von Stackelberg A, Holter W, Klingebiel T, Flotho C, Legien S, Tissing W, Bierings M, Guimbal-Schmolck C, Pichlmeier U, Kühnel HJ, Pieters R. Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Efficacy and safety of recombinant E. coli-asparaginase in infants (less than one year of age) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2013; 98:1697-701. [PMID: 23753025 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2013.090563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of a new recombinant E. coli-asparaginase preparation were evaluated in infants (<1 year of age) with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Twelve patients were treated according to the INTERFANT-06 protocol and received up to 10,000 U/m(2) recombinant asparaginase as intravenous infusions on days 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 and 33 of remission induction treatment. The asparaginase dose was individually adjusted by protocol to 67% of the calculated dose for infants <6 months, and to 75% of the calculated dose for infants aged 6-12 months. The trough serum asparaginase activities observed were above 20, 50, and 100 U/L in 86%, 71%, and 51% of measured samples, respectively. Looking only at the data assessed 3 days after asparaginase infusion these percentages were 91%, 84%, and 74%, respectively. Asparagine was completely depleted in serum in all but one patient who was the youngest in the study. No anti-asparaginase antibodies were detected during this treatment phase. Observed adverse reactions are known to be possible and are labeled side effects of asparaginase treatment and chemotherapy. We conclude that the asparaginase dose regimen used in infants is safe and provides complete asparagine depletion for the desired time period in nearly all patients. Measured asparaginase trough serum levels justify the higher doses used in infants compared to in older children and show that 3-day intervals are preferred over 4-day intervals. (This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu as EudraCT number 2008-006300-27).
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29
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Haugen MH, Johansen HT, Pettersen SJ, Solberg R, Brix K, Flatmark K, Maelandsmo GM. Nuclear legumain activity in colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e52980. [PMID: 23326369 PMCID: PMC3542341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cysteine protease legumain is involved in several biological and pathological processes, and the protease has been found over-expressed and associated with an invasive and metastatic phenotype in a number of solid tumors. Consequently, legumain has been proposed as a prognostic marker for certain cancers, and a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, details on how legumain advances malignant progression along with regulation of its proteolytic activity are unclear. In the present work, legumain expression was examined in colorectal cancer cell lines. Substantial differences in amounts of pro- and active legumain forms, along with distinct intracellular distribution patterns, were observed in HCT116 and SW620 cells and corresponding subcutaneous xenografts. Legumain is thought to be located and processed towards its active form primarily in the endo-lysosomes; however, the subcellular distribution remains largely unexplored. By analyzing subcellular fractions, a proteolytically active form of legumain was found in the nucleus of both cell lines, in addition to the canonical endo-lysosomal residency. In situ analyses of legumain expression and activity confirmed the endo-lysosomal and nuclear localizations in cultured cells and, importantly, also in sections from xenografts and biopsies from colorectal cancer patients. In the HCT116 and SW620 cell lines nuclear legumain was found to make up approximately 13% and 17% of the total legumain, respectively. In similarity with previous studies on nuclear variants of related cysteine proteases, legumain was shown to process histone H3.1. The discovery of nuclear localized legumain launches an entirely novel arena of legumain biology and functions in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads H Haugen
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital - The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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30
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Kidd JA, Ross P, Buntzman AS, Hess PR. Development of an ELISA to detect circulating anti-asparaginase antibodies in dogs with lymphoid neoplasia treated with Escherichia coli l-asparaginase. Vet Comp Oncol 2012; 13:77-88. [PMID: 23253146 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to Escherichia coli l-asparaginase in canine lymphoma occurs frequently with repeated administration, a phenomenon often attributed, without substantiation, to the induction of neutralizing antibodies. To test the hypothesis that treated dogs develop antibodies against the drug, we created an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure plasma anti-asparaginase immunoglobulin G responses. Using samples from dogs that had received multiple doses, specific reactivity against l-asparaginase was demonstrated, while naïve patients' samples were negative. The optimized ELISA appeared sensitive, with endpoint titers >1 600 000 in positive control dogs. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 3.6 and 14.5%. The assay was supported by the observation that ELISA-positive plasma could immunoprecipitate asparaginase activity. When clinical patients were evaluated, 3/10 dogs developed titers after a single injection; with repeated administration, 4/7 dogs were positive. l-asparaginase antibodies showed reduced binding to the PEGylated drug formulation. The ELISA should prove useful in investigating the potential correlation of antibody responses with resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Kidd
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - P Ross
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - A S Buntzman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - P R Hess
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA.,Immunology Program, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC, USA
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31
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van Kasteren SI, Berlin I, Colbert JD, Keane D, Ovaa H, Watts C. A multifunctional protease inhibitor to regulate endolysosomal function. ACS Chem Biol 2011; 6:1198-204. [PMID: 21910425 PMCID: PMC3220280 DOI: 10.1021/cb200292c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
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Proteases constitute a major class of drug targets. Endosomal compartments harbor several protease families whose attenuation may be beneficial to a number of biological processes, including inflammation, cancer metastasis, antigen presentation, and parasite clearance. As a step toward the goal of generalized but targeted protease inhibition in the endocytic pathway, we describe here the synthesis, characterization, and cellular application of a novel multifunctional protease inhibitor. We show that pepstatin A, a potent but virtually insoluble inhibitor of cathepsins D and E, can be conjugated to a single site on cystatin C, a potent inhibitor of the papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCP) and of asparagine endopeptidease (AEP), to create a highly soluble compound capable of suppressing the activity of all 3 principal protease families found in endosomes and lysosomes. We demonstrate that this cystatin–pepstatin inhibitor (CPI) can be taken up by cells to modulate protease activity and affect biological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander I. van Kasteren
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilana Berlin
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeff D. Colbert
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Doreen Keane
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
| | - Huib Ovaa
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Colin Watts
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, U.K
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32
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Watanabe S, Miyake K, Ogawa C, Matsumoto H, Yoshida K, Hirabayashi S, Hasegawa D, Inoue T, Kizu J, Machida R, Ohara A, Hosoya R, Manabe A. The ex vivo production of ammonia predicts L-asparaginase biological activity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Int J Hematol 2009; 90:347-352. [PMID: 19768519 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-009-0419-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Revised: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who develop antiasparaginase antibodies without clinical allergic reactions ("silent inactivation") during L: -asparaginase (L: -Asp) treatment, have poor outcomes. Ammonia is produced by hydrolysis of asparagine by L: -Asp. We postulated that plasma ammonia level might reflect the biological activity of L: -Asp. Five children with ALL treated according to the Tokyo Children's Cancer Study Group (TCCSG) protocol were enrolled. Plasma ammonia levels were analyzed immediately and 1 h after incubation at room temperature and "ex vivo ammonia production" was defined as increase in ammonia concentration. Ex vivo ammonia production well correlated with L: -Asp activity (r = 0.882, P < 0.01, n = 23). It always exceeded 170 microg/dL (170-345 microg/dL) in induction therapy. We found 3 patients whose ammonia production was negligible during later phases of therapy. Antiasparaginase antibody was detected and L: -Asp activity decreased in these patients. Ex vivo ammonia production is a surrogate marker of L: -Asp biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizuka Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Miyake
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chitose Ogawa
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Haruna Matsumoto
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Hirabayashi
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Tadao Inoue
- Department of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Kizu
- Department of Practical Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Machida
- First Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Ohara
- First Department of Pediatrics, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Hosoya
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan
| | - Atsushi Manabe
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8560, Japan.
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