1
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Frunt R, El Otmani H, Gibril Kaira B, de Maat S, Maas C. Factor XII Explored with AlphaFold - Opportunities for Selective Drug Development. Thromb Haemost 2023; 123:177-185. [PMID: 36167333 DOI: 10.1055/a-1951-1777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Medical device associated thrombosis is an important clinical problem. This type of thrombosis can result from Factor XII (FXII) binding to non-natural surface materials and subsequent activation of the contact pathway. This drives the development of new therapeutic strategies to block this pathway and information on the structural properties of FXII should catalyse this quest. Presently, there is no publicly available crystal structure of full-length FXII. However, the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database provides a model structure. We here explore this model in combination with previous structure-function studies to identify opportunities for selective pharmacological blockade of the contribution of FXII in medical device associated thrombosis. Previous studies demonstrated that FXII activation is dependent on molecular cleavage after R353. We subsequently proposed that protein conformation protects this cleavage site to ensure zymogen quiescence and prevent inappropriate FXII activation. The AlphaFold model shows that a small loop containing R353 indeed is buried in the globular molecule. This is the result of intra-molecular interactions between the (N-terminal) Fibronectin type II domain, (central) kringle and (C-terminal) protease domain, in a structure that resembles a three-point harness. Furthermore, this interaction pushes the intermediate domains, as well as the flexible proline-rich region (PRR), outward while encapsulating R353 in the molecule. The outward directed positively charged patches are likely to be involved in binding to anionic surfaces. The binding of FXII to surfaces (and several monoclonal antibodies) acccelerates its activation by inducing conformational changes. For prevention of medical device associated thrombosis, it is therefore important to target the surface binding sites of FXII without causing structural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Frunt
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hinde El Otmani
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bubacarr Gibril Kaira
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steven de Maat
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Coen Maas
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Grover SP, Mackman N. Anticoagulant SERPINs: Endogenous Regulators of Hemostasis and Thrombosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:878199. [PMID: 35592395 PMCID: PMC9110684 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.878199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Appropriate activation of coagulation requires a balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant proteins in blood. Loss in this balance leads to hemorrhage and thrombosis. A number of endogenous anticoagulant proteins, such as antithrombin and heparin cofactor II, are members of the serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) family. These SERPIN anticoagulants function by forming irreversible inhibitory complexes with target coagulation proteases. Mutations in SERPIN family members, such as antithrombin, can cause hereditary thrombophilias. In addition, low plasma levels of SERPINs have been associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Here, we review the biological activities of the different anticoagulant SERPINs. We further consider the clinical consequences of SERPIN deficiencies and insights gained from preclinical disease models. Finally, we discuss the potential utility of engineered SERPINs as novel therapies for the treatment of thrombotic pathologies.
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3
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Bianchini E, Auditeau C, Borgel D. How can the design of therapeutic SERPINs be improved? J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:1037-1039. [PMID: 35174614 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Bianchini
- UMR-S1176, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Claire Auditeau
- UMR-S1176, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
| | - Delphine Borgel
- UMR-S1176, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
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4
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Sanrattana W, Smits S, Barendrecht AD, van Kleef ND, El Otmani H, Zivkovic M, Roest M, Renné T, Clark CC, de Maat S, Maas C. Targeted SERPIN (TaSER): A dual-action antithrombotic agent that targets platelets for SERPIN delivery. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:353-365. [PMID: 34653316 PMCID: PMC9298318 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occlusive thrombi are not homogeneous in composition. The core of a thrombus is rich in activated platelets and fibrin while the outer shell contains resting platelets. This core is inaccessible to plasma proteins. We produced a fusion protein (targeted SERPIN-TaSER), consisting of a function-blocking VH H against glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and a thrombin-inhibiting serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN; α1-antitrypsin 355 AIAR358 ) to interfere with platelet-driven thrombin formation. AIM To evaluate the antithrombotic properties of TaSER. METHODS Besides TaSER, we generated three analogous control variants with either a wild-type antitrypsin subunit, a non-targeting control VH H, or their combination. We investigated TaSER and controls in protease activity assays, (platelet-dependent) thrombin generation assays, and by western blotting. The effects of TaSER on platelet activation and von Willebrand factor (VWF) binding were studied by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, in agglutination studies, and in ATP secretion experiments. We studied the influence of TaSER in whole blood (1) on platelet adhesion on VWF, (2) aggregate formation on collagen, and (3) thrombus formation (after recalcification) on collagen and tissue factor. RESULTS TaSER binds platelets and inhibits thrombin activity on the platelet surface. It blocks VWF binding and disassembles platelet agglutinates. TaSER delays tissue factor-triggered thrombin generation and ATP secretion in platelet-rich plasma in a targeted manner. In flow studies, TaSER interferes with platelet adhesion and aggregate formation due to GPIbα blockade and limits thrombus formation due to targeted inhibition of platelet-dependent thrombin activity. CONCLUSION The synergy between the individual properties of TaSER makes it a highly effective antithrombotic agent with possible clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wariya Sanrattana
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Simone Smits
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Arjan D. Barendrecht
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Nadine D. van Kleef
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Hinde El Otmani
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Minka Zivkovic
- Van CreveldkliniekUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Mark Roest
- Synapse Research InstituteMaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Department of BiochemistryCardiovascular Research Institute MaastrichtMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH)Johannes Gutenberg University Medical CenterMainzGermany
| | - Chantal C. Clark
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Steven de Maat
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Coen Maas
- CDL ResearchUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
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5
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Denis CV, Lenting PJ, Wahl D. TaSER: Combining forces to stop the clot. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:293-295. [PMID: 35060308 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cécile V Denis
- Laboratory for Hemostasis, Inflammation & Thrombosis (HITh), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-1176, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Peter J Lenting
- Laboratory for Hemostasis, Inflammation & Thrombosis (HITh), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-1176, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Denis Wahl
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vascular Medicine Division and Regional Competence Center for Rare Vascular and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Nancy, France
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6
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Zhang Z, Wang X, Gu J, Wu J, Cao Y, Xu Y, Li L, Guan K, Liu P, Yin J, Zhi Y, Zhang S. Validation of diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for hereditary angioedema via plasma N-glycomics. Clin Transl Allergy 2021; 11:e12090. [PMID: 34962719 PMCID: PMC8712629 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease with heterogeneous clinical symptoms. It is vitally important to predict whether an HAE patient will develop severe symptoms in clinical practice, but there are currently no predictive biomarkers for HAE stratification. Plasma N-glycomes are disease-specific and have great potential for the discovery of non-invasive biomarkers. In this study, we profiled the plasma N-glycome of HAE patients from two independent cohorts to identify candidate biomarkers. METHODS Linkage-specific sialylation derivatization combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection and automated data processing was employed to analyze the plasma N-glycome of two independent type-1 HAE cohorts. RESULTS HAE patients had abnormal glycan complexity, galactosylation, and α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialylation compared to healthy controls (HC). The classification models based on dysregulated glycan traits could successfully discriminate between HAE and HC with area under the curves (AUCs) being greater than 0.9. Some of the aberrant glycans showed response to therapy. Moreover, we identified a series of glycan traits with strong associations with the occurrence of laryngeal or gastrointestinal angioedema or disease severity score. Predictive models based on these traits could be used to predict disease severity (AUC > 0.9). These results were replicated in an independent cohort. CONCLUSIONS We reported the full plasma N-glycomic signature of HAE for the first time, and identified potential biomarkers. These findings may play a critical role in predicting disease severity and guide the treatment of HAE in clinical practice. Further protein-specific and prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejian Zhang
- Department of Medical Research CenterState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jianqing Gu
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Department of Medical Research CenterState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yingyang Xu
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Lisha Li
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Kai Guan
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Medical Research CenterState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jia Yin
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yuxiang Zhi
- Department of Allergy & Clinical ImmunologyNational Clinical Research Center for Immunologic DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- Department of CardiologyState Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare DiseasesPeking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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7
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A reactive center loop-based prediction platform to enhance the design of therapeutic SERPINs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2108458118. [PMID: 34740972 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108458118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are essential for many physiological processes and require tight regulation by serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs). A disturbed SERPIN-protease balance may result in disease. The reactive center loop (RCL) contains an enzymatic cleavage site between the P1 through P1' residues that controls SERPIN specificity. This RCL can be modified to improve SERPIN function; however, a lack of insight into sequence-function relationships limits SERPIN development. This is complicated by more than 25 billion mutants needed to screen the entire P4 to P4' region. Here, we developed a platform to predict the effects of RCL mutagenesis by using α1-antitrypsin as a model SERPIN. We generated variants for each of the residues in P4 to P4' region, mutating them into each of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids. Subsequently, we profiled the reactivity of the resulting 160 variants against seven proteases involved in coagulation. These profiles formed the basis of an in silico prediction platform for SERPIN inhibitory behavior with combined P4 to P4' RCL mutations, which were validated experimentally. This prediction platform accurately predicted SERPIN behavior against five out of the seven screened proteases, one of which was activated protein C (APC). Using these findings, a next-generation APC-inhibiting α1-antitrypsin variant was designed (KMPR/RIRA; / indicates the cleavage site). This variant attenuates blood loss in an in vivo hemophilia A model at a lower dosage than the previously developed variant AIKR/KIPP because of improved potency and specificity. We propose that this SERPIN-based RCL mutagenesis approach improves our understanding of SERPIN behavior and will facilitate the design of therapeutic SERPINs.
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8
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Mailer RK, Rangaswamy C, Konrath S, Emsley J, Renné T. An update on factor XII-driven vascular inflammation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1869:119166. [PMID: 34699874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The plasma protein factor XII (FXII) is the liver-derived zymogen of the serine protease FXIIa that initiates an array of proteolytic cascades. Zymogen activation, enzymatic FXIIa activity and functions are regulated by interactions with cell receptors, negatively charged surfaces, other serine proteases, and serpin inhibitors, which bind to distinct protein domains and regions in FXII(a). FXII exerts mitogenic activity, while FXIIa initiates the pro-inflammatory kallikrein-kinin pathway and the pro-thrombotic intrinsic coagulation pathway, respectively. Growing evidence indicates that FXIIa-mediated thrombo-inflammation plays a crucial role in various pathological states besides classical thrombosis, such as endothelial dysfunction. Consistently, increased FXIIa levels are associated with hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. In contrast, FXII deficiency protects from thrombosis but is otherwise not associated with prolonged bleeding or other adverse clinical manifestations. Here, we review current concepts for FXII(a)-driven vascular inflammation focusing on endothelial hyperpermeability, receptor signaling, atherosclerosis and immune cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiner K Mailer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chandini Rangaswamy
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Konrath
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Emsley
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Thomas Renné
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.
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9
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Liu F, Hou P, Zhang H, Tang Q, Xue C, Li RW. Food-grade carrageenans and their implications in health and disease. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2021; 20:3918-3936. [PMID: 34146449 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Food additives, often used to guarantee the texture, shelf-life, taste, and appearance of processed foods, have gained widespread attention due to their increased link to the growing incidence of chronic diseases. As one of the most common additives, carrageenans have been used in human diets for hundreds of years. While classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption, numerous studies since the 1980s have suggested that carrageenans, particularly those with random coil conformations, may have adverse effects on gastrointestinal health, including aggravating intestinal inflammation. While these studies have provided some evidence of adverse effects, the topic is still controversial. Some have suggested that the negative consequence of the consumption of carrageenans may be structure dependent. Furthermore, pre-existing conditions may predispose individuals to varied outcomes of carrageenan intake. In this review, structure-function relationships of various carrageenans in the context of food safety are discussed. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms by which carrageenans exert their biological effects. We summarized the findings associated with carrageenan intake in animal models and clinical trials. Moreover, we examined the interactions between carrageenans and the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders. This review argues for personalized guidance on carrageenan intake based on individuals' health status. Future research efforts that aim to close the knowledge gap on the effect of low-dose and chronic carrageenan intake as well as interactions among food additives should be conducive to the improved safety profile of carrageenans in processed food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Pengfen Hou
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao Binhai University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingjuan Tang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Biological Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Robert W Li
- USDA-ARS Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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10
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Blood Clotting and the Pathogenesis of Types I and II Hereditary Angioedema. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 60:348-356. [PMID: 33956309 PMCID: PMC8272707 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08837-6] [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] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The plasma contact system is the initiator of the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and the main producer of the inflammatory peptide bradykinin. When plasma is exposed to a negatively charged surface the two enzymes factor XII (FXII) and plasma prekallikrein (PK) bind to the surface alongside the co-factor high molecular weight kininogen (HK), where PK is non-covalently bound to. Here, FXII and PK undergo a reciprocal activation feedback loop that leads to full contact system activity in a matter of seconds. Although naturally occurring negatively charged surfaces have shown to be involved in the role of the contact system in thrombosis, such surfaces are elusive in the pathogenesis of bradykinin-driven hereditary angioedema (HAE). In this review, we will explore the molecular mechanisms behind contact system activation, their assembly on the endothelial surface, and their role in the HAE pathophysiology.
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11
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Maas C, de Maat S. Therapeutic SERPINs: Improving on Nature. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:648349. [PMID: 33869308 PMCID: PMC8044344 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.648349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases drive important physiological processes such as coagulation, fibrinolysis, inflammation and angiogenesis. These proteases are controlled by serine protease inhibitors (SERPINs) that neutralize their activity. Currently, over 1,500 SERPINs are known in nature, but only 37 SERPINs are found in humans. Thirty of these are functional protease inhibitors. The inhibitory potential of SERPINs is in perfect balance with the proteolytic activities of its targets to enable physiological protease activity. Hence, SERPIN deficiency (either qualitative or quantitative) can lead to disease. Several SERPIN resupplementation strategies have been developed to treat SERPIN deficiencies, including concentrates derived from plasma and recombinant SERPINs. SERPINs usually inhibit multiple proteases, but only in their active state. Over the past decades, considerable insights have been acquired in the identification of SERPIN biological functions, their inhibitory mechanisms and specificity determinants. This paves the way for the development of therapeutic SERPINs. Through rational design, the inhibitory properties (selectivity and inhibitory potential) of SERPINs can be reformed and optimized. This review explores the current state of SERPIN engineering with a focus on reactive center loop modifications and backbone stabilization. We will discuss the lessons learned from these recombinant SERPINs and explore novel techniques and strategies that will be essential for the creation and application of the future generation of therapeutic SERPINs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coen Maas
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Steven de Maat
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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12
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Hamada M, Bhakta V, Andres SN, Sheffield WP. Stepwise Reversion of Multiply Mutated Recombinant Antitrypsin Reveals a Selective Inhibitor of Coagulation Factor XIa as Active as the M358R Variant. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:647405. [PMID: 33816577 PMCID: PMC8017132 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.647405] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT, also known as alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor or SERPINA1) is the most abundant member of the serpin superfamily found in human plasma. The naturally occurring variant AAT M358R, altered at the P1 position of the critical reactive center loop (RCL), is re-directed away from inhibition of AAT's chief natural target, neutrophil elastase, and toward accelerated inhibition of thrombin (FIIa), kallikrein (Kal), and other proteases such as factor XIa (FXIa). FXIa is an emerging target for the development of antithrombotic agents, since patients with FXI deficiency are protected from thromboembolic disease and do not exhibit a strong bleeding tendency. Previously, we used phage display, bacterial lysate screening, and combinatorial mutagenesis to identify AAT-RC, an engineered AAT M358R with additional changes between RCL positions P7-P3', CLEVEPR-STE [with changes bolded and the P1-P1' (R358-S359) reactive center shown as R-S]. AAT-RC was 279- and 16-fold more selective for FXIa/IIa or FXIa/Kal than AAT M358R; the increased selectivity came at a cost of a 2.3-fold decrease in the rate of FXIa inhibition and a 3.3-fold increase in the stoichiometry of inhibition (SI). Here, we asked which alterations in AAT-RC were most important for the observed increases in selectivity for FXIa inhibition. We back-mutated AAT-RC to AAT-RC-1 (P7-P3' FLEVEPRSTE), AAT-RC-2 (P7-P3' FLEAEPRSTE), and AAT RC-3 (P7-P3' FLEAIPR-STE). Proteins were expressed as cleavable, hexahistidine-tagged glutathione sulfotransferase fusion proteins in E. coli and purified by proteolytic elution from glutathione agarose, with polishing on nickel chelate agarose. Selectivity for FXIa over Kal of AAT-RC-1, −2, and −3 was 14, 21, and 2.3, respectively. AAT-RC-2 inhibited FXIa 31% more rapidly than AAT M358R, with the same SI, and enhanced selectivity for FXIa over Kal, FXa, FXIIa, activated protein C, and FIIa of 25-, 130-, 420-, 440-, and 470-fold, respectively. Structural modeling of the AAT-RC-2/FXIa encounter complex suggested that both E (Glu) substitutions at P3 and P3' may promote FXIa binding via hydrogen bonding to K192 in FXIa. AAT-RC-2 is the most selective and active AAT variant reported to date for FXIa inhibition and will be tested in animal models of thrombosis and bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hamada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Varsha Bhakta
- Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sara N Andres
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - William P Sheffield
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Centre for Innovation, Canadian Blood Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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13
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Identification of an alpha-1 antitrypsin variant with enhanced specificity for factor XIa by phage display, bacterial expression, and combinatorial mutagenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5565. [PMID: 33692375 PMCID: PMC7946950 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84618-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Coagulation Factor XIa (FXIa) is an emerging target for antithrombotic agent development. The M358R variant of the serpin alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) inhibits both FXIa and other proteases. Our aim was to enhance the specificity of AAT M358R for FXIa. We randomized two AAT M358R phage display libraries at reactive centre loop positions P13-P8 and P7-P3 and biopanned them with FXIa. A bacterial expression library randomized at P2′-P3′ was also probed. Resulting novel variants were expressed as recombinant proteins in E. coli and their kinetics of FXIa inhibition determined. The most potent FXIa-inhibitory motifs were: P13-P8, HASTGQ; P7-P3, CLEVE; and P2-P3′, PRSTE (respectively, novel residues bolded). Selectivity for FXIa over thrombin was increased up to 34-fold versus AAT M358R for these single motif variants. Combining CLEVE and PRSTE motifs in AAT-RC increased FXIa selectivity for thrombin, factors XIIa, Xa, activated protein C, and kallikrein by 279-, 143-, 63-, 58-, and 36-fold, respectively, versus AAT M358R. AAT-RC lengthened human plasma clotting times less than AAT M358R. AAT-RC rapidly and selectively inhibits FXIa and is worthy of testing in vivo. AAT specificity can be focused on one target protease by selection in phage and bacterial systems coupled with combinatorial mutagenesis.
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Factor XII/XIIa inhibitors: Their discovery, development, and potential indications. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112753. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Aymonnier K, Kawecki C, Arocas V, Boulaftali Y, Bouton MC. Serpins, New Therapeutic Targets for Hemophilia. Thromb Haemost 2020; 121:261-269. [PMID: 32987444 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hemostasis is a tightly regulated process characterized by a finely tuned balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant systems. Among inherited hemostatic conditions, hemophilia is one of the most well-known bleeding disorders. Hemophilia A (HA) and B (HB) are due to deficiencies in coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX, respectively, leading to unwanted bleeding. Until recently, hemophilia treatment has consisted of prophylactic replacement therapy using plasma-derived or recombinant FVIII in cases of HA or FIX in cases of HB. Because FVIII and FIX deficiencies lead to an imbalance between procoagulant and anticoagulant systems, a recent upcoming strategy implies blocking of endogenous anticoagulant proteins to compensate for the procoagulant factor deficit, thus restoring hemostatic equilibrium. Important physiological proteins of the anticoagulant pathways belong to the serpin (serine protease inhibitor) family and, recently, different experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that targeting natural serpins could decrease bleeding in hemophilia. Here, we aim to review the different, recent studies demonstrating that blocking serpins such as antithrombin, protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor, and protease nexin-1 or modifying a serpin like α1-antitrypsin could rebalance coagulation in hemophilia. Furthermore, we underline the potential therapeutic use of serpins for the treatment of hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Aymonnier
- INSERM U1148-LVTS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,CHU Xavier Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Kawecki
- INSERM U1148-LVTS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,INSERM U1176-HITh, Université Paris-Sud (Université Paris-Saclay), Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Véronique Arocas
- INSERM U1148-LVTS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,CHU Xavier Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Yacine Boulaftali
- INSERM U1148-LVTS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,CHU Xavier Bichat, Paris, France
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Scott BM, Sheffield WP. Engineering the serpin α 1 -antitrypsin: A diversity of goals and techniques. Protein Sci 2019; 29:856-871. [PMID: 31774589 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
α1 -Antitrypsin (α1 -AT) serves as an archetypal example for the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) protein family and has been used as a scaffold for protein engineering for >35 years. Techniques used to engineer α1 -AT include targeted mutagenesis, protein fusions, phage display, glycoengineering, and consensus protein design. The goals of engineering have also been diverse, ranging from understanding serpin structure-function relationships, to the design of more potent or more specific proteinase inhibitors with potential therapeutic relevance. Here we summarize the history of these protein engineering efforts, describing the techniques applied to engineer α1 -AT, specific mutants of interest, and providing an appended catalog of the >200 α1 -AT mutants published to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Scott
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | - William P Sheffield
- Canadian Blood Services, Centre for Innovation, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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