1
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Harms M, Haase A, Rodríguez-Alfonso A, Löffler J, Almeida-Hernández Y, Ruiz-Blanco YB, Albers D, Gilg A, von Bank F, Zech F, Groß R, Datta M, Jaikishan J, Draphoen B, Habib M, Ständker L, Wiese S, Lindén M, Winter G, Rasche V, Beer AJ, Jumaa H, Abadi AH, Kirchhoff F, Busch M, Dünker N, Sanchez-Garcia E, Münch J. Fatty acid conjugated EPI-X4 derivatives with increased activity and in vivo stability. J Control Release 2024; 373:583-598. [PMID: 39047872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.049] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is implicated in autoimmune, inflammatory, and oncogenic diseases, positioning CXCR4 as a pivotal therapeutic target. We evaluated optimized variants of the specific endogenous CXCR4 antagonist, EPI-X4, addressing existing challenges in stability and potency. Our structure-activity relationship study investigates the conjugation of EPI-X4 derivatives with long-chain fatty acids, enhancing serum albumin interaction and receptor affinity. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that the lipid moieties stabilize the peptide-receptor interaction through hydrophobic contacts at the receptor's N-terminus, anchoring the lipopeptide within the CXCR4 binding pocket and maintaining essential receptor interactions. Accordingly, lipidation resulted in increased receptor affinities and antagonistic activities. Additionally, by interacting with human serum albumin lipidated EPI-X4 derivatives displayed sustained stability in human plasma and extended circulation times in vivo. Selected candidates showed significant therapeutic potential in human retinoblastoma cells in vitro and in ovo, with our lead derivative exhibiting higher efficacies compared to its non-lipidated counterpart. This study not only elucidates the optimization trajectory for EPI-X4 derivatives but also underscores the intricate interplay between stability and efficacy, crucial for delineating their translational potential in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany.
| | - André Haase
- Institute for Anatomy II, Department of Neuroanatomy, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Armando Rodríguez-Alfonso
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany; Core Unit Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Jessica Löffler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernández
- Computational Bioengineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Yasser B Ruiz-Blanco
- Computational Bioengineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Dan Albers
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Andrea Gilg
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Franziska von Bank
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Fabian Zech
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Groß
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Moumita Datta
- Institute of Immunology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Janeni Jaikishan
- Institute of Immunology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | | | - Monica Habib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiese
- Core Unit Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Mika Lindén
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry II, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gordon Winter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging (ExCaVI), Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Ambros J Beer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Hassan Jumaa
- Institute of Immunology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Ashraf H Abadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Maike Busch
- Institute for Anatomy II, Department of Neuroanatomy, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Nicole Dünker
- Institute for Anatomy II, Department of Neuroanatomy, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Computational Bioengineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
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2
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Harms M, Fabech Hansson R, Gilg A, Almeida-Hernández Y, Löffler J, Rodríguez-Alfonso A, Habib MMW, Albers D, Ahmed NS, Abadi AH, Winter G, Rasche V, Beer AJ, Weidinger G, Preising N, Ständker L, Wiese S, Sanchez-Garcia E, Zelikin AN, Münch J. Development of N-Terminally Modified Variants of the CXCR4-Antagonistic Peptide EPI-X4 for Enhanced Plasma Stability. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15189-15204. [PMID: 37940118 PMCID: PMC10682998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
EPI-X4, a natural peptide CXCR4 antagonist, shows potential for treating inflammation and cancer, but its short plasma stability limits its clinical application. We aimed to improve the plasma stability of EPI-X4 analogues without compromising CXCR4 antagonism. Our findings revealed that only the peptide N-terminus is prone to degradation. Consequently, incorporating d-amino acids or acetyl groups in this region enhanced peptide stability in plasma. Notably, EPI-X4 leads 5, 27, and 28 not only retained their CXCR4 binding and antagonism but also remained stable in plasma for over 8 h. Molecular dynamic simulations showed that these modified analogues bind similarly to CXCR4 as the original peptide. To further increase their systemic half-lives, we conjugated these stabilized analogues with large polymers and albumin binders. These advances highlight the potential of the optimized EPI-X4 analogues as promising CXCR4-targeted therapeutics and set the stage for more detailed preclinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Harms
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Rikke Fabech Hansson
- Department
of Chemistry and iNANO Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Andrea Gilg
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Yasser Almeida-Hernández
- Department
of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Computational Bioengineering, Emil-Figge Str. 66, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Jessica Löffler
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Armando Rodríguez-Alfonso
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
- Core Unit
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Monica M. W. Habib
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Pharmaceutical
Chemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic
Foundation, Cairo 11865, Egypt
| | - Dan Albers
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Nermin S. Ahmed
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ashraf H. Abadi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Gordon Winter
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Experimental
Cardiovascular Imaging (ExCaVI), Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Ambros J. Beer
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Gilbert Weidinger
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm
University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Nico Preising
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiese
- Core Unit
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Elsa Sanchez-Garcia
- Department
of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Computational Bioengineering, Emil-Figge Str. 66, Dortmund 44227, Germany
| | - Alexander N. Zelikin
- Department
of Chemistry and iNANO Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute
of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical
Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
- Core
Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University
Medical Center, Ulm 89081, Germany
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3
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Jung CK, Münch J, Jacob T. Conformational States of the CXCR4 Inhibitor Peptide EPI-X4-A Theoretical Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16229. [PMID: 38003419 PMCID: PMC10671355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216229] [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] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EPI-X4, an endogenous peptide inhibitor, has exhibited potential as a blocker of CXCR4-a G protein-coupled receptor. This unique inhibitor demonstrates the ability to impede HIV-1 infection and halt CXCR4-dependent processes such as tumor cell migration and invagination. Despite its promising effects, a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between EPI-X4 and CXCR4 under natural conditions remains elusive due to experimental limitations. To bridge this knowledge gap, a simulation approach was undertaken. Approximately 150,000 secondary structures of EPI-X4 were subjected to simulations to identify thermodynamically stable candidates. This simulation process harnessed a self-developed reactive force field operating within the ReaxFF framework. The application of the Two-Phase Thermodynamic methodology to ReaxFF facilitated the derivation of crucial thermodynamic attributes of the EPI-X4 conformers. To deepen insights, an ab initio density functional theory calculation method was employed to assess the electrostatic potentials of the most relevant (i.e., stable) EPI-X4 structures. This analytical endeavor aimed to enhance comprehension of the inhibitor's structural characteristics. As a result of these investigations, predictions were made regarding how EPI-X4 interacts with CXCR4. Two pivotal requirements emerged. Firstly, the spatial conformation of EPI-X4 must align effectively with the CXCR4 receptor protein. Secondly, the functional groups present on the surface of the inhibitor's structure must complement the corresponding features of CXCR4 to induce attraction between the two entities. These predictive outcomes were based on a meticulous analysis of the conformers, conducted in a gaseous environment. Ultimately, this rigorous exploration yielded a suitable EPI-X4 structure that fulfills the spatial and functional prerequisites for interacting with CXCR4, thus potentially shedding light on new avenues for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Karsten Jung
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtzstr. 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstr. 1, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Timo Jacob
- Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU) Electrochemical Energy Storage, Helmholtzstr. 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), D-76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Electrochemistry, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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4
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Chaudhuri D, Lu T, Jacob B, Abraham S, Shankar P, Poss MA, Neamati N, Camarero JA. Lipidation of a bioactive cyclotide-based CXCR4 antagonist greatly improves its pharmacokinetic profile in vivo. J Control Release 2023; 359:26-32. [PMID: 37236320 PMCID: PMC10527528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The CXCR4 chemokine is a key molecular regulator of many biological functions controlling leukocyte functions during inflammation and immunity, and during embryonic development. Overexpression of CXCR4 is also associated with many types of cancer where its activation promotes angiogenesis, tumor growth/survival, and metastasis. In addition, CXCR4 is involved in HIV replication, working as a co-receptor for viral entry, making CXCR4 a very attractive target for developing novel therapeutic agents. Here we report the pharmacokinetic profile in rats of a potent CXCR4 antagonist cyclotide, MCo-CVX-5c, previously developed in our group that displayed a remarkable in vivo resistance to biological degradation in serum. This bioactive cyclotide, however, was rapidly eliminated through renal clearance. Several lipidated versions of cyclotide MCo-CVX-5c showed a significant increase in the half-life when compared to the unlipidated form. The palmitoylated version of cyclotide MCo-CVX-5c displayed similar CXCR4 antagonistic activity as the unlipidated cyclotide, while the cyclotide modified with octadecanedioic (18-oxo-octadecanoic) acid exhibited a remarkable decrease in its ability to antagonize CXCR4. Similar results were also obtained when tested for its ability to inhibit growth in two cancer cell lines and HIV infection in cells. These results show that the half-life of cyclotides can be improved by lipidation although it can also affect their biological activity depending on the lipid employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankar Chaudhuri
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Tiangong Lu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, USA
| | - Binu Jacob
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sojan Abraham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Infectious Disease, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79430, USA
| | - Premlata Shankar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Infectious Disease, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79430, USA
| | - Michael A Poss
- Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, USA
| | - Julio A Camarero
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA9033, USA.
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5
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Advanced EPI-X4 Derivatives Covalently Bind Human Serum Albumin Resulting in Prolonged Plasma Stability. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315029. [PMID: 36499357 PMCID: PMC9735595 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced derivatives of the Endogenous Peptide Inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4) have shown therapeutic efficacy upon topical administration in animal models of asthma and dermatitis. Here, we studied the plasma stability of the EPI-X4 lead compounds WSC02 and JM#21, using mass spectrometry to monitor the chemical integrity of the peptides and a functional fluorescence-based assay to determine peptide function in a CXCR4-antibody competition assay. Although mass spectrometry revealed very rapid disappearance of both peptides in human plasma within seconds, the functional assay revealed a significantly higher half-life of 9 min for EPI-X4 WSC02 and 6 min for EPI-X4 JM#21. Further analyses demonstrated that EPI-X4 WSC02 and EPI-X4 JM#21 interact with low molecular weight plasma components and serum albumin. Albumin binding is mediated by the formation of a disulfide bridge between Cys10 in the EPI-X4 peptides and Cys34 in albumin. These covalently linked albumin-peptide complexes have a higher stability in plasma as compared with the non-bound peptides and retain the ability to bind and antagonize CXCR4. Remarkably, chemically synthesized albumin-EPI-X4 conjugates coupled by non-breakable bonds have a drastically increased plasma stability of over 2 h. Thus, covalent coupling of EPI-X4 to albumin in vitro before administration or in vivo post administration may significantly increase the pharmacokinetic properties of this new class of CXCR4 antagonists.
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6
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Endogenous Peptide Inhibitors of HIV Entry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1366:65-85. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-8702-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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7
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Schall N, Daubeuf F, Marsol C, Gizzi P, Frossard N, Bonnet D, Galzi JL, Muller S. A Selective Neutraligand for CXCL12/SDF-1α With Beneficial Regulatory Functions in MRL/Lpr Lupus Prone Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:752194. [PMID: 34744730 PMCID: PMC8566942 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.752194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of CXCL12/SDF-1-CXCR4/CD184 signaling is associated with inflammatory diseases and notably with systemic lupus erythematosus. Issued from the lead molecule chalcone-4, the first neutraligand of the CXCL12 chemokine, LIT-927 was recently described as a potent analogue with improved solubility and stability. We aimed to investigate the capacity of LIT-927 to correct immune alterations in lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice and to explore the mechanism of action implemented by this small molecule in this model. We found that in contrast to AMD3100, an antagonist of CXCR4 and agonist of CXCR7, LIT-927 reduces the excessive number of several B/T lymphocyte subsets occurring in the blood of sick MRL/lpr mice (including CD3+/CD4-/CD8-/B220+ double negative T cells). In vitro, LIT-927 downregulated the overexpression of several activation markers on splenic MRL/lpr lymphocytes. It exerted effects on the CXCR4 pathway in MRL/lpr CD4+ T spleen cells. The results underline the importance of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in lupus pathophysiology. They indicate that neutralizing CXCL12 by the neutraligand LIT-927 can attenuate hyperactive lymphocytes in lupus. This mode of intervention might represent a novel strategy to control a common pathophysiological mechanism occurring in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Schall
- CNRS UMR7242, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - François Daubeuf
- CNRS UMR7200, Laboratoire d'innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France.,CNRS UMS3286, Plate-forme de Chimie Biologique Intégrative de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University/ Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Claire Marsol
- CNRS UMR7200, Laboratoire d'innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Gizzi
- CNRS UMS3286, Plate-forme de Chimie Biologique Intégrative de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University/ Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Nelly Frossard
- CNRS UMR7200, Laboratoire d'innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Bonnet
- CNRS UMR7200, Laboratoire d'innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Luc Galzi
- CNRS UMR7242, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylviane Muller
- CNRS UMR7242, Biotechnology and Cell Signaling, Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University/Strasbourg Drug Discovery and Development Institute (IMS), Strasbourg, France.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France.,University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study (USIAS), Strasbourg, France
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8
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Harms M, Habib MM, Nemska S, Nicolò A, Gilg A, Preising N, Sokkar P, Carmignani S, Raasholm M, Weidinger G, Kizilsavas G, Wagner M, Ständker L, Abadi AH, Jumaa H, Kirchhoff F, Frossard N, Sanchez-Garcia E, Münch J. An optimized derivative of an endogenous CXCR4 antagonist prevents atopic dermatitis and airway inflammation. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:2694-2708. [PMID: 34589390 PMCID: PMC8463264 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling is involved in many pathophysiological processes such as cancer and inflammatory diseases. A natural fragment of serum albumin, named EPI-X4, has previously been identified as endogenous peptide antagonist and inverse agonist of CXCR4 and is a promising compound for the development of improved analogues for the therapy of CXCR4-associated diseases. To generate optimized EPI-X4 derivatives we here performed molecular docking analysis to identify key interaction motifs of EPI-X4/CXCR4. Subsequent rational drug design allowed to increase the anti-CXCR4 activity of EPI-X4. The EPI-X4 derivative JM#21 bound CXCR4 and suppressed CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 infection more efficiently than the clinically approved small molecule CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100. EPI-X4 JM#21 did not exert toxic effects in zebrafish embryos and suppressed allergen-induced infiltration of eosinophils and other immune cells into the airways of animals in an asthma mouse model. Moreover, topical administration of the optimized EPI-X4 derivative efficiently prevented inflammation of the skin in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis. Thus, rationally designed EPI-X4 JM#21 is a novel potent antagonist of CXCR4 and the first CXCR4 inhibitor with therapeutic efficacy in atopic dermatitis. Further clinical development of this new class of CXCR4 antagonists for the therapy of atopic dermatitis, asthma and other CXCR4-associated diseases is highly warranted.
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9
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Cano-Garrido O, Álamo P, Sánchez-García L, Falgàs A, Sánchez-Chardi A, Serna N, Parladé E, Unzueta U, Roldán M, Voltà-Durán E, Casanova I, Villaverde A, Mangues R, Vázquez E. Biparatopic Protein Nanoparticles for the Precision Therapy of CXCR4 + Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2929. [PMID: 34208189 PMCID: PMC8230831 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulated molecular knowledge about human cancer enables the identification of multiple cell surface markers as highly specific therapeutic targets. A proper tumor targeting could significantly avoid drug exposure of healthy cells, minimizing side effects, but it is also expected to increase the therapeutic index. Specifically, colorectal cancer has a particularly poor prognosis in late stages, being drug targeting an appropriate strategy to substantially improve the therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we have explored the potential of the human albumin-derived peptide, EPI-X4, as a suitable ligand to target colorectal cancer via the cell surface protein CXCR4, a chemokine receptor overexpressed in cancer stem cells. To explore the potential use of this ligand, self-assembling protein nanoparticles have been generated displaying an engineered EPI-X4 version, which conferred a modest CXCR4 targeting and fast and high level of cell apoptosis in tumor CXCR4+ cells, in vitro and in vivo. In addition, when EPI-X4-based building blocks are combined with biologically inert polypeptides containing the CXCR4 ligand T22, the resulting biparatopic nanoparticles show a dramatically improved biodistribution in mouse models of CXCR4+ human cancer, faster cell internalization and enhanced target cell death when compared to the version based on a single ligand. The generation of biparatopic materials opens exciting possibilities in oncotherapies based on high precision drug delivery based on the receptor CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Cano-Garrido
- Nanoligent SL, Edifici EUREKA, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Álamo
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-García
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aïda Falgàs
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Chardi
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Servei de Microscòpia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Nanoligent SL, Edifici EUREKA, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Roldán
- Unitat de Microscòpia Confocal i Imatge Cel·lular, Servei de Medicina Genètica i Molecular, Institut Pediàtric de Malalties Rares (IPER), Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric Voltà-Durán
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isolda Casanova
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Sant Antoni Ma Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Contra la Leucemia Josep Carreras, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Gilg A, Harms M, Olari LR, Urbanowitz AK, Bonig H, Münch J. Absence of the CXCR4 antagonist EPI-X4 from pharmaceutical human serum albumin preparations. J Transl Med 2021; 19:190. [PMID: 33941197 PMCID: PMC8094565 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous Peptide Inhibitor of CXCR4 (EPI-X4) is a natural antagonist of the CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). EPI-X4 is a 16-mer peptide that is released from human serum albumin (HSA) by acidic aspartic proteases such as Cathepsin D and E. Since human serum albumin (HSA) is an important medicinal substance we asked whether different pharmaceutical HSA products contain EPI-X4 which could have been generated during manufacturing and whether HSA can serve as a substrate for cathepsins despite of the presence of stabilizers like caprylate. METHODS Eight pharmaceutical HSA preparations representing all currently used fractionation technologies were analyzed. The previously described specific EPI-X4 ELISA was used for quantification; in vitro EPI-X4 generation by acidification in the presence or absence of cathepsins was followed by quantification with ELISA. RESULTS None of the pharmaceutical HSA preparations tested contained EPI-X4. Acidification of HSA did not generate EPI-X4. Addition of cathepsins D and E to acidified HSA yielded high concentrations of EPI-X4 in all HSA preparations, indistinguishable between individual products. CONCLUSION Medicinal HSA preparations per se do not contain EPI-X4, but will replenish its precursor which can be cleaved to EPI-X4 in vivo, environmental conditions permitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gilg
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mirja Harms
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lia-Raluca Olari
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Urbanowitz
- German Red Cross Blood Donor Service Baden-Wuerttemberg-Hessen, Institute Frankfurt, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Halvard Bonig
- German Red Cross Blood Donor Service Baden-Wuerttemberg-Hessen, Institute Frankfurt, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe University, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
- Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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11
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López-Gil JC, Martin-Hijano L, Hermann PC, Sainz B. The CXCL12 Crossroads in Cancer Stem Cells and Their Niche. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030469. [PMID: 33530455 PMCID: PMC7866198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary CXCL12 and its receptors have been extensively studied in cancer, including their influence on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche. This intensive research has led to a better understanding of the crosstalk between CXCL12 and CSCs, which has aided in designing several drugs that are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, a comprehensive review has not been published to date. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on how CXCL12 axes are involved in the regulation and maintenance of CSCs, their presence and influence at different cellular levels within the CSC niche, and the current state-of-the-art of therapeutic approaches aimed to target the CXCL12 crossroads. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of “stem”-like cells within the tumor with unique characteristics that allow them to maintain tumor growth, escape standard anti-tumor therapies and drive subsequent repopulation of the tumor. This is the result of their intrinsic “stem”-like features and the strong driving influence of the CSC niche, a subcompartment within the tumor microenvironment that includes a diverse group of cells focused on maintaining and supporting the CSC. CXCL12 is a chemokine that plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell support and has been extensively reported to be involved in several cancer-related processes. In this review, we will provide the latest evidence about the interactions between CSC niche-derived CXCL12 and its receptors—CXCR4 and CXCR7—present on CSC populations across different tumor entities. The interactions facilitated by CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axes seem to be strongly linked to CSC “stem”-like features, tumor progression, and metastasis promotion. Altogether, this suggests a role for CXCL12 and its receptors in the maintenance of CSCs and the components of their niche. Moreover, we will also provide an update of the therapeutic options being currently tested to disrupt the CXCL12 axes in order to target, directly or indirectly, the CSC subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos López-Gil
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martin-Hijano
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (J.C.L.-G.); (L.M.-H.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Chronic Diseases and Cancer, Area 3-Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.C.H.); (B.S.J.)
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12
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Microtiter plate-based antibody-competition assay to determine binding affinities and plasma/blood stability of CXCR4 ligands. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16036. [PMID: 32994431 PMCID: PMC7525492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is involved in several intractable disease processes, including HIV infection, cancer cell metastasis, leukemia cell progression, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, CXCR4 represents a promising drug target and several CXCR4 antagonizing agents are in preclinical or clinical development. Important parameters in drug lead evaluation are determination of binding affinities to the receptor and assessment of their stability and activity in plasma or blood of animals and humans. Here, we designed a microtiter plate-based CXCR4 antibody competition assay that enables to measure inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) and affinity constants (Ki values) of CXCR4 targeting drugs. The assay is based on the observation that most if not all CXCR4 antagonists compete with binding of the fluorescence-tagged CXCR4 antibody 12G5 to the receptor. We demonstrate that this antibody-competition assay allows a convenient and cheap determination of binding affinities of various CXCR4 antagonists in living cells within just 3 h. Moreover, the assay can be performed in the presence of high concentrations of physiologically relevant body fluids, and thus is a useful readout to evaluate stability (i.e. half-life) of CXCR4 ligands in serum/plasma, and even whole human and mouse blood ex vivo. Thus, this optimized 12G5 antibody-competition assay allows a robust and convenient determination and calculation of various important pharmacological parameters of CXCR4 receptor-drug interaction and may not only foster future drug development but also animal welfare by reducing the number of experimental animals.
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Tan S, Li W, Li Z, Li Y, Luo J, Yu L, Yang J, Qiu M, Cheng H, Xu W, Jiang S, Lu L, Liu S, Ma W. A Novel CXCR4 Targeting Protein SDF-1/54 as an HIV-1 Entry Inhibitor. Viruses 2019; 11:v11090874. [PMID: 31540474 PMCID: PMC6783869 DOI: 10.3390/v11090874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a co-receptor for HIV-1 entry into target cells. Its natural ligand, the chemokine SDF-1, inhibits viral entry mediated by this receptor. However, the broad expression pattern of CXCR4 and its critical roles in various physiological and pathological processes indicate that the direct application of SDF-1 as an entry inhibitor might have severe consequences. Previously, we constructed an effective SDF-1 mutant, SDF-1/54, by deleting the α-helix of the C-terminal functional region of SDF-1. Of note, SDF-1/54 shows remarkable decreased chemotoxic ability, but maintains a similar binding affinity to CXCR4, suggesting SDF-1/54 might better serve as a CXCR4 inhibitor. Here, we found that SDF-1/54 exhibited potent antiviral activity against various X4 HIV-1 strains, including the infectious clone HIV-1 NL4-3, laboratory-adapted strain HIV-1 IIIB, clinical isolates and even drug-resistant strains. By using time-of-addition assay, non-infectious and infectious cell–cell fusion assay and CXCR4 internalization assay, we demonstrated SDF-1/54 is an HIV-1 entry inhibitor. A combination of SDF-1/54 with several antiretroviral drugs exhibited potent synergistic anti-HIV-1 activity. Moreover, SDF-1/54 was stable and its anti-HIV-1 activity was not significantly affected by the presence of seminal fluid, vaginal fluid simulant and human serum albumin. SDF-1/54 showed limited in vitro cytotoxicity to lymphocytes and vaginal epithelial cells. Based on these findings, SDF-1/54 could have a therapeutic potential as an HIV-1 entry inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suiyi Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiangyan Luo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liangzhentian Yu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mengjie Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hongyan Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education & Health, Shanghai Medical College and Institute of Medical Microbiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Shuwen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Weifeng Ma
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Ullah TR. The role of CXCR4 in multiple myeloma: Cells' journey from bone marrow to beyond. J Bone Oncol 2019; 17:100253. [PMID: 31372333 PMCID: PMC6658931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2019.100253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is a pleiotropic chemokine receptor which acts through its ligand CXCL12 to regulate diverse physiological processes. CXCR4/CXCL12 axis plays a pivotal role in proliferation, invasion, dissemination and drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). Apart from its role in homing, CXCR4 also affects MM cell mobilization and egression out of the bone marrow (BM) which is correlated with distant organ metastasis. Aberrant CXCR4 expression pattern is associated with osteoclastogenesis and tumor growth in MM through its cross talk with various important cell signalling pathways. A deeper insight into understanding of CXCR4 mediated signalling pathways and its role in MM is essential to identify potential therapeutic interventions. The current therapeutic focus is on disrupting the interaction of MM cells with its protective tumor microenvironment where CXCR4 axis plays an essential role. There are still multiple challenges that need to be overcome to target CXCR4 axis more efficiently and to identify novel combination therapies with existing strategies. This review highlights the role of CXCR4 along with its significant interacting partners as a mediator of MM pathogenesis and summarizes the targeted therapies carried out so far.
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Key Words
- AMC, Angiogenic monomuclear cells
- BM, Bone marrow
- BMSC, Bone marrow stromal cells
- CAM-DR, Cell adhesion‐mediated drug resistance
- CCR–CC, Chemokine receptor
- CCX–CKR, Chemo Centryx–chemokine receptor
- CD4, Cluster of differentiation 4
- CL—CC, Chemokine ligand
- CNS, Central nervous system
- CSCs, Cancer stem cells
- CTAP-III, Connective tissue-activating peptide-III
- CXCL, CXC chemokine ligand
- CXCR, CXC chemokine receptor
- EGF, Epidermal growth factor
- EMD, Extramedullary disease
- EPC, Endothelial progenitor cells
- EPI, Endogenous peptide inhibitor
- ERK, Extracellular signal related kinase
- FGF, Fibroblast growth factor
- G-CSF, Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
- GPCRs, G protein-coupled chemokine receptors
- HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma
- HD, Hodgkin's disease
- HGF, Hepatocyte growth factor
- HIF1α, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha
- HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- HMGB1, High Mobility Group Box 1
- HPV, Human papillomavirus
- HSC, Hematopoietic stem cells
- IGF, Insulin-like growth factor
- JAK/STAT, Janus Kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription
- JAM-A, Junctional adhesion molecule-A
- JNK, Jun N-terminal kinase
- MAPK, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase
- MIF, Macrophage migration inhibitory factor
- MM, Multiple myeloma
- MMP, Matrix metalloproteinases
- MRD, Minimal residual disease
- NHL, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- OCL, Octeoclast
- OPG, Osteoprotegerin
- PI3K, phosphoinositide-3 kinase
- PKA, protein kinase A
- PKC, Protein kinase C
- PLC, Phospholipase C
- Pim, Proviral Integrations of Moloney virus
- RANKL, Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand
- RRMM, Relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
- SFM-DR, Soluble factor mediated drug resistance
- VEGF, Vascular endothelial growth factor
- VHL, Von Hippel-Lindau
- WHIM, Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections, and Myelokathexis
- WM, Waldenström macroglobulinemia
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Liu D, Huo Y, Chen S, Xu D, Yang B, Xue C, Fu L, Bu L, Song S, Mei C. Identification of Key Genes and Candidated Pathways in Human Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease by Bioinformatics Analysis. Kidney Blood Press Res 2019; 44:533-552. [DOI: 10.1159/000500458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic form of kidney disease. High-throughput microarray analysis has been applied for elucidating key genes and pathways associated with ADPKD. Most genetic profiling data from ADPKD patients have been uploaded to public databases but not thoroughly analyzed. This study integrated 2 human microarray profile datasets to elucidate the potential pathways and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) involved in ADPKD via bioinformatics analysis in order to identify possible therapeutic targets. Methods: The kidney tissue microarray data of ADPKD patients and normal individuals were searched and obtained from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and enriched pathways and central node genes were elucidated using related websites and software according to bioinformatics analysis protocols. Seven DEGs were validated between polycystic kidney disease and control kidney samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Two original human microarray datasets, GSE7869 and GSE35831, were integrated and thoroughly analyzed. In total, 6,422 and 1,152 DEGs were extracted from GSE7869 and GSE35831, respectively, and of these, 561 DEGs were consistent between the databases (291 upregulated genes and 270 downregulated genes). From 421 nodes, 34 central node genes were obtained from a PPI network complex of DEGs. Two significant modules were selected from the PPI network complex by using Cytotype MCODE. Most of the identified genes are involved in protein binding, extracellular region or space, platelet degranulation, mitochondrion, and metabolic pathways. Conclusions: The DEGs and related enriched pathways in ADPKD identified through this integrated bioinformatics analysis provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of ADPKD and potential therapeutic strategies. Specifically, abnormal decorin expression in different stages of ADPKD may represent a new therapeutic target in ADPKD, and regulation of metabolism and mitochondrial function in ADPKD may become a focus of future research.
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Muratspahić E, Freissmuth M, Gruber CW. Nature-Derived Peptides: A Growing Niche for GPCR Ligand Discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:309-326. [PMID: 30955896 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent important drug targets, as they regulate pivotal physiological processes and they have proved to be readily druggable. Natural products have been and continue to be amongst the most valuable sources for drug discovery and development. Here, we surveyed small molecules and (poly-)peptides derived from plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria, which modulate GPCR signaling. Among naturally occurring compounds, peptides from plants, cone-snails, snakes, spiders, scorpions, fungi, and bacteria are of particular interest as lead compounds for the development of GPCR ligands, since they cover a chemical space, which differs from that of synthetic small molecules. Peptides, however, face challenges, some of which can be overcome by studying plant-derived compounds. We argue here that the opportunities outweigh the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin Muratspahić
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Freissmuth
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Gaston H. Glock Research Laboratories for Exploratory Drug Development, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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17
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Kragh-Hansen U. Possible Mechanisms by Which Enzymatic Degradation of Human Serum Albumin Can Lead to Bioactive Peptides and Biomarkers. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:63. [PMID: 30038906 PMCID: PMC6046381 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Partial enzymatic degradation of human serum albumin in vivo can lead to the generation of peptides with novel functions or to peptides that might serve as biomarkers for disease. In pathological conditions, biomarkers are possibly produced from the protein in the lysosomes and set free by cell death, or cell death could release acid endoproteases which produce biomarkers by degrading extracellular albumin. Alternatively, lysosomes or secretory granules can be stimulated to release enzymes which produce bioactive peptides from albumin. In physiological conditions, it is proposed that bioactive peptides can be made by enzymatic attack on the protein bound to the endosomal neonatal Fc receptor. The peptides formed could leave the cell, together with native albumin, by exocytosis. Thus, the receptor could have a new function in addition to saving albumin from degradation in the lysosomes. Large amounts of albumin are degraded every day, and this fact can compensate for the short in vivo half-lives of the bioactive peptides. One or more of the procedures outlined above could also apply to other plasma proteins or to structural proteins.
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18
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Mandal T, Beck M, Kirsten N, Lindén M, Buske C. Targeting murine leukemic stem cells by antibody functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2018; 8:989. [PMID: 29343865 PMCID: PMC5772366 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute leukemia is initiated and maintained by leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and therefore there is great interest to develop innovative therapeutic approaches which target LSCs. Here we show that mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with succinic anhydride, tagged with an anti-B220 antibody and loaded with the anthracycline daunorubicin are efficiently incorporated into murine B220-positive AML LSCs and preferentially kill these cells in comparison to B220-negative AML LSCs in vitro. Furthermore, short – term treatment of the AML LSCs with these MSNs before transplant significantly delayed leukemia development in recipient mice. These data demonstrate that targeting of AML LSCs can be improved by using functionalized and antigen directed MSNs as carriers for anti-leukemic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamoghna Mandal
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michaela Beck
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry II, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nicole Kirsten
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mika Lindén
- Institute for Inorganic Chemistry II, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Christian Buske
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, CCC and University Hospital of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Bosso M, Ständker L, Kirchhoff F, Münch J. Exploiting the human peptidome for novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2719-2726. [PMID: 29122440 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and cancers are leading causes of death and pose major challenges to public health. The human peptidome encompasses millions of compounds that display an enormous structural and functional diversity and represents an excellent source for the discovery of endogenous agents with antimicrobial and/or anticancer activity. Here, we discuss how to exploit the human peptidome for novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents through the generation of peptide libraries from human body fluids and tissues and stepwise purification of bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bosso
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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20
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Domingues MJ, Cao H, Heazlewood SY, Cao B, Nilsson SK. Niche Extracellular Matrix Components and Their Influence on HSC. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:1984-1993. [PMID: 28112429 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) takes place in a highly specialized microenvironment within the bone marrow. Technological improvements, especially in the field of in vivo imaging, have helped unravel the complexity of the niche microenvironment and have completely changed the classical concept from what was previously believed to be a static supportive platform, to a dynamic microenvironment tightly regulating HSC homeostasis through the complex interplay between diverse cell types, secreted factors, extracellular matrix molecules, and the expression of different transmembrane receptors. To add to the complexity, non-protein based metabolites have also been recognized as a component of the bone marrow niche. The objective of this review is to discuss the current understanding on how the different extracellular matrix components of the niche regulate HSC fate, both during embryonic development and in adulthood. Special attention will be provided to the description of non-protein metabolites, such as lipids and metal ions, which contribute to the regulation of HSC behavior. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1984-1993, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie J Domingues
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Huimin Cao
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Shen Y Heazlewood
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Benjamin Cao
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Susan K Nilsson
- Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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21
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Domingues MJ, Nilsson SK, Cao B. New agents in HSC mobilization. Int J Hematol 2016; 105:141-152. [PMID: 27905003 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-016-2156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Mobilized peripheral blood (PB) is the most common source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for autologous transplantation. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is the most commonly used mobilization agent, yet despite its widespread use, a considerable number of patients still fail to mobilize. Recently, a greater understanding of the interactions that regulate HSC homeostasis in the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment has enabled the development of new molecules that mobilize HSC through specific inhibition, modulation or perturbation of these interactions. AMD3100 (plerixafor), a small molecule that selectively inhibits the chemokine receptor CXCR4 is approved for mobilization in combination with G-CSF in patients with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, identifying mobilization strategies that not only enhance HSC number, but are rapid and generate an optimal "mobilized product" for improved transplant outcomes remains an area of clinical importance. In recent times, new agents based on recombinant proteins, peptides and small molecules have been identified as potential candidates for therapeutic HSC mobilization. In this review, we describe the most recent developments in HSC mobilization agents and their potential impact in HSC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie J Domingues
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Susan K Nilsson
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, 3169, Australia.,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Benjamin Cao
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, 3169, Australia. .,Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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