1
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Hildebrandt ER, Sarkar A, Ravishankar R, Kim JH, Schmidt WK. Evaluating protein prenylation of human and viral CaaX sequences using a humanized yeast system. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050516. [PMID: 38818856 PMCID: PMC11152559 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050516] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenylated proteins are prevalent in eukaryotic biology (∼1-2% of proteins) and are associated with human disease, including cancer, premature aging and infections. Prenylated proteins with a C-terminal CaaX sequence are targeted by CaaX-type prenyltransferases and proteases. To aid investigations of these enzymes and their targets, we developed Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that express these human enzymes instead of their yeast counterparts. These strains were developed in part to explore human prenyltransferase specificity because of findings that yeast FTase has expanded specificity for sequences deviating from the CaaX consensus (i.e. atypical sequence and length). The humanized yeast strains displayed robust prenyltransferase activity against CaaX sequences derived from human and pathogen proteins containing typical and atypical CaaX sequences. The system also recapitulated prenylation of heterologously expressed human proteins (i.e. HRas and DNAJA2). These results reveal that substrate specificity is conserved for yeast and human farnesyltransferases but is less conserved for type I geranylgeranyltransferases. These yeast systems can be easily adapted for investigating the prenylomes of other organisms and are valuable new tools for helping define the human prenylome, which includes physiologically important proteins for which the CaaX modification status is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Hildebrandt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Anushka Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rajani Ravishankar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - June H. Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Walter K. Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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2
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Jung D, Bachmann HS. Regulation of protein prenylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114915. [PMID: 37236024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenyltransferases (PTases) are known to play a role in embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis and cancer by posttranslationally modifying proteins involved in these processes. They are being discussed as potential drug targets in an increasing number of diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to malaria. Protein prenylation and the development of specific PTase inhibitors (PTIs) have been subject to intense research in recent decades. Recently, the FDA approved lonafarnib, a specific farnesyltransferase inhibitor that acts directly on protein prenylation; and bempedoic acid, an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that might alter intracellular isoprenoid composition, the relative concentrations of which can exert a decisive influence on protein prenylation. Both drugs represent the first approved agent in their respective substance class. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of processes and proteins that regulate protein prenylation have been identified over the years, many of which have been proposed as molecular targets for pharmacotherapy in their own right. However, certain aspects of protein prenylation, such as the regulation of PTase gene expression or the modulation of PTase activity by phosphorylation, have attracted less attention, despite their reported influence on tumor cell proliferation. Here, we want to summarize the advances regarding our understanding of the regulation of protein prenylation and the potential implications for drug development. Additionally, we want to suggest new lines of investigation that encompass the search for regulatory elements for PTases, especially at the genetic and epigenetic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Jung
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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3
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Della Valle F, Reddy P, Yamamoto M, Liu P, Saera-Vila A, Bensaddek D, Zhang H, Prieto Martinez J, Abassi L, Celii M, Ocampo A, Nuñez Delicado E, Mangiavacchi A, Aiese Cigliano R, Rodriguez Esteban C, Horvath S, Izpisua Belmonte JC, Orlando V. LINE-1 RNA causes heterochromatin erosion and is a target for amelioration of senescent phenotypes in progeroid syndromes. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabl6057. [PMID: 35947677 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abl6057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Constitutive heterochromatin is responsible for genome repression of DNA enriched in repetitive sequences, telomeres, and centromeres. During physiological and pathological premature aging, heterochromatin homeostasis is profoundly compromised. Here, we showed that LINE-1 (Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1; L1) RNA accumulation was an early event in both typical and atypical human progeroid syndromes. L1 RNA negatively regulated the enzymatic activity of the histone-lysine N-methyltransferase SUV39H1 (suppression of variegation 3-9 homolog 1), resulting in heterochromatin loss and onset of senescent phenotypes in vitro. Depletion of L1 RNA in dermal fibroblast cells from patients with different progeroid syndromes using specific antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) restored heterochromatin histone 3 lysine 9 and histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation marks, reversed DNA methylation age, and counteracted the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype genes such as p16, p21, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13), interleukin 1a (IL1a), BTG anti-proliferation factor 2 (BTG2), and growth arrest and DNA damage inducible beta (GADD45b). Moreover, systemic delivery of ASOs rescued the histophysiology of tissues and increased the life span of a Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome mouse model. Transcriptional profiling of human and mouse samples after L1 RNA depletion demonstrated that pathways associated with nuclear chromatin organization, cell proliferation, and transcription regulation were enriched. Similarly, pathways associated with aging, inflammatory response, innate immune response, and DNA damage were down-regulated. Our results highlight the role of L1 RNA in heterochromatin homeostasis in progeroid syndromes and identify a possible therapeutic approach to treat premature aging and related syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Della Valle
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pradeep Reddy
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mako Yamamoto
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Dalila Bensaddek
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Bioscience Core Lab
| | - Huoming Zhang
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Bioscience Core Lab
| | | | - Leila Abassi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mirko Celii
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Arianna Mangiavacchi
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | - Valerio Orlando
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Biological Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division BESE, KAUST Environmental Epigenetics Program, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Haney SL, Varney ML, Chhonker Y, Talmon G, Smith LM, Murry DJ, Holstein SA. In vivo evaluation of combination therapy targeting the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105528. [PMID: 33667685 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS), an enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP), produces the isoprenoid (geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, GGPP) used in protein geranylgeranylation reactions. Our prior studies utilizing triazole bisphosphonate-based GGDPS inhibitors (GGSIs) have revealed that these agents represent a novel strategy by which to induce cancer cell death, including multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancer. Statins inhibit the rate-limiting enzyme in the IBP and potentiate the effects of GGSIs in vitro. The in vivo effects of combination therapy with statins and GGSIs have not been determined. Here we evaluated the effects of combining VSW1198, a novel GGSI, with a statin (lovastatin or pravastatin) in CD-1 mice. Twice-weekly dosing with VSW1198 at the previously established maximally tolerated dose in combination with a statin led to hepatotoxicity, while once-weekly VSW1198-based combinations were feasible. No abnormalities in kidney, spleen, brain or skeletal muscle were observed with combination therapy. Combination therapy disrupted protein geranylgeranylation in vivo. Evaluation of hepatic isoprenoid levels revealed decreased GGPP levels in the single drug groups and undetectable GGPP levels in the combination groups. Additional studies with combinations using 50% dose-reductions of either VSW1198 or lovastatin revealed minimal hepatotoxicity with expected on-target effects of diminished GGPP levels and disruption of protein geranylgeranylation. Combination statin/GGSI therapy significantly slowed tumor growth in a myeloma xenograft model. Collectively, these studies are the first to demonstrate that combination IBP inhibitor therapy alters isoprenoid levels and disrupts protein geranylgeranylation in vivo as well as slows tumor growth in a myeloma xenograft model, thus providing the framework for future clinical exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staci L Haney
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Michelle L Varney
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yashpal Chhonker
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Geoffrey Talmon
- Department of Pathology & Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Lynette M Smith
- College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Daryl J Murry
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sarah A Holstein
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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5
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De Giorgi M, Jarrett KE, Burton JC, Doerfler AM, Hurley A, Li A, Hsu RH, Furgurson M, Patel KR, Han J, Borchers CH, Lagor WR. Depletion of essential isoprenoids and ER stress induction following acute liver-specific deletion of HMG-CoA reductase. J Lipid Res 2020; 61:1675-1686. [PMID: 33109681 PMCID: PMC7707164 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra120001006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
HMG-CoA reductase (Hmgcr) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway and is inhibited by statins. In addition to cholesterol, Hmgcr activity is also required for synthesizing nonsterol isoprenoids, such as dolichol, ubiquinone, and farnesylated and geranylgeranylated proteins. Here, we investigated the effects of Hmgcr inhibition on nonsterol isoprenoids in the liver. We have generated new genetic models to acutely delete genes in the mevalonate pathway in the liver using AAV-mediated delivery of Cre-recombinase (AAV-Cre) or CRISPR/Cas9 (AAV-CRISPR). The genetic deletion of Hmgcr by AAV-Cre resulted in extensive hepatocyte apoptosis and compensatory liver regeneration. At the biochemical level, we observed decreased levels of sterols and depletion of the nonsterol isoprenoids, dolichol and ubiquinone. At the cellular level, Hmgcr-null hepatocytes showed ER stress and impaired N-glycosylation. We further hypothesized that the depletion of dolichol, essential for N-glycosylation, could be responsible for ER stress. Using AAV-CRISPR, we somatically disrupted dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthase subunit (Dhdds), encoding a branch point enzyme required for dolichol biosynthesis. Dhdds-null livers showed ER stress and impaired N-glycosylation, along with apoptosis and regeneration. Finally, the combined deletion of Hmgcr and Dhdds synergistically exacerbated hepatocyte ER stress. Our data show a critical role for mevalonate-derived dolichol in the liver and suggest that dolichol depletion is at least partially responsible for ER stress and apoptosis upon potent Hmgcr inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Giorgi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelsey E Jarrett
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason C Burton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandria M Doerfler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ayrea Hurley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rachel H Hsu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mia Furgurson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kalyani R Patel
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jun Han
- Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Data Intensive Science and Engineering, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo Innovation Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - William R Lagor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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6
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Du X, Zeng H, Liu S, Guy C, Dhungana Y, Neale G, Bergo MO, Chi H. Mevalonate metabolism-dependent protein geranylgeranylation regulates thymocyte egress. J Exp Med 2020; 217:jem.20190969. [PMID: 31722972 PMCID: PMC7041713 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymocyte egress is a critical determinant of T cell homeostasis and adaptive immunity. Du et al. describe unexpected roles of mevalonate metabolism–fueled protein geranylgeranylation, but not farnesylation, in driving thymocyte egress through modulating Cdc42 and Pak activities. Thymocyte egress is a critical determinant of T cell homeostasis and adaptive immunity. Despite the roles of G protein–coupled receptors in thymocyte emigration, the downstream signaling mechanism remains poorly defined. Here, we report the discrete roles for the two branches of mevalonate metabolism–fueled protein prenylation pathway in thymocyte egress and immune homeostasis. The protein geranylgeranyltransferase Pggt1b is up-regulated in single-positive thymocytes, and loss of Pggt1b leads to marked defects in thymocyte egress and T cell lymphopenia in peripheral lymphoid organs in vivo. Mechanistically, Pggt1b bridges sphingosine-1-phosphate and chemokine-induced migratory signals with the activation of Cdc42 and Pak signaling and mevalonate-dependent thymocyte trafficking. In contrast, the farnesyltransferase Fntb, which mediates a biochemically similar process of protein farnesylation, is dispensable for thymocyte egress but contributes to peripheral T cell homeostasis. Collectively, our studies establish context-dependent effects of protein prenylation and unique roles of geranylgeranylation in thymic egress and highlight that the interplay between cellular metabolism and posttranslational modification underlies immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingrong Du
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Hu Zeng
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Shaofeng Liu
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Cliff Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Yogesh Dhungana
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Geoffrey Neale
- Hartwell Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Martin O Bergo
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hongbo Chi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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7
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Zhao CZ, Zhao XM, Yang J, Mou Y, Chen B, Wu HD, Dai DP, Ding J, Hu SJ. Inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase improves pressure overload induced chronic cardiac remodeling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39186. [PMID: 28008986 PMCID: PMC5180215 DOI: 10.1038/srep39186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) is a key enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. In our previous studies, we find that inhibition of FPPS attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis by suppressing RhoA while FPPS and Ras are up-regulated in pressure overload rats. In this study, we evaluate the effects and mechanisms of FPPS inhibition in pressure overload mice. Male FPPS-small interfering RNA (SiRNA) transgenic (Tg) mice and non-transgenic littermate control (NLC) were randomly divided into suprarenal abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) group and sham operation group. 12 weeks following AAC, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Histological and echocardiographic assessments showed that inhibition of FPPS improved chronic cardiac remodeling which was induced by AAC. The reductions of Ras farnesylation and GTP-Ras, as well as their downstream extracellular signal-related kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) expression were observed in the heart of Tg-AAC mice compared with NLC-AAC mice, along with the reduction of fetal gene expression. We provide here important experimental evidence that inhibition of FPPS improves AAC induced chronic cardiac remodeling and fibrosis by the reduction of farnesylated Ras and the downregulation of Ras-ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Ze Zhao
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Xu-Ming Zhao
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jian Yang
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Yun Mou
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou First Municipal Hospital and Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huan-Dong Wu
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Dong-Pu Dai
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Jie Ding
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Shen-Jiang Hu
- From the Institute of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China
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8
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Mehmood S, Marcoux J, Gault J, Quigley A, Michaelis S, Young SG, Carpenter EP, Robinson CV. Mass spectrometry captures off-target drug binding and provides mechanistic insights into the human metalloprotease ZMPSTE24. Nat Chem 2016; 8:1152-1158. [PMID: 27874871 PMCID: PMC5123592 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Off-target binding of hydrophobic drugs can lead to unwanted side effects, either through specific or non-specific binding to unintended membrane protein targets. However, distinguishing the binding of drugs to membrane proteins from that of detergents, lipids and cofactors is challenging. Here, we use high-resolution mass spectrometry to study the effects of HIV protease inhibitors on the human zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24. This intramembrane protease plays a major role in converting prelamin A to mature lamin A. We monitored the proteolysis of farnesylated prelamin A peptide by ZMPSTE24 and unexpectedly found retention of the C-terminal peptide product with the enzyme. We also resolved binding of zinc, lipids and HIV protease inhibitors and showed that drug binding blocked prelamin A peptide cleavage and conferred stability to ZMPSTE24. Our results not only have relevance for the progeria-like side effects of certain HIV protease inhibitor drugs, but also highlight new approaches for documenting off-target drug binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Mehmood
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Julien Marcoux
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Joseph Gault
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
| | - Andrew Quigley
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Susan Michaelis
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Stephen G Young
- Departments of Medicine and Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Elisabeth P Carpenter
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Carol V Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, UK
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9
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Young SG, Yang SH, Davies BSJ, Jung HJ, Fong LG. Targeting protein prenylation in progeria. Sci Transl Med 2014; 5:171ps3. [PMID: 23390246 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3005229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
A clinical trial of a protein farnesyltransferase inhibitor (lonafarnib) for the treatment of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) was recently completed. Here, we discuss the mutation that causes HGPS, the rationale for inhibiting protein farnesyltransferase, the potential limitations of this therapeutic approach, and new potential strategies for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen G Young
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. sgyoung@mednet
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10
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Gangopadhyay SA, Losito EL, Hougland JL. Targeted reengineering of protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I selectivity functionally implicates active-site residues in protein-substrate recognition. Biochemistry 2014; 53:434-46. [PMID: 24344934 DOI: 10.1021/bi4011732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications are vital for the function of many proteins. Prenylation is one such modification, wherein protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I) or protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) modify proteins by attaching a 20- or 15-carbon isoprenoid group, respectively, to a cysteine residue near the C-terminus of a target protein. These enzymes require a C-terminal Ca1a2X sequence on their substrates, with the a1, a2, and X residues serving as substrate-recognition elements for FTase and/or GGTase-I. While crystallographic structures of rat GGTase-I show a tightly packed and hydrophobic a2 residue binding pocket, consistent with a preference for moderately sized a2 residues in GGTase-I substrates, the functional impact of enzyme-substrate contacts within this active site remains to be determined. Using site-directed mutagenesis and peptide substrate structure-activity studies, we have identified specific active-site residues within rat GGTase-I involved in substrate recognition and developed novel GGTase-I variants with expanded/altered substrate selectivity. The ability to drastically alter GGTase-I selectivity mirrors similar behavior observed in FTase but employs mutation of a distinct set of structurally homologous active-site residues. Our work demonstrates that tunable selectivity may be a general phenomenon among multispecific enzymes involved in posttranslational modification and raises the possibility of variable substrate selectivity among GGTase-I orthologues from different organisms. Furthermore, the GGTase-I variants developed herein can serve as tools for studying GGTase-I substrate selectivity and the effects of prenylation pathway modifications on specific proteins.
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11
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Tamanoi F, Lu J. Recent progress in developing small molecule inhibitors designed to interfere with ras membrane association: toward inhibiting K-Ras and N-Ras functions. Enzymes 2013; 34 Pt. B:181-200. [PMID: 25034105 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420146-0.00008-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
K-Ras and N-Ras are mutated in a wide range of human cancers, thus making these proteins attractive targets of anticancer drug development. However, no effective compounds have been obtained so far. One of the approaches taken to inhibit the function of K-Ras and N-Ras is to interfere with their membrane association. Various attempts have been taken. In the first example, we examine the approach conceived in early 1990s to inhibit protein prenylation that is required for their membrane association. The initial premise that the inhibition of Ras farnesylation leads to the inhibition of Ras was not realized, mainly due to alternative prenylation of K-Ras and N-Ras proteins. This led to the idea that the combined inhibition of FTase and GGTase-I can block membrane association of K-Ras and N-Ras. Dual specificity inhibitors of FTase and GGTase-I (DPIs) were also developed. These compounds were tested in preclinical and clinical studies. It appears that sufficiently high concentration of the drug to inhibit K-Ras was not achieved in previous attempts. In addition, dose-limiting toxicity has been observed and this was primarily ascribed to GGTase-I inhibition. Strategies to confer cancer targeting capabilities to the inhibitors may overcome the dose-limiting toxicity. In the second approach, postprenylation events were exploited. This led to the development of various inhibitors including the ICMT inhibitors. Finally, recent identification of compounds that inhibit the interaction between K-Ras and PDE-δ is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyuhiko Tamanoi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Adam SA, Butin-Israeli V, Cleland MM, Shimi T, Goldman RD. Disruption of lamin B1 and lamin B2 processing and localization by farnesyltransferase inhibitors. Nucleus 2013; 4:142-50. [PMID: 23475125 PMCID: PMC3621746 DOI: 10.4161/nucl.24089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamin A and the B-type lamins, lamin B1 and lamin B2, are translated as pre-proteins that are modified at a carboxyl terminal CAAX motif by farnesylation, proteolysis and carboxymethylation. Lamin A is further processed by proteolysis to remove the farnesyl, but B-type lamins remain permanently farnesylated. Two childhood diseases, Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome and restrictive dermopathy are caused by defects in the processing of lamin A, resulting in permanent farnesylation of the protein. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors, originally developed to target oncogenic Ras, have recently been used in clinical trials to treat children with Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. Lamin B1 and lamin B2 play important roles in cell proliferation and organ development, but little is known about the role of farnesylation in their functions. Treating normal human fibroblasts with farnesyltransferase inhibitors causes the accumulation of unprocessed lamin B2 and lamin A and a decrease in mature lamin B1. Normally, lamins are concentrated at the nuclear envelope/lamina, but when farnesylation is inhibited, the peripheral localization of lamin B2 decreases as its nucleoplasmic levels increase. Unprocessed prelamin A distributes into both the nuclear envelope/lamina and nucleoplasm. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors also cause a rapid cell cycle arrest leading to cellular senescence. This study suggests that the long-term inhibition of protein farnesylation could have unforeseen consequences on nuclear functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Adam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Khan OM, Akula MK, Skålen K, Karlsson C, Ståhlman M, Young SG, Borén J, Bergo MO. Targeting GGTase-I activates RHOA, increases macrophage reverse cholesterol transport, and reduces atherosclerosis in mice. Circulation 2013; 127:782-90. [PMID: 23334894 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.112.000588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins have antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic effects that have been attributed to inhibition of RHO protein geranylgeranylation in inflammatory cells. The activity of protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I) is widely believed to promote membrane association and activation of RHO family proteins. However, we recently showed that knockout of GGTase-I in macrophages activates RHO proteins and proinflammatory signaling pathways, leading to increased cytokine production and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we asked whether the increased inflammatory signaling of GGTase-I-deficient macrophages would influence the development of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice. METHODS AND RESULTS Aortic lesions in mice lacking GGTase-I in macrophages (Pggt1b▵/▵) contained significantly more T lymphocytes than the lesions in controls. Surprisingly, however, mean atherosclerotic lesion area in Pggt1b▵/▵ mice was reduced by ≈60%. GGTase-I deficiency reduced the accumulation of cholesterol esters and phospholipids in macrophages incubated with minimally modified and acetylated low-density lipoprotein. Analyses of GGTase-I-deficient macrophages revealed upregulation of the cyclooxygenase 2-peroxisome proliferator-activated-γ pathway and increased scavenger receptor class B type I- and CD36-mediated basal and high-density lipoprotein-stimulated cholesterol efflux. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of RHOA, but not RAC1 or CDC42, normalized cholesterol efflux. The increased cholesterol efflux in cultured cells was accompanied by high levels of macrophage reverse cholesterol transport and slightly reduced plasma lipid levels in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Targeting GGTase-I activates RHOA and leads to increased macrophage reverse cholesterol transport and reduced atherosclerosis development despite a significant increase in inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar M Khan
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Medicinaregatan 1G, Box 425, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Chang SY, Hudon-Miller SE, Yang SH, Jung HJ, Lee JM, Farber E, Subramanian T, Andres DA, Spielmann HP, Hrycyna CA, Young SG, Fong LG. Inhibitors of protein geranylgeranyltransferase-I lead to prelamin A accumulation in cells by inhibiting ZMPSTE24. J Lipid Res 2012; 53:1176-82. [PMID: 22448028 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m026161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitors, generally called "FTIs," block the farnesylation of prelamin A, inhibiting the biogenesis of mature lamin A and leading to an accumulation of prelamin A within cells. A recent report found that a GGTI, an inhibitor of protein geranylgeranyltransferase-I (GGTase-I), caused an exaggerated accumulation of prelamin A in the presence of low amounts of an FTI. This finding was interpreted as indicating that prelamin A can be alternately prenylated by GGTase-I and that inhibiting both protein prenyltransferases leads to more prelamin A accumulation than blocking FTase alone. Here, we tested an alternative hypothesis-GGTIs are not specific for GGTase-I, and they lead to prelamin A accumulation by inhibiting ZMPSTE24 (a zinc metalloprotease that converts farnesyl-prelamin A to mature lamin A). In our studies, commonly used GGTIs caused prelamin A accumulation in human fibroblasts, but the prelamin A in GGTI-treated cells exhibited a more rapid electrophoretic mobility than prelamin A from FTI-treated cells. The latter finding suggested that the prelamin A in GGTI-treated cells might be farnesylated (which would be consistent with the notion that GGTIs inhibit ZMPSTE24). Indeed, metabolic labeling studies revealed that the prelamin A in GGTI-treated fibroblasts is farnesylated. Moreover, biochemical assays of ZMPSTE24 activity showed that ZMPSTE24 is potently inhibited by a GGTI. Our studies show that GGTIs inhibit ZMPSTE24, leading to an accumulation of farnesyl-prelamin A. Thus, caution is required when interpreting the effects of GGTIs on prelamin A processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Y Chang
- Department of Medicine and University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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