1
|
Larmore M, Palomero OE, Kamat NP, DeCaen PG. A synthetic method to assay polycystin channel biophysics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592666. [PMID: 38766162 PMCID: PMC11100589 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Ion channels are biological transistors that control ionic flux across cell membranes to regulate electrical transmission and signal transduction. They are found in all biological membranes and their conductive states are frequently disrupted in human diseases. Organelle ion channels are among the most resistant to functional and pharmacological interrogation. Traditional channel protein reconstitution methods rely upon exogenous expression and/or purification from endogenous cellular sources which are frequently contaminated by resident ionophores. Here we describe a fully synthetic method to assay the functional properties of the polycystin subfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that natively traffic to primary cilia and endoplasmic reticulum organelles. Using this method, we characterize their membrane integration, orientation and conductance while comparing these results to their endogenous channel properties. Outcomes define a novel synthetic approach that can be applied broadly to investigate other channels resistant to biophysical analysis and pharmacological characterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Larmore
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Orhi Esarte Palomero
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Neha P Kamat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul G DeCaen
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sahu M, Vashishth S, Kukreti N, Gulia A, Russell A, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Synergizing drug repurposing and target identification for neurodegenerative diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 205:111-169. [PMID: 38789177 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2024.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Despite dedicated research efforts, the absence of disease-curing remedies for neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) continues to jeopardize human society and stands as a challenge. Drug repurposing is an attempt to find new functionality of existing drugs and take it as an opportunity to discourse the clinically unmet need to treat neurodegeneration. However, despite applying this approach to rediscover a drug, it can also be used to identify the target on which a drug could work. The primary objective of target identification is to unravel all the possibilities of detecting a new drug or repurposing an existing drug. Lately, scientists and researchers have been focusing on specific genes, a particular site in DNA, a protein, or a molecule that might be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, the new era discusses directing the signaling mechanism involved in the disease progression, where receptors, ion channels, enzymes, and other carrier molecules play a huge role. This review aims to highlight how target identification can expedite the whole process of drug repurposing. Here, we first spot various target-identification methods and drug-repositioning studies, including drug-target and structure-based identification studies. Moreover, we emphasize various drug repurposing approaches in NDDs, namely, experimental-based, mechanism-based, and in silico approaches. Later, we draw attention to validation techniques and stress on drugs that are currently undergoing clinical trials in NDDs. Lastly, we underscore the future perspective of synergizing drug repurposing and target identification in NDDs and present an unresolved question to address the issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehar Sahu
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Shrutikirti Vashishth
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Neha Kukreti
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Ashima Gulia
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Russell
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University, Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Morris PG, Taylor JD, Paton JFR, Nogaret A. Single shot detection of alterations across multiple ionic currents from assimilation of cell membrane dynamics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6031. [PMID: 38472404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of ion channels is a causative factor in a variety of neurological diseases, thereby defining the implicated channels as key drug targets. The detection of functional changes in multiple specific ionic currents currently presents a challenge, particularly when the neurological causes are either a priori unknown, or are unexpected. Traditional patch clamp electrophysiology is a powerful tool in this regard but is low throughput. Here, we introduce a single-shot method for detecting alterations amongst a range of ion channel types from subtle changes in membrane voltage in response to a short chaotically driven current clamp protocol. We used data assimilation to estimate the parameters of individual ion channels and from these we reconstructed ionic currents which exhibit significantly lower error than the parameter estimates. Such reconstructed currents thereby become sensitive predictors of functional alterations in biological ion channels. The technique correctly predicted which ionic current was altered, and by approximately how much, following pharmacological blockade of BK, SK, A-type K+ and HCN channels in hippocampal CA1 neurons. We anticipate this assay technique could aid in the detection of functional changes in specific ionic currents during drug screening, as well as in research targeting ion channel dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Morris
- Department of Physics, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joseph D Taylor
- Department of Physics, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Julian F R Paton
- Manaaki Manawa - the Centre for Heart Research, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alain Nogaret
- Department of Physics, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dallas ML, Bell D. Advances in ion channel high throughput screening: where are we in 2023? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:331-337. [PMID: 38108110 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2294948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Automated Patch Clamp (APC) technology has become an integral element in ion channel research, drug discovery and development pipelines to overcome the use of the highly time-consuming manual patch clamp (MPC) procedures. This automated technology offers increased throughput and promises a new model in obtaining ion channel recordings, which has significant relevance to the development of novel therapies and safety profiling of candidate therapeutic compounds. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the recent innovations in APC technology, including platforms, and highlights how they have facilitated usage in both industry and academia. The review also provides an overview of the ion channel research endeavors and how APC platforms have contributed to the understanding of ion channel research, pharmacological tools and therapeutics. Furthermore, the authors provide their opinion on the challenges and goals for APC technology going forward to accelerate academic research and drug discovery across a host of therapeutic areas. EXPERT OPINION It is clear that APC technology has progressed drug discovery programs, specifically in the field of neuroscience and cardiovascular research. The challenge for the future is to keep pace with fundamental research and improve translation of the large datasets obtained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark L Dallas
- Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nishiguchi R, Tanaka T, Hayashida J, Nakagita T, Zhou W, Takeda H. Evaluation of Cell-Free Synthesized Human Channel Proteins for In Vitro Channel Research. MEMBRANES 2022; 13:48. [PMID: 36676855 PMCID: PMC9861611 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite channel proteins being important drug targets, studies on channel proteins remain limited, as the proteins are difficult to express and require correct complex formation within membranes. Although several in vitro synthesized recombinant channels have been reported, considering the vast diversity of the structures and functions of channel proteins, it remains unclear which classes of channels cell-free synthesis can be applied to. In this study, we synthesized 250 clones of human channels, including ion channel pore-forming subunits, gap junction proteins, porins, and regulatory subunits, using a wheat cell-free membrane protein production system, and evaluated their synthetic efficiency and function. Western blotting confirmed that 95% of the channels were successfully synthesized, including very large channels with molecular weights of over 200 kDa. A subset of 47 voltage-gated potassium ion channels was further analyzed using a planar lipid bilayer assay, out of which 80% displayed a voltage-dependent opening in the assay. We co-synthesized KCNB1 and KCNS3, a known heteromeric complex pair, and demonstrated that these channels interact on a liposome. These results indicate that cell-free protein synthesis provides a promising solution for channel studies to overcome the bottleneck of in vitro protein production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rei Nishiguchi
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Toyohisa Tanaka
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jun Hayashida
- Nissan Chemical Corporation, Shiraoka 1470, Shiraoka 349-0294, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakagita
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Wei Zhou
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Takeda
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Bunkyocho 3, Matsuyama 790-8577, Ehime, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Data-driven analysis and druggability assessment methods to accelerate the identification of novel cancer targets. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:46-57. [PMID: 36514341 PMCID: PMC9732000 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.042] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, drug discovery has greatly improved the outcomes for patients, but several challenges continue to hinder the rapid development of novel drugs. Addressing unmet clinical needs requires the pursuit of drug targets that have a higher likelihood to lead to the development of successful drugs. Here we describe a bioinformatic approach for identifying novel cancer drug targets by performing statistical analysis to ascertain quantitative changes in expression levels between protein-coding genes, as well as co-expression networks to classify these genes into groups. Subsequently, we provide an overview of druggability assessment methodologies to prioritize and select the best targets to pursue.
Collapse
|
7
|
Pandey P, Khan F, Qari HA, Upadhyay TK, Alkhateeb AF, Oves M. Evidence of Metallic and Polyether Ionophores as Potent Therapeutic Drug Candidate in Cancer Management. Molecules 2022; 27:4708. [PMID: 35897885 PMCID: PMC9329979 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the most crucial human malignancies with a higher mortality rate globally, and is predicted to escalate soon. Dysregulated ion homeostasis in cancerous cells prompted the researchers to investigate further ion homeostasis impeding agents as potent anticancerous agents. Reutilization of FDA-approved non-cancerous drugs has emerged as a practical approach to developing potent, cost-effective drugs for cancer treatment. Across the globe, most nations are incapable of fulfilling the medical demands of cancer patients due to costlier cancerous drugs. Therefore, we have inclined our review towards emphasizing recent advancements in cancer therapies involving ionophores utilization in exploring potent anticancer drugs. Numerous research reports have established the significant anticancerous potential of ionophores in several pre-clinical reports via modulating aberrant cell signaling pathways and enhancing antitumor immunity in immune cells. This review has mainly summarized the most significant ion homeostasis impeding agents, including copper, zinc, calcium, and polyether, that presented remarkable potential in cancer therapeutics via enhanced antitumor immunity and apoptosis induction. Altogether, this study could provide a robust future perspective for developing cost-effective anticancerous drugs rapidly and cost-effectively, thereby combating the limitations of currently available drugs used in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India;
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India;
| | - Huda A. Qari
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Animal Cell Culture and Immunobiochemistry Lab, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India;
| | - Abdulhameed F. Alkhateeb
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Oves
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Targeting Viral Ion Channels: A Promising Strategy to Curb SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040396. [PMID: 35455392 PMCID: PMC9029588 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the etiological agent COVID-19, one of the most impactful health crises afflicting humanity in recent decades. While research advances have yielded several treatment and prevention options, the pandemic is slow to abate, necessitating an expansion of our treatment arsenal. As a member of the coronaviridae, SARS-CoV-2 contains several ion channels, of which E and 3a are the best characterized. Since ion channels as a family are excellent drug targets, we sought to inhibit both viroporins as a means to curb infectivity. In a previous targeted study, we identified several blockers to each channel from an extensive drug repurposing library. Herein, we examined the ability of said compounds on the whole virus in cellulo. Gratifyingly, many of the blockers exhibited antiviral activity in a stringent assay examining protection from viral-driven death. In particular, darapladib and flumatinib, both 3a blockers, displayed potent antiviral activity. Furthermore, appreciable synergism between flumatinib and several E blockers was identified in a concentration regime in which the compounds are present in human plasma following oral administration. Taken together, targeting ion channels represents a promising approach to both augment and complement our antiviral arsenal against COVID-19.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mathie A, Veale EL, Golluscio A, Holden RG, Walsh Y. Pharmacological Approaches to Studying Potassium Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 267:83-111. [PMID: 34195873 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we consider the pharmacology of potassium channels from the perspective of these channels as therapeutic targets. Firstly, we describe the three main families of potassium channels in humans and disease states where they are implicated. Secondly, we describe the existing therapeutic agents which act on potassium channels and outline why these channels represent an under-exploited therapeutic target with potential for future drug development. Thirdly, we consider the evidence desired in order to embark on a drug discovery programme targeting a particular potassium channel. We have chosen two "case studies": activators of the two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channel TREK-2 (K2P10.1), for the treatment of pain and inhibitors of the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3, for use in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. We describe the evidence base to suggest why these are viable therapeutic targets. Finally, we detail the main technical approaches available to characterise the pharmacology of potassium channels and identify novel regulatory compounds. We draw particular attention to the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay initiative (CiPA, https://cipaproject.org ) project for cardiac safety, as an example of what might be both desirable and possible in the future, for ion channel regulator discovery projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Mathie
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK. .,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK. .,School of Engineering, Arts, Science and Technology, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK.
| | - Emma L Veale
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Alessia Golluscio
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Robyn G Holden
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Yvonne Walsh
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bell DC, Dallas ML. Advancing Ion Channel Research with Automated Patch Clamp (APC) Electrophysiology Platforms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:21-32. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|