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Liang X, Hong A, Shen R, Zhu M, Tian W. NCKAP1 as a prognostic and immunological biomarker: pan-cancer analysis and validation in renal clear cell carcinoma. Am J Transl Res 2024; 16:4083-4100. [PMID: 39262720 PMCID: PMC11384366 DOI: 10.62347/ukqb2042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically investigate the expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations, immune infiltration, and molecular function of Nck-associated protein 1 (NCKAP1) in a pan-cancer analysis, with a specific focus on its association with kidney renal cell carcinoma (KIRC). METHODS We analyzed the role of NCKAP1 across various tumor types using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis version 2 (GEPIA2) database was used to assess the correlation between NCKAP1 expression levels and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) across different cancers, as well as its association with cancer stage. Genetic alterations of NCKAP1 were explored using CBioPortal, and their prognostic implications were assessed. NCKAP1 was further analyzed through Gene Ontology and protein interaction network analyses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database evaluated NCKAP1 levels in KIRC tissues. Functional assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to determine the effects of NCKAP1 overexpression on cell growth rate and their ability to invade, proliferate, migrate in a KIRC (786-O) cell line. The relationship between NCKAP1 expression and immune infiltration in KIRC was systematically examined using the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. RESULTS NCKAP1 expression was significantly altered in most tumor types compared to corresponding non-tumor tissues. Survival analysis indicated that low NCKAP1 expression was associated with poor OS, DFS, and advanced cancer stage (P < 0.05) specifically in KIRC. Genetic alterations in NCKAP1 were linked to clinical outcome in cancer patients, and a positive correlation was observed between NCKAP1 expression and cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration (P < 0.05). Gene Ontology analysis revealed that NCKAP1 regulates the actin cytoskeleton and interacts with proteins such as CYFIP1, ABI2, WASF2, and BRK1. IHC staining showed significantly lower NCKAP1 levels in KIRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Overexpression of NCKAP1 in KIRC cell lines reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration (P < 0.05). NCKAP1 was also positively correlated with macrophage, neutrophil, and CD4+ T cell infiltration (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION NCKAP1 may serve as a prognostic and immunological marker and may be a therapeutic target for KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aonan Hong
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruizhi Shen
- Department of Oncology, Jiangnan University Medical Center Wuxi 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minmin Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jiangnan University Medical Center Wuxi 214002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiqian Tian
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu, China
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Silva J, Omar N, Sittaramane V, Cowell JK. Identification of small molecules that suppress cell invasion and metastasis promoted by WASF3 activation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20662. [PMID: 37867831 PMCID: PMC10585217 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The WASF3 gene promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and genetic inactivation leads to suppression of metastasis. To identify small molecules that might interfere with WASF3 function, we performed an in silico docking study to the regulatory pocket of WASF3 using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) diversity set VI small molecule library. Compounds that showed the maximum likelihood of interaction with WASF3 were screened for their effect on cell movement in breast and prostate cancer cells, a well-established predictor of invasion and metastasis. Three hit compounds were identified that affected cell movement, and the same compounds also suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro in both MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and Du145 prostate cancer cells. Using a zebrafish metastasis assay, one of these compounds, NSC670283, showed significant suppression of metastasis in vivo while not affecting cell proliferation. NSC670283 showed a consistent effect on suppression of invasion and metastasis, and cellular temperature shift assays provided support for physical interaction with WASF3. In addition, suppression of cell movement and invasion was accompanied by a decrease in actin filament polymerization. The data in this study suggest that these small molecules inhibit cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and to our knowledge, it is the first identification of a small molecule that can potentially inhibit WASF3-directed metastasis, laying the foundation for medicinal chemistry approaches to enhance the potency of the identified compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeane Silva
- The Georgia Cancer Center, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, Georgia
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Allied Sciences, Augusta University, GA, 30912, Georgia
| | - Nivin Omar
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, GA, 30912, Georgia
| | - Vinoth Sittaramane
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, Georgia
| | - John K. Cowell
- The Georgia Cancer Center, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta, GA 30912, Georgia
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3
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Calugi L, Sautariello G, Lenci E, Mattei ML, Coppa C, Cini N, Contini A, Trabocchi A. Identification of a short ACE2-derived stapled peptide targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115118. [PMID: 36682293 PMCID: PMC9842534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The design and synthesis of a series of peptide derivatives based on a short ACE2 α-helix 1 epitope and subsequent [i - i+4] stapling of the secondary structure resulted in the identification of a 9-mer peptide capable to compete with recombinant ACE2 towards Spike RBD in the micromolar range. Specifically, SARS-CoV-2 Spike inhibitor screening based on colorimetric ELISA assay and structural studies by circular dichroism showed the ring-closing metathesis cyclization being capable to stabilize the helical structure of the 9-mer 34HEAEDLFYQ42 epitope better than the triazole stapling via click chemistry. MD simulations showed the stapled peptide being able not only to bind the Spike RBD, sterically interfering with ACE2, but also showing higher affinity to the target as compared to parent epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Calugi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Sautariello
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lenci
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Mauro Leucio Mattei
- General Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Crescenzo Coppa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cini
- General Laboratory, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Contini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Venezian 21, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Trabocchi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 13, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
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4
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NCK-associated protein 1 regulates metastasis and is a novel prognostic marker for colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36639705 PMCID: PMC9839720 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01303-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a substantial problem for mortality and requires screening and early detection efforts to increase survival. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and circulation of tumor cells in the blood play important roles in metastasis. To identify a novel target for metastasis of CRC, we conducted a gene microarray analysis using extracted RNA from the blood of preclinical models. We found that NCK-associated protein 1 (NCKAP1) was significantly increased in the blood RNA of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of colon cancer. In the NCKAP1 gene knockdown-induced human colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and HT29, there was a reduced wound healing area and significant inhibition of migration and invasion. As the result of marker screening for cytoskeleton and cellular interactions, CRC treated with siRNA of NCKAP1 exhibited significant induction of CDH1 and phalloidin expression, which indicates enhanced adherent cell junctions and cytoskeleton. In HCT116 cells with a mesenchymal state induced by TGFβ1, metastasis was inhibited by NCKAP1 gene knockdown through the inhibition of migration, and there was increased CTNNB1 expression and decreased FN expression. We established metastasis models for colon cancer to liver transition by intrasplenic injection shRNA of NCKAP1-transfected HCT116 cells or by implanting tumor tissue generated with the cells on cecal pouch. In metastasis xenograft models, tumor growth and liver metastasis were markedly reduced. Taken together, these data demonstrate that NCKAP1 is a novel gene regulating EMT that can contribute to developing a diagnostic marker for the progression of metastasis and new therapeutics for metastatic CRC treatment.
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5
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Chen J, Ge J, Zhang W, Xie X, Zhong X, Tang S. NCKAP1 is a Prognostic Biomarker for Inhibition of Cell Growth in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:764957. [PMID: 35957696 PMCID: PMC9360572 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.764957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most frequent type of kidney cancer. Nck-associated protein 1 (NCKAP1) is associated with poor prognosis and tumor progression in several cancer types, but the function and prognostic value of NCKAP1 in ccRCC remain poorly understood. Methods: Using the Ualcan database, we evaluated the correlation between NCKAP1 expression and clinical features of ccRCC. These data were validated by immunohistochemical staining for NCKAP1 in a cohort of ccRCC patients. We assessed the prognostic value of NCKAP1 using GEPIA2 survival analysis. NCKAP1 function was characterized in vitro and in vivo using NCKAP1-overexpression ACHN cell lines. The LinkedOmics and GSCALite databases were used to investigate identify potential NCKAP1-targeted medicines that may play a role in the treatment of ccRCC. The impact of NCKAP1 expression on immune infiltration was also evaluated. Results: NCKAP1 was significantly downregulated in ccRCC and correlated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. Overexpression of NCKAP1 in ACHN cells reduced proliferation, invasion and migration capacity in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. According to the LinkedOmics, GSCALite and TIMER databases, NCKAP1 and related genes function primarily in ribosomal signaling, oxidative phosphorylation, TGF-β, and EMT-related signaling pathways. NCKAP1 was also shown to positively correlate with immune cell types, biomarkers, and immune checkpoints in ccRCCs. Conclusions: NCKAP1 may play a vital tumor-suppressive role in ccRCC and is potentially a useful prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jianzhang Ge
- Department of Urology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xuqi Xie
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhong
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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6
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Limaye AJ, Whittaker MK, Bendzunas GN, Cowell JK, Kennedy EJ. Targeting the WASF3 complex to suppress metastasis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106302. [PMID: 35691539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family members (WASF) regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, which plays an instrumental role in cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF1/2/3 forms a hetero-pentameric complex with CYFIP1/2, NCKAP1/1 L, Abi1/2/3 and BRK1 called the WASF Regulatory Complex (WRC), which cooperatively regulates actin nucleation by WASF1/2/3. Activation of the WRC enables actin networking and provides the mechanical force required for the formation of lamellipodia and invadopodia. Although the WRC drives cell motility essential for several routine physiological functions, its aberrant deployment is observed in cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF3 expression is correlated with metastatic potential in several cancers and inversely correlates with overall progression-free survival. Therefore, disruption of the WRC may serve as a novel strategy for targeting metastasis. Given the complexity involved in the formation of the WRC which is largely comprised of large protein-protein interfaces, there are currently no inhibitors for WASF3. However, several constrained peptide mimics of the various protein-protein interaction interfaces within the WRC were found to successfully disrupt WASF3-mediated migration and invasion. This review explores the role of the WASF3 WRC in driving metastasis and how it may be selectively targeted for suppression of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya J Limaye
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Matthew K Whittaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - George N Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States.
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7
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Kramer DA, Piper HK, Chen B. WASP family proteins: Molecular mechanisms and implications in human disease. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151244. [PMID: 35667337 PMCID: PMC9357188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) family play a central role in regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics in a wide range of cellular processes. Genetic mutations or misregulation of these proteins are tightly associated with many diseases. The WASP-family proteins act by transmitting various upstream signals to their conserved WH2-Central-Acidic (WCA) peptide sequence at the C-terminus, which in turn binds to the Arp2/3 complex to stimulate the formation of branched actin networks at membranes. Despite this common feature, the regulatory mechanisms and cellular functions of distinct WASP-family proteins are very different. Here, we summarize and clarify our current understanding of WASP-family proteins and how disruption of their functions is related to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Kramer
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Hannah K Piper
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Baoyu Chen
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, 2437 Pammel Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
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8
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Limaye AJ, Bendzunas GN, Whittaker MK, LeClair TJ, Helton LG, Kennedy EJ. In Silico Optimized Stapled Peptides Targeting WASF3 in Breast Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:570-576. [PMID: 35450347 PMCID: PMC9014496 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family (WASF) members regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics, and WASF3 is directly associated with breast cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF3 forms a heteropentameric complex with CYFIP, NCKAP, ABI, and BRK1, called the WASF Regulatory Complex (WRC), which cooperatively regulates actin nucleation by WASF3. Since aberrant deployment of the WRC is observed in cancer metastasis and invasion, its disruption provides a novel avenue for targeting motility in breast cancer cells. Here, we report the development of a second generation WASF3 mimetic peptide, WAHMIS-2, which was designed using a combination of structure-guided design, homology modeling, and in silico optimization to disrupt binding of WASF3 to the WRC. WAHMIS-2 was found to permeate cells and inhibit cell motility, invasion, and MMP9 expression with greater potency than its predecessor, WAHM1. Targeted disruption of WASF3 from the WRC may serve as a useful strategy for suppression of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya J. Limaye
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - George N. Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Matthew K. Whittaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Timothy J. LeClair
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Leah G. Helton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Eileen J. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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9
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Helton LG, Soliman A, von Zweydorf F, Kentros M, Manschwetus JT, Hall S, Gilsbach B, Ho FY, Athanasopoulos PS, Singh RK, LeClair TJ, Versées W, Raimondi F, Herberg FW, Gloeckner CJ, Rideout H, Kortholt A, Kennedy EJ. Allosteric Inhibition of Parkinson's-Linked LRRK2 by Constrained Peptides. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2326-2338. [PMID: 34496561 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large, multidomain protein with dual kinase and GTPase function that is commonly mutated in both familial and idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD). While dimerization of LRRK2 is commonly detected in PD models, it remains unclear whether inhibition of dimerization can regulate catalytic activity and pathogenesis. Here, we show constrained peptides that are cell-penetrant, bind LRRK2, and inhibit LRRK2 activation by downregulating dimerization. We further show that inhibited dimerization decreases kinase activity and inhibits ROS production and PD-linked apoptosis in primary cortical neurons. While many ATP-competitive LRRK2 inhibitors induce toxicity and mislocalization of the protein in cells, these constrained peptides were found to not affect LRRK2 localization. The ability of these peptides to inhibit pathogenic LRRK2 kinase activity suggests that disruption of dimerization may serve as a new allosteric strategy to downregulate PD-related signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah G. Helton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Ahmed Soliman
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, 9747 Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Felix von Zweydorf
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michalis Kentros
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Jascha T. Manschwetus
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biology, University of Kassel, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Scotty Hall
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Bernd Gilsbach
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franz Y. Ho
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, 9747 Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ranjan K. Singh
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timothy J. LeClair
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Wim Versées
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesco Raimondi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biology, University of Kassel, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Christian Johannes Gloeckner
- DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Core Facility for Medical Bioanalytics, Center for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hardy Rideout
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Arjan Kortholt
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, University of Groningen, 9747 Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology, Innovative Technologies Application and Research Center, Suleyman Demirel University, 32260 Isparta, Turkey
| | - Eileen J. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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Allosteric inhibition of LRRK2, where are we now. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:2185-2194. [PMID: 33079169 PMCID: PMC7609032 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, it has been shown that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has a crucial function in both familial and sporadic forms of PD. LRRK2 pathogenic mutations are thought to result in an increase in LRRK2 kinase activity. Thus, inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity has become a main therapeutic target. Many compounds capable of inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity with high selectivity and brain availability have been described. However, the safety of long-term use of these ATP-competitive LRRK2 kinase inhibitors has been challenged by several studies. Therefore, alternative ways of targeting LRRK2 activity will have a great benefit. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in the development of allosteric inhibitors of LRRK2, mainly via interfering with GTPase activity, and propose potential new intra and interprotein interactions targets that can lead to open doors toward new therapeutics.
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Stapled Peptides Based on Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Potently Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02451-20. [PMID: 33310780 PMCID: PMC7751257 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02451-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 uses human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the primary receptor to enter host cells and initiate the infection. The critical binding region of ACE2 is an ∼30-amino-acid (aa)-long helix. Here, we report the design of four stapled peptides based on the ACE2 helix, which is expected to bind to SARS-CoV-2 and prevent the binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor and disrupt the infection. All stapled peptides showed high helical contents (50 to 94% helicity). In contrast, the linear control peptide NYBSP-C showed no helicity (19%). We have evaluated the peptides in a pseudovirus-based single-cycle assay in HT1080/ACE2 cells and human lung cell line A549/ACE2, overexpressing ACE2. Three of the four stapled peptides showed potent antiviral activity in HT1080/ACE2 (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]: 1.9 to 4.1 μM) and A549/ACE2 (IC50: 2.2 to 2.8 μM) cells. The linear peptide NYBSP-C and the double-stapled peptide StRIP16, used as controls, showed no antiviral activity. Most significantly, none of the stapled peptides show any cytotoxicity at the highest dose tested. We also evaluated the antiviral activity of the peptides by infecting Vero E6 cells with the replication-competent authentic SARS-CoV-2 (US_WA-1/2020). NYBSP-1 was the most efficient, preventing the complete formation of cytopathic effects (CPEs) at an IC100 of 17.2 μM. NYBSP-2 and NYBSP-4 also prevented the formation of the virus-induced CPE with an IC100 of about 33 μM. We determined the proteolytic stability of one of the most active stapled peptides, NYBSP-4, in human plasma, which showed a half-life (T 1/2) of >289 min.IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus with many unknowns. No vaccine or specific therapy is available yet to prevent and treat this deadly virus. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutics. Structural studies revealed critical interactions between the binding site helix of the ACE2 receptor and SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). Therefore, targeting the entry pathway of SARS-CoV-2 is ideal for both prevention and treatment as it blocks the first step of the viral life cycle. We report the design of four double-stapled peptides, three of which showed potent antiviral activity in HT1080/ACE2 cells and human lung carcinoma cells, A549/ACE2. Most significantly, the active stapled peptides with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 showed high α-helicity (60 to 94%). The most active stapled peptide, NYBSP-4, showed substantial resistance to degradation by proteolytic enzymes in human plasma. The lead stapled peptides are expected to pave the way for further optimization of a clinical candidate.
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Qin H, Lu S, Thangaraju M, Cowell JK. Wasf3 Deficiency Reveals Involvement in Metastasis in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:2450-2458. [PMID: 31542393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The WASF3 gene has been implicated in cancer cell movement, invasion, and metastasis by regulating genetic pathways important in these processes. Invasion and metastasis assays, however, are largely centered on xenograft models in immune-compromised mice. To facilitate analysis of the role of WASF3 in the spontaneous development of cancer cell metastasis, we generated a Wasf3 null strain by deleting exons 4 and 5, which encode essential motifs for Wasf3 function. On exposure to cre-recombinase a stop codon is generated immediately downstream in exon 6. Using a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-cre strain, Wasf3 constitutively was inactivated, which led to viable mice with no visible morphologic or behavioral abnormalities. There was no abnormal development or function of the mouse mammary gland in the Wasf3 null mice and brain development was normal. In the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-driven polyoma middle-T oncogene strain, which shows early onset breast cancer development and metastasis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (Wasf3) is up-regulated in metastatic lesions. When this oncogene was introduced onto the Wasf3-null background, although metastasis was observed in these mice, there was a reduction in the number and size of metastatic lesions in the lungs. These data provide evidence for a role in WASF3 in the development of metastasis in a spontaneous model of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Qin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Sumin Lu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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Zhong XP, Kan A, Ling YH, Lu LH, Mei J, Wei W, Li SH, Guo RP. NCKAP1 improves patient outcome and inhibits cell growth by enhancing Rb1/p53 activation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:369. [PMID: 31068575 PMCID: PMC6506474 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1603-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In our previous report, we identified miR-34c-3p as an independent factor contributing to the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by targeting NCK Associated Protein 1 (NCKAP1). NCKAP1 has been known to promote the malignancy of cancer cells by disrupting the structural stability of WAS protein family member 1 (WASF1) and is correlated with poor prognosis of patients in several cancer types. Our results, however, show that NCKAP1 is correlated with a favorable outcome in HCC patients. The underlying mechanism of this contradictory phenomenon is unknown. The current study was designed to explore the mechanism of NCKAP1 in HCC. As a result, clinicopathological correlations and results from in vivo and in vitro models indicated that NCKAP1 was a tumor suppressor gene. Cell cycle analysis suggested that NCKAP1 inhibit cells from entering G2/M phase. Western blot analysis showed that WASF1 was barely expressed in HCC cell lines compared to that of breast cancer cell lines, which serve as positive controls. Furthermore, Rb1 and p53 expression was upregulated in cell lines overexpressing NCKAP1. Expression of several cell cycle regulating proteins also varied in the HCC cell lines. In conclusion, although previous studies have identified NCKAP1 as a cell invasion promoter by binding to WASF1, we found that NCKAP1 is a tumor suppress gene that modulates the cell cycle of HCC cell lines by targeting Rb1/p53 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 515041, Shantou, China
| | - Anna Kan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Hong Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang-He Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shao-Hua Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Rong-Ping Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
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