1
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Utility of Bioluminescent Homogeneous Nucleotide Detection Assays in Measuring Activities of Nucleotide-Sugar Dependent Glycosyltransferases and Studying Their Inhibitors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206230. [PMID: 34684811 PMCID: PMC8539010 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional glycosyltransferase (GT) activity assays are not easily configured for rapid detection nor for high throughput screening because they rely on radioactive product isolation, the use of heterogeneous immunoassays or mass spectrometry. In a typical glycosyltransferase biochemical reaction, two products are generated, a glycosylated product and a nucleotide released from the sugar donor substrate. Therefore, an assay that detects the nucleotide could be universal to monitor the activity of diverse glycosyltransferases in vitro. Here we describe three homogeneous and bioluminescent glycosyltransferase activity assays based on UDP, GDP, CMP, and UMP detection. Each of these assays are performed in a one-step detection that relies on converting the nucleotide product to ATP, then to bioluminescence using firefly luciferase. These assays are highly sensitive, robust and resistant to chemical interference. Various applications of these assays are presented, including studies on the specificity of sugar transfer by diverse GTs and the characterization of acceptor substrate-dependent and independent nucleotide-sugar hydrolysis. Furthermore, their utility in screening for specific GT inhibitors and the study of their mode of action are described. We believe that the broad utility of these nucleotide assays will enable the investigation of a large number of GTs and may have a significant impact on diverse areas of Glycobiology research.
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2
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Yuan Q, Basit A, Liang W, Qu R, Luan Y, Ren C, Li A, Xu X, Liu X, Yang C, Kuo A, Pierce R, Zhang L, Turk B, Hu X, Li F, Cui W, Li R, Huang D, Mo L, Sessa WC, Lee PJ, Kluger Y, Su B, Tang W, He J, Wu D. Pazopanib ameliorates acute lung injuries via inhibition of MAP3K2 and MAP3K3. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/591/eabc2499. [PMID: 33910977 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abc2499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) causes high mortality and lacks any pharmacological intervention. Here, we found that pazopanib ameliorated ALI manifestations and reduced mortality in mouse ALI models and reduced edema in human lung transplantation recipients. Pazopanib inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MAP3K2)- and MAP3K3-mediated phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase 2 subunit p47phox at Ser208 to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation in myeloid cells. Genetic inactivation of MAP3K2 and MAP3K3 in myeloid cells or hematopoietic mutation of p47phox Ser208 to alanine attenuated ALI manifestations and abrogates anti-ALI effects of pazopanib. This myeloid MAP3K2/MAP3K3-p47phox pathway acted via paracrine H2O2 to enhance pulmonary vasculature integrity and promote lung epithelial cell survival and proliferation, leading to increased pulmonary barrier function and resistance to ALI. Thus, pazopanib has the potential to be effective for treating ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Yuan
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Abdul Basit
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wenhua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Rihao Qu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yi Luan
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Chunguang Ren
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ao Li
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Andrew Kuo
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Richard Pierce
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Benjamin Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Fangyong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Weixue Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Run Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Danxia Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Lili Mo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - William C Sessa
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Patty J Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yuval Kluger
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Bing Su
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Wenwen Tang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jianxing He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery/Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease and National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Dianqing Wu
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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3
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Mohanrao R, Manorama R, Ganguli S, Madhusudhanan MC, Bhandari R, Sureshan KM. Novel Substrates for Kinases Involved in the Biosynthesis of Inositol Pyrophosphates and Their Enhancement of ATPase Activity of a Kinase. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123601. [PMID: 34208421 PMCID: PMC8231259 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IP6K and PPIP5K are two kinases involved in the synthesis of inositol pyrophosphates. Synthetic analogs or mimics are necessary to understand the substrate specificity of these enzymes and to find molecules that can alter inositol pyrophosphate synthesis. In this context, we synthesized four scyllo-inositol polyphosphates-scyllo-IP5, scyllo-IP6, scyllo-IP7 and Bz-scyllo-IP5-from myo-inositol and studied their activity as substrates for mouse IP6K1 and the catalytic domain of VIP1, the budding yeast variant of PPIP5K. We incubated these scyllo-inositol polyphosphates with these kinases and ATP as the phosphate donor. We tracked enzyme activity by measuring the amount of radiolabeled scyllo-inositol pyrophosphate product formed and the amount of ATP consumed. All scyllo-inositol polyphosphates are substrates for both the kinases but they are weaker than the corresponding myo-inositol phosphate. Our study reveals the importance of axial-hydroxyl/phosphate for IP6K1 substrate recognition. We found that all these derivatives enhance the ATPase activity of VIP1. We found very weak ligand-induced ATPase activity for IP6K1. Benzoyl-scyllo-IP5 was the most potent ligand to induce IP6K1 ATPase activity despite being a weak substrate. This compound could have potential as a competitive inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Mohanrao
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India; (R.M.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Ruth Manorama
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India; (R.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Shubhra Ganguli
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India; (R.M.); (S.G.)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Mithun C. Madhusudhanan
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India; (R.M.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Rashna Bhandari
- Laboratory of Cell Signalling, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India; (R.M.); (S.G.)
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (K.M.S.)
| | - Kana M. Sureshan
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India; (R.M.); (M.C.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.B.); (K.M.S.)
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4
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Yokoyama T, Suzuki R, Mizuguchi M. Crystal structure of death-associated protein kinase 1 in complex with the dietary compound resveratrol. IUCRJ 2021; 8:131-138. [PMID: 33520249 PMCID: PMC7792996 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252520015614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a large multidomain protein with an N-terminal serine/threonine protein kinase domain. DAPK1 is considered to be a promising molecular target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, the inhibitory potency of resveratrol (RSV), a dietary polyphenol found in red wine, against the catalytic activity of DAPK1 was investigated. Kinetic and fluorescent probe competitive binding analyses revealed that RSV directly inhibited the catalytic activity of DAPK1 by binding to the ATP-binding site. Crystallographic analysis of DAPK1 in complex with RSV revealed that the A-ring of RSV occupied the nucleobase-binding position. Determination of the binding mode provided a structural basis for the design of more potent DAPK1 inhibitors. In conclusion, the data here clearly show that RSV is an ATP-competitive inhibitor of DAPK1, encouraging speculation that RSV may be useful for the development of AD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Yokoyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Ryoya Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
| | - Mineyuki Mizuguchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, Toyama 930-0914, Japan
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5
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MEKK2 mediates aberrant ERK activation in neurofibromatosis type I. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5704. [PMID: 33177525 PMCID: PMC7658220 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19555-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is characterized by prominent skeletal manifestations caused by NF1 loss. While inhibitors of the ERK activating kinases MEK1/2 are promising as a means to treat NF1, the broad blockade of the ERK pathway produced by this strategy is potentially associated with therapy limiting toxicities. Here, we have sought targets offering a more narrow inhibition of ERK activation downstream of NF1 loss in the skeleton, finding that MEKK2 is a novel component of a noncanonical ERK pathway in osteoblasts that mediates aberrant ERK activation after NF1 loss. Accordingly, despite mice with conditional deletion of Nf1 in mature osteoblasts (Nf1fl/fl;Dmp1-Cre) and Mekk2−/− each displaying skeletal defects, Nf1fl/fl;Mekk2−/−;Dmp1-Cre mice show an amelioration of NF1-associated phenotypes. We also provide proof-of-principle that FDA-approved inhibitors with activity against MEKK2 can ameliorate NF1 skeletal pathology. Thus, MEKK2 functions as a MAP3K in the ERK pathway in osteoblasts, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NF1. Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is characterized by prominent skeletal abnormalities mediated in part by aberrant ERK pathway activation due to NF1 loss-of-function. Here, the authors report the MEKK2 is a key mediator of this aberrant ERK activation and that MEKK2 inhibitors, including ponatinib, ameliorate skeletal defects in a mouse model of NF1.
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Fraga JS, Sárkány Z, Silva A, Correia I, Pereira PJB, Macedo-Ribeiro S. Genetic code ambiguity modulates the activity of a C. albicans MAP kinase linked to cell wall remodeling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2019; 1867:654-661. [PMID: 30797104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans ambiguously decodes the universal leucine CUG codon predominantly as serine but also as leucine. C. albicans has a high capacity to survive and proliferate in adverse environments but the rate of leucine incorporation fluctuates in response to different stress conditions. C. albicans is adapted to tolerate this ambiguous translation through a mechanism that combines drastic decrease in CUG usage and reduction of CUG-encoded residues in conserved positions in the protein sequences. However, in a few proteins, the residues encoded by CUG codons are found in strictly conserved positions, suggesting that this genetic code alteration might have a functional impact. One such example is Cek1, a central signaling protein kinase that contains a single CUG-encoded residue at a conserved position, whose identity might regulate the correct flow of information across the MAPK cascade. Here we show that insertion of a leucine at the CUG-encoded position decreases the stability of Cek1, apparently without major structural alterations. In contrast, incorporation of a serine residue at the CUG position induces the autophosphorylation of the conserved tyrosine residue of the Cek1 231TEY233 motif, and increases its intrinsic kinase activity in vitro. These findings show that CUG ambiguity modulates the activity of Cek1, a key kinase directly linked to morphogenesis and virulence in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana S Fraga
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Zsuzsa Sárkány
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Silva
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Correia
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro José Barbosa Pereira
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Macedo-Ribeiro
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
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Choi JP, Wang R, Yang X, Wang X, Wang L, Ting KK, Foley M, Cogger V, Yang Z, Liu F, Han Z, Liu R, Baell J, Zheng X. Ponatinib (AP24534) inhibits MEKK3-KLF signaling and prevents formation and progression of cerebral cavernous malformations. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2018; 4:eaau0731. [PMID: 30417093 PMCID: PMC6221540 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau0731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a common cerebrovascular disease that can occur sporadically or be inherited. They are major causes of stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and neurological deficits in the younger population. Loss-of-function mutations in three genes, CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3, have been identified as the cause of human CCMs. Currently, no drug is available to treat CCM disease. Hyperactive mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase Kinase 3 (MEKK3) kinase signaling as a consequence of loss of CCM genes is an underlying cause of CCM lesion development. Using a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved kinase inhibitor library combined with virtual modeling and biochemical and cellular assays, we have identified a clinically approved small compound, ponatinib, that is capable of inhibiting MEKK3 activity and normalizing expression of downstream kruppel-like factor (KLF) target genes. Treatment with this compound in neonatal mouse models of CCM can prevent the formation of new CCM lesions and reduce the growth of already formed lesions. At the ultracellular level, ponatinib can normalize the flattening and disorganization of the endothelium caused by CCM deficiency. Collectively, our study demonstrates ponatinib as a novel compound that may prevent CCM initiation and progression in mouse models through inhibition of MEKK3-KLF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaesung P. Choi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Signaling, Centenary Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Signaling, Centenary Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Lu Wang
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ka Ka Ting
- Centre for the Endothelium, Centenary Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Matthew Foley
- Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Victoria Cogger
- ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiming Han
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Renjing Liu
- Agnes Ginges Laboratory for Diseases of the Aorta, Centenary Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Jonathan Baell
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xiangjian Zheng
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Signaling, Centenary Institute, and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Corresponding author.
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8
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Ahmad S, St Hilaire VR, Dandepally SR, Johnson GL, Williams AL, Scott JE. Discovery and characterization of an iminocoumarin scaffold as an inhibitor of MEKK2 (MAP3K2). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 496:205-211. [PMID: 29309787 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The kinase MEKK2 (MAP3K2) activates the MEK5/ERK5 cell signaling pathway and may play an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, MEKK2 may represent a novel kinase target for cancer. In order to identify inhibitors of MEKK2, we screened a library of compounds using a high throughput MEKK2 intrinsic ATPase enzyme assay. We identified two hits with validated structures and confirmed activity in the primary assay (IC50 values = 322 nM and 7.7 μM) and two orthogonal MEKK2 biochemical assays. Compound 1, the more potent hit, was the subject of further investigation. Limited structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies were performed on this iminocoumarin hit which resulted in ≥20-fold more potent analogs (e.g. 8 and 16 nM IC50). Two analogs had improved selectivity in a 50-member kinase profiling panel compared to the hit. These studies suggested that substitutions around the phenoxy ring of this scaffold can impart improved potency and selectivity for MEKK2. Analog Compound 1s (16 nM IC50) was further verified by external testing to inhibit MEKK2 and MEKK3 with similar potencies. Compound 1s displayed activity in cell-based assays in which it inhibited ERK5 pathway activation in cells and inhibited cell migration in a scratch assay. Thus, we have identified a scaffold that has promising potential to be developed into a highly selective and potent inhibitor of MEKK2. Information from these SAR studies provides specific guidance for the future design of MEKK2 inhibitor probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Valentine R St Hilaire
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Srinivasa R Dandepally
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alfred L Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John E Scott
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Alves J, Vidugiris G, Goueli SA, Zegzouti H. Bioluminescent High-Throughput Succinate Detection Method for Monitoring the Activity of JMJC Histone Demethylases and Fe(II)/2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenases. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 23:242-254. [PMID: 29239273 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217745657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The modification of a diverse array of substrates by Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases is central to the modulation of distinct biological processes such as epigenetics, hypoxic signaling, and DNA/RNA repair. Of these, JumonjiC domain-containing histone lysine demethylases (JMJCs) and prolyl hydroxylases are potential drug targets due to their relevance to human diseases. Thus, assays to interrogate this enzyme superfamily are needed to identify selective and potent inhibitors as leads for drug development and that could also be useful research tools. Since succinate is a common product to all Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase reactions, a method that detects succinate would be suitable to all members of this enzyme superfamily. We therefore developed a bioluminescent and homogenous succinate detection assay and validated its use with diverse sets of enzyme classes. We evaluated the substrate specificities of these enzymes, their apparent kinetic constants, and inhibition profiles and mode of action of reported and novel inhibitors. Our results indicate that succinate detection is a useful readout for the monitoring of enzymatic activities with distinct substrate entities, as well as for the discovery of novel inhibitors. By investigating a large number of Fe(II)/2-oxoglutarate-dependent enzymes, this method could have a significant impact on the field of dioxygenase research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Alves
- 1 Promega Corporation, R&D Department, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Said A Goueli
- 1 Promega Corporation, R&D Department, Madison, WI, USA
- 2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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10
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High-throughput strategies for the discovery and engineering of enzymes for biocatalysis. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2016; 40:161-180. [DOI: 10.1007/s00449-016-1690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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MEKK2 mediates an alternative β-catenin pathway that promotes bone formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E1226-35. [PMID: 26884171 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600813113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper tuning of β-catenin activity in osteoblasts is required for bone homeostasis, because both increased and decreased β-catenin activity have pathologic consequences. In the classical pathway for β-catenin activation, stimulation with WNT ligands suppresses constitutive phosphorylation of β-catenin by glycogen synthase kinase 3β, preventing β-catenin ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Here, we have found that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MAP3K2 or MEKK2) mediates an alternative pathway for β-catenin activation in osteoblasts that is distinct from the canonical WNT pathway. FGF2 activates MEKK2 to phosphorylate β-catenin at serine 675, promoting recruitment of the deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15). USP15 in turn prevents the basal turnover of β-catenin by inhibiting its ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation, thereby enhancing WNT signaling. Analysis of MEKK2-deficient mice and genetic interaction studies between Mekk2- and β-catenin-null alleles confirm that this pathway is an important physiologic regulator of bone mass in vivo. Thus, an FGF2/MEKK2 pathway mediates an alternative nonclassical pathway for β-catenin activation, and this pathway is a key regulator of bone formation by osteoblasts.
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Ahmad S, Johnson GL, Scott JE. Identification of ponatinib and other known kinase inhibitors with potent MEKK2 inhibitory activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:888-93. [PMID: 26056008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The kinase MEKK2 (MAP3K2) may play an important role in tumor growth and metastasis for several cancer types. Thus, targeting MEKK2 may represent a novel strategy for developing more effective therapies for cancer. In order to identify small molecules with MEKK2 inhibitory activity, we screened a collection of known kinase inhibitors using a high throughput MEKK2 intrinsic ATPase enzyme assay and confirmed activity of the most potent hits with this primary assay. We also confirmed activities of these known kinase inhibitors with an MEKK2 transphosphorylation slot blot assay using MKK6 as a substrate. We observed a good correlation in potencies between the two orthogonal MEKK2 kinase activity assay formats for this set of inhibitors. We report that ponatinib, AT9283, AZD7762, JNJ-7706621, PP121 and hesperadin had potent MEKK2 enzyme inhibitory activities ranging from 4.7 to 60 nM IC50. Ponatinib is an FDA-approved drug that potently inhibited MEKK2 enzyme activity with IC50 values of 10-16 nM. AT9283 is currently in clinical trials and produced MEKK2 IC50 values of 4.7-18 nM. This set of known kinase inhibitors represents some of the most potent in vitro MEKK2 inhibitors reported to date and may be useful as research tools. Although these compounds are not selective for MEKK2, the structures of these compounds give insight into pharmacophores that potently inhibit MEKK2 and could be used as initial leads to design highly selective inhibitors of MEKK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John E Scott
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA.
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MEKK2 regulates paxillin ubiquitylation and localization in MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells. Biochem J 2015; 464:99-108. [PMID: 25190348 DOI: 10.1042/bj20140420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular kinase MEKK2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 2) is an upstream regulator of JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), but additional functions for MEKK2 have not been well defined. Silencing MEKK2 expression in invasive breast tumour cells markedly inhibits xenograft metastasis, indicating that MEKK2 controls tumour cell function required for tumour progression. In our previous investigation of MEKK2 function, we discovered that tumour cell attachment to fibronectin recruits MEKK2 to focal adhesion complexes, and that MEKK2 knockdown is associated with stabilized focal adhesions and significant inhibition of tumour cell migration. In the present study we investigate MEKK2 function in focal adhesions and we report that MEKK2 physically associates with the LD1 motif of the focal adhesion protein paxillin. We reveal that MEKK2 induces paxillin ubiquitylation, and that this function requires both the paxillin LD1 motif and MEKK2 kinase activity. Finally, we demonstrate that MEKK2 promotes paxillin redistribution from focal adhesions into the cytoplasm, but does not promote paxillin degradation. Taken together, our results reveal a novel function for MEKK2 as a regulator of ubiquitylation-dependent paxillin redistribution in breast tumour cells.
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