1
|
Kaur G, Mankoo OK, Kaur A, Goyal D, Goyal B. Insights into the baicalein-induced destabilization of LS-shaped Aβ 42 protofibrils using computer simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:16674-16686. [PMID: 38809059 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp06006c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides aggregate spontaneously into various aggregating species comprising oligomers, protofibrils, and mature fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Disrupting β-sheet rich neurotoxic smaller soluble Aβ42 oligomers formed at early stages is considered a potent strategy to interfere with AD pathology. Previous experiments have demonstrated the inhibition of the early stages of Aβ aggregation by baicalein; however, the molecular mechanism behind inhibition remains largely unknown. Thus, in this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been employed to illuminate the molecular mechanism of baicalein-induced destabilization of preformed Aβ42 protofibrils. Baicalein binds to chain A of the Aβ42 protofibril through hydrogen bonds, π-π interactions, and hydrophobic contacts with the central hydrophobic core (CHC) residues of the Aβ42 protofibril. The binding of baicalein to the CHC region of the Aβ42 protofibril resulted in the elongation of the kink angle and disruption of K28-A42 salt bridges, which resulted in the distortion of the protofibril structure. Importantly, the β-sheet content was notably reduced in Aβ42 protofibrils upon incorporation of baicalein with a concomitant increase in the coil content, which is consistent with ThT fluorescence and AFM images depicting disaggregation of pre-existing Aβ42 fibrils on the incorporation of baicalein. Remarkably, the interchain binding affinity in Aβ42 protofibrils was notably reduced in the presence of baicalein leading to distortion in the overall structure, which agrees with the structural stability analyses and conformational snapshots. This work sheds light on the molecular mechanism of baicalein in disrupting the Aβ42 protofibril structure, which will be beneficial to the design of therapeutic candidates against disrupting β-sheet rich neurotoxic Aβ42 oligomers in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib-140406, Punjab, India
| | - Opinder Kaur Mankoo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib-140406, Punjab, India
| | - Anupamjeet Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib-140406, Punjab, India
| | - Deepti Goyal
- Department of Chemistry, DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh-160011, India.
| | - Bhupesh Goyal
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala-147004, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu Q, Wang Z, Tu Y, Cao Y, Zhu H, Shao J, Zhuang R, Zhou Y, Zhang J. Proteasome activation: A novel strategy for targeting undruggable intrinsically disordered proteins. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107217. [PMID: 38368657 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107217] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are characterized by their inability to adopt well-defined tertiary structures under physiological conditions. Nonetheless, they often play pivotal roles in the progression of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular ailments. Owing to their inherent dynamism, conventional drug design approaches based on structural considerations encounter substantial challenges when applied to IDPs. Consequently, the pursuit of therapeutic interventions directed towards IDPs presents a complex endeavor. While there are indeed existing methodologies for targeting IDPs, they are encumbered by noteworthy constrains. Hence, there exists an imminent imperative to investigate more efficacious and universally applicable strategies for modulating IDPs. Here, we present an overview of the latest advancements in the research pertaining to IDPs, along with the indirect regulation approach involving the modulation of IDP degradation through proteasome. By comprehending these advancements in research, novel insights can be generated to facilitate the development of new drugs targeted at addressing the accumulation of IDPs in diverse pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yutong Tu
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huajian Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiaan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rangxiao Zhuang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Preparation, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, 310023, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Yubo Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiankang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang Province, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zahraee H, Arab SS, Khoshbin Z, Bozorgmehr MR. A comprehensive computer simulation insight into inhibitory mechanisms of EGCG and NQTrp ligands on amyloid-beta assemblies as the Alzheimer's disease insignia. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10830-10839. [PMID: 36576270 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2158939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β peptide with predominant presence in the senile plaques is the most common agent for Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence. Assembly of the amyloid-β(1-42) (Aβ1-42) isoform is known as the main reason for the AD appearance. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and 1,4-naphthoquinone-2-yl-L-tryptophan (NQTrp) are two small molecules that inhibit the formation of the Aβ1-42 fibrils. The present study provides molecular insight to clarify the inhibitory mechanisms of the EGCG and NQTrp ligands on the Aβ1-42 assemblies by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Hence, nine different Aβ1-42-containing systems including the monomer, dimer, and hexamer of Aβ1-42 considering each of them in a media with no ligands, in the presence of one EGCG ligand, and in the presence of one EGCG ligand were studied with a simulation time of 1 µs for each system. The precise investigation of the peptide-ligand distance, conformational factor (Pi), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), dictionary of secondary structure (DSSP), and Lys28-Ala42 salt bridge analyses confirmed that the hydroxyl-rich structure of the EGCG ligand applied its inhibitory effect on the aggregation of the peptides indirectly by involving water molecules. While the hydroxyl-free structure of the NQTrp ligand exposed its inhibitory effect through a direct interaction with the Aβ1-42 peptides. Besides, reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis clarified the hydrogen bonding interactions as the dominant ones for the peptide-EGCG systems, and also, steric and van der Waals interactions for the peptide-NQTrp systems.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Zahraee
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Khoshbin
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Suwanhom P, Nualnoi T, Khongkow P, Tipmanee V, Lomlim L. Novel Lawsone-Quinoxaline Hybrids as New Dual Binding Site Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:32498-32511. [PMID: 37720764 PMCID: PMC10500570 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
A new family of lawsone-quinoxaline hybrids was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as dual binding site cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs). In vitro tests revealed that compound 6d was the most potent AChEI (IC50 = 20 nM) and BChEI (IC50 = 220 nM). The compound 6d did not show cytotoxicity against the SH-SY5Y neuronal cells (GI50 > 100 μM). In silico and enzyme kinetic experiments demonstrated that compound 6d bound to both the catalytic anionic site and the peripheral anionic site of HuAChE. The lawsone-quinoxaline hybrids exhibited potential for further development of potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paptawan Suwanhom
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Phytomedicine
and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellent Center (PPBEC), Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla
University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Teerapat Nualnoi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Pasarat Khongkow
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Varomyalin Tipmanee
- Department
of Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Luelak Lomlim
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Phytomedicine
and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Excellent Center (PPBEC), Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla
University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cores Á, Carmona-Zafra N, Clerigué J, Villacampa M, Menéndez JC. Quinones as Neuroprotective Agents. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37508002 PMCID: PMC10376830 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Quinones can in principle be viewed as a double-edged sword in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, since they are often cytoprotective but can also be cytotoxic due to covalent and redox modification of biomolecules. Nevertheless, low doses of moderately electrophilic quinones are generally cytoprotective, mainly due to their ability to activate the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and thus induce the expression of detoxifying enzymes. Some natural quinones have relevant roles in important physiological processes. One of them is coenzyme Q10, which takes part in the oxidative phosphorylation processes involved in cell energy production, as a proton and electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and shows neuroprotective effects relevant to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Additional neuroprotective quinones that can be regarded as coenzyme Q10 analogues are idobenone, mitoquinone and plastoquinone. Other endogenous quinones with neuroprotective activities include tocopherol-derived quinones, most notably vatiquinone, and vitamin K. A final group of non-endogenous quinones with neuroprotective activity is discussed, comprising embelin, APX-3330, cannabinoid-derived quinones, asterriquinones and other indolylquinones, pyrroloquinolinequinone and its analogues, geldanamycin and its analogues, rifampicin quinone, memoquin and a number of hybrid structures combining quinones with amino acids, cholinesterase inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Cores
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Noelia Carmona-Zafra
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Clerigué
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Villacampa
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Carlos Menéndez
- Unidad de Química Orgánica y Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal sn, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Indig RY, Landau M. Designed inhibitors to reduce amyloid virulence and cytotoxicity and combat neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102318. [PMID: 37196450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The review highlights the role of amyloids in various diseases and the challenges associated with targeting human amyloids in therapeutic development. However, due to the better understanding of microbial amyloids' role as virulence factors, there is a growing interest in repurposing and designing anti-amyloid compounds for antivirulence therapy. The identification of amyloid inhibitors has not only significant clinical implications but also provides valuable insights into the structure and function of amyloids. The review showcases small molecules and peptides that specifically target amyloids in both humans and microbes, reducing cytotoxicity and biofilm formation, respectively. The review emphasizes the importance of further research on amyloid structures, mechanisms, and interactions across all life forms to yield new drug targets and improve the design of selective treatments. Overall, the review highlights the potential for amyloid inhibitors in therapeutic development for both human diseases and microbial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinat Yona Indig
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Meytal Landau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany; Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tonelli M, Catto M, Sabaté R, Francesconi V, Laurini E, Pricl S, Pisani L, Miniero DV, Liuzzi GM, Gatta E, Relini A, Gavín R, Del Rio JA, Sparatore F, Carotti A. Thioxanthenone-based derivatives as multitarget therapeutic leads for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115169. [PMID: 36753881 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A set of twenty-five thioxanthene-9-one and xanthene-9-one derivatives, that were previously shown to inhibit cholinesterases (ChEs) and amyloid β (Aβ40) aggregation, were evaluated for the inhibition of tau protein aggregation. All compounds exhibited a good activity, and eight of them (5-8, 10, 14, 15 and 20) shared comparable low micromolar inhibitory potency versus Aβ40 aggregation and human acetylcholinesterase (AChE), while inhibiting human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) even at submicromolar concentration. Compound 20 showed outstanding biological data, inhibiting tau protein and Aβ40 aggregation with IC50 = 1.8 and 1.3 μM, respectively. Moreover, at 0.1-10 μM it also exhibited neuroprotective activity against tau toxicity induced by okadoic acid in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, that was comparable to that of estradiol and PD38. In preliminary toxicity studies, these interesting results for compound 20 are somewhat conflicting with a narrow safety window. However, compound 10, although endowed with a little lower potency for tau and Aβ aggregation inhibition additionally demonstrated good inhibition of ChEs and rather low cytotoxicity. Compound 4 is also worth of note for its high potency as hBChE inhibitor (IC50 = 7 nM) and for the three order of magnitude selectivity versus hAChE. Molecular modelling studies were performed to explain the different behavior of compounds 4 and 20 towards hBChE. The observed balance of the inhibitory potencies versus the relevant targets indicates the thioxanthene-9-one derivatives as potential MTDLs for AD therapy, provided that the safety window will be improved by further structural variations, currently under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Marco Catto
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Raimon Sabaté
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Erik Laurini
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS), Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sabrina Pricl
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS), Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127, Trieste, Italy; Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236, Lodz, Poland
| | - Leonardo Pisani
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Valeria Miniero
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Liuzzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Gatta
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, 16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Relini
- Department of Physics, University of Genoa, 16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosalina Gavín
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Del Rio
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabio Sparatore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelo Carotti
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Almeida ZL, Brito RMM. Amyloid Disassembly: What Can We Learn from Chaperones? Biomedicines 2022; 10:3276. [PMID: 36552032 PMCID: PMC9776232 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation and subsequent accumulation of insoluble amyloid fibrils with cross-β structure is an intrinsic characteristic of amyloid diseases, i.e., amyloidoses. Amyloid formation involves a series of on-pathway and off-pathway protein aggregation events, leading to mature insoluble fibrils that eventually accumulate in multiple tissues. In this cascade of events, soluble oligomeric species are formed, which are among the most cytotoxic molecular entities along the amyloid cascade. The direct or indirect action of these amyloid soluble oligomers and amyloid protofibrils and fibrils in several tissues and organs lead to cell death in some cases and organ disfunction in general. There are dozens of different proteins and peptides causing multiple amyloid pathologies, chief among them Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and several other neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid fibril disassembly is among the disease-modifying therapeutic strategies being pursued to overcome amyloid pathologies. The clearance of preformed amyloids and consequently the arresting of the progression of organ deterioration may increase patient survival and quality of life. In this review, we compiled from the literature many examples of chemical and biochemical agents able to disaggregate preformed amyloids, which have been classified as molecular chaperones, chemical chaperones, and pharmacological chaperones. We focused on their mode of action, chemical structure, interactions with the fibrillar structures, morphology and toxicity of the disaggregation products, and the potential use of disaggregation agents as a treatment option in amyloidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui M. M. Brito
- Chemistry Department and Coimbra Chemistry Centre—Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gandini A, Gonçalves AE, Strocchi S, Albertini C, Janočková J, Tramarin A, Grifoni D, Poeta E, Soukup O, Muñoz-Torrero D, Monti B, Sabaté R, Bartolini M, Legname G, Bolognesi ML. Discovery of Dual Aβ/Tau Inhibitors and Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Effect on a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:3314-3329. [PMID: 36445009 PMCID: PMC9732823 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00357] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia, currently represents an extremely challenging and unmet medical need worldwide. Amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau proteins are prototypical AD hallmarks, as well as validated drug targets. Accumulating evidence now suggests that they synergistically contribute to disease pathogenesis. This could not only help explain negative results from anti-Aβ clinical trials but also indicate that therapies solely directed at one of them may have to be reconsidered. Based on this, herein, we describe the development of a focused library of 2,4-thiazolidinedione (TZD)-based bivalent derivatives as dual Aβ and Tau aggregation inhibitors. The aggregating activity of the 24 synthesized derivatives was tested in intact Escherichia coli cells overexpressing Aβ42 and Tau proteins. We then evaluated their neuronal toxicity and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), together with the in vitro interaction with the two isolated proteins. Finally, the most promising (most active, nontoxic, and BBB-permeable) compounds 22 and 23 were tested in vivo, in a Drosophila melanogaster model of AD. The carbazole derivative 22 (20 μM) showed extremely encouraging results, being able to improve both the lifespan and the climbing abilities of Aβ42 expressing flies and generating a better outcome than doxycycline (50 μM). Moreover, 22 proved to be able to decrease Aβ42 aggregates in the brains of the flies. We conclude that bivalent small molecules based on 22 deserve further attention as hits for dual Aβ/Tau aggregation inhibition in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annachiara Gandini
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy,Department
of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, I-34136Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana Elisa Gonçalves
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy,Pharmaceutical
Sciences Postgraduate Program, Center of Health Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Rua Uruguai 458, 88302-202Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Silvia Strocchi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Albertini
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy
| | - Jana Janočková
- Biomedical
Research Center, University Hospital Hradec
Kralove, 500 00Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tramarin
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Grifoni
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy,Department
of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito II, 67100L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical
Research Center, University Hospital Hradec
Kralove, 500 00Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Diego Muñoz-Torrero
- Laboratory
of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy
and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, E-08028Barcelona, Spain
| | - Barbara Monti
- Pharmaceutical
Sciences Postgraduate Program, Center of Health Sciences, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, Rua Uruguai 458, 88302-202Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Raimon Sabaté
- Department
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University
of Barcelona, Av Joan
XXIII 27-31, E-08028Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Department
of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, I-34136Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater
Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, I-40126Bologna, Italy,. Tel: +39 0512099718
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Basagni F, Naldi M, Ginex T, Luque FJ, Fagiani F, Lanni C, Iurlo M, Marcaccio M, Minarini A, Bartolini M, Rosini M. Inhibition of β-Amyloid Aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Key Role of (Pro)electrophilic Warheads. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:1812-1818. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Basagni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ginex
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Avinguda Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - F. Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Gastronomy, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Avinguda Prat de la Riba 171, 08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences (Pharmacology Section), University of Pavia, V.le Taramelli 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Iurlo
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Marcaccio
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Minarini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Rosini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meier-Stephenson FS, Meier-Stephenson VC, Carter MD, Meek AR, Wang Y, Pan L, Chen Q, Jacobo S, Wu F, Lu E, Simms GA, Fisher L, McGrath AJ, Fermo V, Barden CJ, Clair HDS, Galloway TN, Yadav A, Campágna-Slater V, Hadden M, Reed M, Taylor M, Kelly B, Diez-Cecilia E, Kolaj I, Santos C, Liyanage I, Sweeting B, Stafford P, Boudreau R, Reid GA, Noyce RS, Stevens L, Staniszewski A, Zhang H, Murty MRVS, Lemaire P, Chardonnet S, Richardson CD, Gabelica V, DePauw E, Brown R, Darvesh S, Arancio O, Weaver DF. Alzheimer's disease as an autoimmune disorder of innate immunity endogenously modulated by tryptophan metabolites. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12283. [PMID: 35415204 PMCID: PMC8985489 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neurotoxic immuno-inflammation concomitant with cytotoxic oligomerization of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau, culminating in concurrent, interdependent immunopathic and proteopathic pathogeneses. Methods We performed a comprehensive series of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies explicitly evaluating the atomistic-molecular mechanisms of cytokine-mediated and Aβ-mediated neurotoxicities in AD. Next, 471 new chemical entities were designed and synthesized to probe the pathways identified by these molecular mechanism studies and to provide prototypic starting points in the development of small-molecule therapeutics for AD. Results In response to various stimuli (e.g., infection, trauma, ischemia, air pollution, depression), Aβ is released as an early responder immunopeptide triggering an innate immunity cascade in which Aβ exhibits both immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties (whether bacteria are present, or not), resulting in a misdirected attack upon "self" neurons, arising from analogous electronegative surface topologies between neurons and bacteria, and rendering them similarly susceptible to membrane-penetrating attack by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as Aβ. After this self-attack, the resulting necrotic (but not apoptotic) neuronal breakdown products diffuse to adjacent neurons eliciting further release of Aβ, leading to a chronic self-perpetuating autoimmune cycle. AD thus emerges as a brain-centric autoimmune disorder of innate immunity. Based upon the hypothesis that autoimmune processes are susceptible to endogenous regulatory processes, a subsequent comprehensive screening program of 1137 small molecules normally present in human brain identified tryptophan metabolism as a regulator of brain innate immunity and a source of potential endogenous anti-AD molecules capable of chemical modification into multi-site therapeutic modulators targeting AD's complex immunopathic-proteopathic pathogenesis. Discussion Conceptualizing AD as an autoimmune disease, identifying endogenous regulators of this autoimmunity, and designing small molecule drug-like analogues of these endogenous regulators represents a novel therapeutic approach for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael D Carter
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Department of Pathology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Autumn R Meek
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Luzhe Pan
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Qiangwei Chen
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Sheila Jacobo
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Erhu Lu
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Gordon A Simms
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Laural Fisher
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Alaina J McGrath
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Virgil Fermo
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Christopher J Barden
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Harman D S Clair
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Todd N Galloway
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Arun Yadav
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | | | - Mark Hadden
- Department of Chemistry Queen's University Kingston Ontario Canada
| | - Mark Reed
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Marcia Taylor
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Brendan Kelly
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Elena Diez-Cecilia
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Igri Kolaj
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Clarissa Santos
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Imindu Liyanage
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Braden Sweeting
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Paul Stafford
- Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Robert Boudreau
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - G Andrew Reid
- Department of Medical Neuroscience Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Ryan S Noyce
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Leanne Stevens
- Department of Psychology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Agnieszka Staniszewski
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain & Department of Pathology and Cell Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain & Department of Pathology and Cell Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Mamidanna R V S Murty
- Department of Chemistry University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie, Sart-Tilman Liège Belgium
| | - Pascale Lemaire
- Department of Chemistry University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie, Sart-Tilman Liège Belgium
| | - Solenne Chardonnet
- Department of Chemistry University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie, Sart-Tilman Liège Belgium
| | | | - Valérie Gabelica
- Department of Chemistry University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie, Sart-Tilman Liège Belgium
| | - Edwin DePauw
- Department of Chemistry University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie, Sart-Tilman Liège Belgium
| | - Richard Brown
- Department of Psychology Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Sultan Darvesh
- Department of Medical Neuroscience Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Division of Neurology Department of Medicine Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain & Department of Pathology and Cell Biology Columbia University New York New York USA
| | - Donald F Weaver
- Department of Chemistry Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Krembil Research Institute University Health Network Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Neurology Department of Medicine Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada.,Department of Chemistry University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Neurology Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sharma M, Tiwari V, Chaturvedi S, Wahajuddin M, Shukla S, Panda JJ. Self-Fluorescent Lone Tryptophan Nanoparticles as Theranostic Agents Against Alzheimer's Disease. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13079-13093. [PMID: 35263093 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ42) peptide in the neural extracellular space leads to cellular dysfunction, resulting in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The hydrophobic core of the amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide contains aromatic residues that play an important role in the self-assembly and subsequent aggregation of the peptide. Hence, targeting these hydrophobic core residues by potent low molecular agents can be a promising therapeutic approach toward AD. In the current work, we have developed self-fluorescent solo tryptophan nanoparticles (TNPs) as nanotheranostic systems against AD. We demonstrated that TNPs could significantly inhibit as well as disrupt the fibrils formed by both Aβ42 peptide and another reductionist approach-based amyloid model dipeptide, phenylalanine-phenylalanine (FF). More importantly, these nanostructures were nontoxic to neural cells and could protect the neurons from Aβ42 peptide and FF aggregate-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, efficacy studies performed in animal model further revealed that the TNPs could rescue spatial and learning memory in intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-administration-induced AD phenotype in rats. Moreover, our pharmacokinetics study further established the BBB permeability and brain delivery potency of TNPs. The inherent excellent fluorescent properties of these nanoparticles could be exploited further to use them as imaging modalities for tagging and detecting FF and Aβ42 peptide fibrils. Overall, our results clearly illustrated that the solo TNPs could serve as promising nanotheranostic agents for AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Virendra Tiwari
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Swati Chaturvedi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Muhammad Wahajuddin
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Shubha Shukla
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Paul R, Bera S, Devi M, Paul S. Inhibition of Aβ 16–22 Peptide Aggregation by Small Molecules and Their Permeation through POPC Lipid Bilayer: Insight from Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:5193-5207. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rabindranath Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India 781039
| | - Siddhartha Bera
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India 781039
| | - Madhusmita Devi
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India 781039
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, India 781039
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kour A, Dube T, Kumar A, Panda JJ. Anti-Amyloidogenic and Fibril-Disaggregating Potency of the Levodopa-Functionalized Gold Nanoroses as Exemplified in a Diphenylalanine-Based Amyloid Model. Bioconjug Chem 2022; 33:397-410. [PMID: 35120290 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The phenomenon of proteins/peptide assembly into amyloid fibrils is associated with various neurodegenerative and age-related human disorders. Inhibition of the aggregation behavior of amyloidogenic peptides/proteins or disruption of the pre-formed aggregates is a viable therapeutic option to control the progression of various protein aggregation-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the current work, we investigated both the amyloid inhibition and disaggregation proclivity of levodopa-functionalized gold nanoroses (GNRs) against various peptide-based amyloid models, including the amyloid beta peptide [Aβ (1-42) and Aβ (1-40)] and the dipeptide phenylalanine-phenylalanine (FF). Our results depicted the anti-aggregation behavior of the GNR toward FF and both forms of Aβ-derived fibrils. The peptides demonstrated a variation in their fiber-like morphology and a decline in thioflavin T fluorescence after being co-incubated with the GNR. We further demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of the GNR in neuroblastoma cells against FF and Aβ (1-42) fiber-induced toxicity, exemplified both in terms of regaining cellular viability and reducing production of reactive oxygen species. Overall, these findings support the potency of the GNR as a promising platform for combating AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avneet Kour
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India.,University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Taru Dube
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 140306, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Preetham HD, Muddegowda U, Sharath Kumar KS, Rangappa S, Rangappa KS. Identification of β-aminopyrrolidine containing peptides as β-amyloid aggregation inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. J Pept Sci 2022; 28:e3386. [PMID: 34981876 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3386] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by a series of events initiated by the production and aggregation of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the early stages of the disease, Aβ is released in a soluble form then progressively forms oligomeric, multimeric, and fibrillar aggregates, triggering neurodegeneration. Thus, development of inhibitors that initiate reverse Aβ aggregation is thought to be a logical approach in treating AD. In this context, we developed β-aminopyrrolidine containing 12 mer peptide 3 which is very potent in inhibiting the Aβ aggregation and also reducing Aβ(42)-induced cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Habbanakuppe D Preetham
- Department of Studies in Chemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Umashankara Muddegowda
- Department of Studies in Chemistry, Karnataka State Open University, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Shobith Rangappa
- Adichunchanagiri Institute for Molecular Medicine, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, Mandya, Karnataka, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yu G, Wang Y, Zhao J. Inhibitory effect of mitoquinone against the α-synuclein fibrillation and relevant neurotoxicity: possible role in inhibition of Parkinson's disease. Biol Chem 2021; 403:253-263. [PMID: 34653323 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extensive studies have reported that interaction of α-synuclein amyloid species with neurons is a crucial mechanistic characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD) and small molecules can downregulate the neurotoxic effects induced by protein aggregation. However, the exact mechanism(s) of these neuroprotective effects by small molecules remain widely unknown. In the present study, α-synuclein samples in the amyloidogenic condition were aged for 120 h with or without different concentrations of mitoquinone (MitoQ) as a quinone derivative compound and the amyloid characteristics and the relevant neurotoxicity were evaluated by Thioflavin T (ThT)/Nile red fluorescence, Congo red absorption, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and caspase-9/-3 activity assays. Results clearly showed the capacity of MitoQ on the inhibition of the formation of α-synuclein fibrillation products through modulation of the aggregation pathway by an effect on the kinetic parameters. Also, it was shown that α-synuclein samples aged for 120 h with MitoQ trigger less neurotoxic effects against SH-SY5Y cells than α-synuclein amyloid alone. Indeed, co-incubation of α-synuclein with MitoQ reduced the membrane leakage, oxidative and nitro-oxidative stress, modifications of macromolecules, and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gege Yu
- Department of Neurology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, 471009, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 262500, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Qingzhou People's Hospital, Weifang, 262500, China
| | - Jinhua Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, Xianyang, 712000, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhao H, Huang X, Tong Z. Formaldehyde-Crosslinked Nontoxic Aβ Monomers to Form Toxic Aβ Dimers and Aggregates: Pathogenicity and Therapeutic Perspectives. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:3376-3390. [PMID: 34396700 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of senile plaques in the brain. However, medicines targeting amyloid-beta (Aβ) have not achieved the expected clinical effects. This review focuses on the formation mechanism of the Aβ dimer (the basic unit of oligomers and fibrils) and its tremendous potential as a drug target. Recently, age-associated formaldehyde and Aβ-derived formaldehyde have been found to crosslink the nontoxic Aβ monomer to form the toxic dimers, oligomers and fibrils. Particularly, Aβ-induced formaldehyde accumulation and formaldehyde-promoted Aβ aggregation form a vicious cycle. Subsequently, formaldehyde initiates Aβ toxicity in both the early-and late-onset AD. These facts also explain why AD drugs targeting only Aβ do not have the desired therapeutic effects. Development of the nanoparticle-based medicines targeting both formaldehyde and Aβ dimer is a promising strategy for improving the drug efficacy by penetrating blood-brain barrier and extracellular space into the cortical neurons in AD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhao
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xuerong Huang
- Wenzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital 3, Department of Neurology, Wenzhou, 325200, China
| | - Zhiqian Tong
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang K, Na L, Duan M. The Pathogenesis Mechanism, Structure Properties, Potential Drugs and Therapeutic Nanoparticles against the Small Oligomers of Amyloid-β. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:151-167. [PMID: 32938351 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200916123000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people in the world. The abnormal aggregation of amyloid β protein (Aβ) is regarded as the key event in AD onset. Meanwhile, the Aβ oligomers are believed to be the most toxic species of Aβ. Recent studies show that the Aβ dimers, which are the smallest form of Aβ oligomers, also have the neurotoxicity in the absence of other oligomers in physiological conditions. In this review, we focus on the pathogenesis, structure and potential therapeutic molecules against small Aβ oligomers, as well as the nanoparticles (NPs) in the treatment of AD. In this review, we firstly focus on the pathogenic mechanism of Aβ oligomers, especially the Aβ dimers. The toxicity of Aβ dimer or oligomers, which attributes to the interactions with various receptors and the disruption of membrane or intracellular environments, were introduced. Then the structure properties of Aβ dimers and oligomers are summarized. Although some structural information such as the secondary structure content is characterized by experimental technologies, detailed structures are still absent. Following that, the small molecules targeting Aβ dimers or oligomers are collected; nevertheless, all of these ligands have failed to come into the market due to the rising controversy of the Aβ-related "amyloid cascade hypothesis". At last, the recent progress about the nanoparticles as the potential drugs or the drug delivery for the Aβ oligomers are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Liu Na
- School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, China
| | - Mojie Duan
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mezeiova E, Hrabinova M, Hepnarova V, Jun D, Janockova J, Muckova L, Prchal L, Kristofikova Z, Kucera T, Gorecki L, Chalupova K, Kunes J, Hroudova J, Soukup O, Korabecny J. Huprine Y - Tryptophan heterodimers with potential implication to Alzheimer's disease treatment. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 43:128100. [PMID: 33984470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The search for novel and effective therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main quest that remains to be resolved. The goal is to find a disease-modifying agent able to confront the multifactorial nature of the disease positively. Herewith, a family of huprineY-tryptophan heterodimers was prepared, resulting in inhibition of cholinesterase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzymes, with effect against amyloid-beta (Aβ) and potential ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Their cholinesterase pattern of behavior was inspected using kinetic analysis in tandem with docking studies. These heterodimers exhibited a promising pharmacological profile with strong implication in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Mezeiova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Janockova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Prchal
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Zdena Kristofikova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kucera
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Gorecki
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Chalupova
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokytanskeho 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kunes
- Department of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hroudova
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic; Institute of Pharmacology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kshtriya V, Koshti B, Pandey DK, Kharbanda S, Kanth P C, Singh DK, Bhatia D, Gour N. Sequential and cellular detection of copper and lactic acid by disaggregation and reaggregation of the fluorescent panchromatic fibres of an acylthiourea based sensor. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:4304-4316. [PMID: 33908562 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00038a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We report, for the first time, the self-assembly of an acyl-thiourea based sensor, N-{(6-methoxy-pyridine-2-yl) carbamothioyl}benzamide (NG1), with panchromatic fluorescent fibres and its dual-sensing properties for the sequential detection of Cu2+ ions and lactic acid. The panchromatic fibres formed by NG1 were disrupted in the presence of Cu2+ ions and this was accompanied by a visible colour change in the solution from colourless to yellow. The addition of lactic acid to the NG1 + Cu2+ solution, on the other hand, induced re-aggregation to fibrillar structures and the colour of the solution again changed to colourless. Hence, it may be surmised that the disaggregation and re-aggregation impart unique dual-sensing properties to NG1 for the sequential detection of Cu2+ ions and lactic acid. The application of NG1 as a selective sensor for Cu2+ ions and lactic acid has been assessed in detail by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, two structural variants of NG1, namely, NG2 and NG3, were synthesized, which suggest the crucial role of pyridine in imparting panchromatic emission properties and of both pyridine and acyl-thiourea side chain in the binding of Cu2+ ions. The O-methoxy group plays an important part in making NG1 the most sensitive probe of its structural analogs. Finally, the utility of NG1 for the sequential and cellular detection of Cu2+ ions and lactic acid was studied in human RPE cells. The experimental results of the interaction of NG1 with Cu2+ ions and lactic acid have also been validated theoretically by using quantum chemical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report wherein a dual sensor for Cu2+ ions and lactate ions is synthesized. More importantly, the aggregation properties of the sensor have been studied extensively and an interesting correlation of the photophysical properties of the probe with its self-assembling behavior has been elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivekshinh Kshtriya
- Department of Chemistry, Indrashil University, Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat 382740, India.
| | - Bharti Koshti
- Department of Chemistry, Indrashil University, Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat 382740, India.
| | - Deepak K Pandey
- Department of Basic Sciences, Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management, Ahmedabad, 380026, India
| | - Sumit Kharbanda
- Biological Engineering Discipline and Center for Biomedical Research, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj 382355, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Chandra Kanth P
- Department of Science, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Dheeraj K Singh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Institute of Infrastructure Technology Research and Management, Ahmedabad, 380026, India
| | - Dhiraj Bhatia
- Biological Engineering Discipline and Center for Biomedical Research, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj 382355, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Nidhi Gour
- Department of Chemistry, Indrashil University, Kadi, Mehsana, Gujarat 382740, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mahomoodally F, Abdallah HH, Suroowan S, Jugreet S, Zhang Y, Hu X. In silico Exploration of Bioactive Phytochemicals Against Neurodegenerative Diseases Via Inhibition of Cholinesterases. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:4151-4162. [PMID: 32178608 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200316125517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are estimated to become the second leading cause of death worldwide by 2040. Despite the widespread use of diverse allopathic drugs, these brain-associated disorders can only be partially addressed and long term treatment is often linked with dependency and other unwanted side effects. Nature, believed to be an arsenal of remedies for any illness, presents an interesting avenue for the development of novel neuroprotective agents. Interestingly, inhibition of cholinesterases, involved in the breakdown of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, has been proposed to be neuroprotective. This review therefore aims to provide additional insight via docking studies of previously studied compounds that have shown potent activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in vitro. Indeed, the determination of potent plant-based ligands for this purpose through in silico methods enables the elimination of lengthy and costly traditional methods of drug discovery. Herein, a literature search was conducted to identify active phytochemicals which are cholinesterase inhibitors. Following which in silico docking methods were applied to obtain docking scores. Compound structures were extracted from online ZINC database and optimized using AM1 implemented in gaussian09 software. Noteworthy ligands against AChE highlighted in this study include: 19,20-dihydroervahanine A and 19, 20-dihydrotabernamine. Regarding BChE inhibition, the best ligands were found to be 8-Clavandurylkaempferol, Na-methylepipachysamine D; ebeiedinone; and dictyophlebine. Thus, ligand optimization between such phytochemicals and cholinesterases coupled with in vitro, in vivo studies and randomized clinical trials can lead to the development of novel drugs against neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fawzi Mahomoodally
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
| | - Hassan H Abdallah
- Chemistry Department, College of Education, Salahaddin University, 44002 Erbil, Iraq
| | - Shanoo Suroowan
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Mauritius
| | - Sharmeen Jugreet
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Mauritius
| | - Yansheng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bio-Energy Crops, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xuebo Hu
- College of Plant Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Campora M, Francesconi V, Schenone S, Tasso B, Tonelli M. Journey on Naphthoquinone and Anthraquinone Derivatives: New Insights in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:33. [PMID: 33466332 PMCID: PMC7824805 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and functional decline leading to dementia and death. AD imposes neuronal death by the intricate interplay of different neurochemical factors, which continue to inspire the medicinal chemist as molecular targets for the development of new agents for the treatment of AD with diverse mechanisms of action, but also depict a more complex AD scenario. Within the wide variety of reported molecules, this review summarizes and offers a global overview of recent advancements on naphthoquinone (NQ) and anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives whose more relevant chemical features and structure-activity relationship studies will be discussed with a view to providing the perspective for the design of viable drugs for the treatment of AD. In particular, cholinesterases (ChEs), β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau proteins have been identified as key targets of these classes of compounds, where the NQ or AQ scaffold may contribute to the biological effect against AD as main unit or significant substructure. The multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) strategy will be described, as a chance for these molecules to exhibit significant potential on the road to therapeutics for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michele Tonelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.C.); (V.F.); (S.S.); (B.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sharma M, Tiwari V, Shukla S, Panda JJ. Fluorescent Dopamine-Tryptophan Nanocomposites as Dual-Imaging and Antiaggregation Agents: New Generation of Amyloid Theranostics with Trimeric Effects. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:44180-44194. [PMID: 32870652 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of neurotoxic amyloid-β (Aβ) polypeptides into aberrant extracellular senile plaques is the major neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Inhibiting aggregation of these peptides to control the progression of this deadly disease can serve as a viable therapeutic option. In the current work, inherently fluorescent theranostic dopamine-tryptophan nanocomposites (DTNPs) were developed and investigated for their amyloid inhibition propensity along with their ability to act as a cellular bioimaging agent in neuronal cells. The antiaggregation potency of the nanocomposites was further investigated against an in vitro established reductionist amyloid aggregation model consisting of a mere dipeptide, phenylalanine-phenylalanine (FF). As opposed to large peptide/protein-derived robust and high-molecular-weight amyloid aggregation models of Alzheimer's disease, our dipeptide-based amyloid model provides an edge over others in terms of the ease of handling, synthesis, and cost-effectiveness. Results demonstrated positive antiaggregation behavior of the DTNPs toward both FF-derived amyloid fibrils and preformed Aβ-peptide fibers by means of electron microscopic and circular dichroism-based studies. Our results further pointed toward the neuroprotective effects of the DTNPs in neuroblastoma cells against FF amyloid fibril-induced toxicity and also that they significantly suppressed the accumulation of Aβ42 oligomers in both cortex and hippocampus regions and improved cognitive impairment in an intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ)-induced animal model of dementia. Besides, DTNPs also exhibited excellent fluorescent properties and light up the cytoplasm of neuroblastoma cells when being coincubated with cells, confirming their ability to serve as an intracellular bioimaging agent. Overall, these results signify the potency of the DTNPs as promising multifunctional theranostic agents for treating AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Virendra Tiwari
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Shubha Shukla
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Jiban Jyoti Panda
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mezeiova E, Soukup O, Korabecny J. Huprines — an insight into the synthesis and biological properties. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2020. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
25
|
Paul A, Frenkel-Pinter M, Escobar Alvarez D, Milordini G, Gazit E, Zacco E, Segal D. Tryptophan-galactosylamine conjugates inhibit and disaggregate amyloid fibrils of Aβ42 and hIAPP peptides while reducing their toxicity. Commun Biol 2020; 3:484. [PMID: 32879439 PMCID: PMC7468108 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembly of proteins into amyloid fibrils is a hallmark of various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Type-2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Aggregation of specific peptides, like Aβ42 in AD and hIAPP in T2DM, causes cellular dysfunction resulting in the respective pathology. While these amyloidogenic proteins lack sequence homology, they all contain aromatic amino acids in their hydrophobic core that play a major role in their self-assembly. Targeting these aromatic residues by small molecules may be an attractive approach for inhibiting amyloid aggregation. Here, various biochemical and biophysical techniques revealed that a panel of tryptophan-galactosylamine conjugates significantly inhibit fibril formation of Aβ42 and hIAPP, and disassemble their pre-formed fibrils in a dose-dependent manner. They are also not toxic to mammalian cells and can reduce the cytotoxicity induced by Aβ42 and hIAPP aggregates. These tryptophan-galactosylamine conjugates can therefore serve as a scaffold for the development of therapeutics towards AD and T2DM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Moran Frenkel-Pinter
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Daniela Escobar Alvarez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Giulia Milordini
- The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, Brixton, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Elsa Zacco
- The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, Brixton, London, SE5 9RT, UK.
- RNA Central Lab, Center for Human Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16152, Genova, Italy.
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Perone R, Albertini C, Uliassi E, Di Pietri F, de Sena Murteira Pinheiro P, Petralla S, Rizzardi N, Fato R, Pulkrabkova L, Soukup O, Tramarin A, Bartolini M, Bolognesi ML. Turning Donepezil into a Multi-Target-Directed Ligand through a Merging Strategy. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:187-198. [PMID: 32716144 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to the widespread use and safety profile of donepezil (1) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most widely adopted multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) design strategies is to modify its molecular structure by linking a second fragment carrying an additional AD-relevant biological property. Herein, supported by a proposed combination therapy of 1 and the quinone drug idebenone, we rationally designed novel 1-based MTDLs targeting Aβ and oxidative pathways. By exploiting a bioisosteric replacement of the indanone core of 1 with a 1,4-naphthoquinone, we ended up with a series of highly merged derivatives, in principle devoid of the "physicochemical challenge" typical of large hybrid-based MTDLs. A preliminary investigation of their multi-target profile identified 9, which showed a potent and selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, together with antioxidant and antiaggregating properties. In addition, it displayed a promising drug-like profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Perone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Albertini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Flaminia Di Pietri
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pedro de Sena Murteira Pinheiro
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Petralla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Rizzardi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Romana Fato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lenka Pulkrabkova
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska, 1575
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tramarin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6/Via Irnerio 48/Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
An amyloidogenic hexapeptide from the cataract-associated γD-crystallin is a model for the full-length protein and is inhibited by naphthoquinone-tryptophan hybrids. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 157:424-433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
28
|
Stavrakov G, Philipova I, Lukarski A, Atanasova M, Zheleva D, Zhivkova ZD, Ivanov S, Atanasova T, Konstantinov S, Doytchinova I. Galantamine-Curcumin Hybrids as Dual-Site Binding Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors. Molecules 2020; 25:E3341. [PMID: 32717861 PMCID: PMC7435983 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Galantamine (GAL) and curcumin (CU) are alkaloids used to improve symptomatically neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD). GAL acts mainly as an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). CU binds to amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers and inhibits the formation of Aβ plaques. Here, we combine GAL core with CU fragments and design a combinatorial library of GAL-CU hybrids as dual-site binding AChE inhibitors. The designed hybrids are screened for optimal ADME properties and BBB permeability and docked on AChE. The 14 best performing compounds are synthesized and tested in vitro for neurotoxicity and anti-AChE activity. Five of them are less toxic than GAL and CU and show activities between 41 and 186 times higher than GAL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgi Stavrakov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Irena Philipova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Atanas Lukarski
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| | - Mariyana Atanasova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| | - Dimitrina Zheleva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| | - Zvetanka D. Zhivkova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| | - Stefan Ivanov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Teodora Atanasova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| | - Spiro Konstantinov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| | - Irini Doytchinova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria; (A.L.); (M.A.); (D.Z.); (Z.D.Z.); (S.I.); (T.A.); (S.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Viswanathan GK, Shwartz D, Losev Y, Arad E, Shemesh C, Pichinuk E, Engel H, Raveh A, Jelinek R, Cooper I, Gosselet F, Gazit E, Segal D. Purpurin modulates Tau-derived VQIVYK fibrillization and ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms in animal model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2795-2813. [PMID: 31562564 PMCID: PMC11104911 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03312-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles of the Tau protein and plaques of the amyloid β peptide are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by the conversion of monomeric proteins/peptides into misfolded β-sheet rich fibrils. Halting the fibrillation process and disrupting the existing aggregates are key challenges for AD drug development. Previously, we performed in vitro high-throughput screening for the identification of potent inhibitors of Tau aggregation using a proxy model, a highly aggregation-prone hexapeptide fragment 306VQIVYK311 (termed PHF6) derived from Tau. Here we have characterized a hit molecule from that screen as a modulator of Tau aggregation using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo techniques. This molecule, an anthraquinone derivative named Purpurin, inhibited ~ 50% of PHF6 fibrillization in vitro at equimolar concentration and disassembled pre-formed PHF6 fibrils. In silico studies showed that Purpurin interacted with key residues of PHF6, which are responsible for maintaining its β-sheets conformation. Isothermal titration calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance experiments with PHF6 and full-length Tau (FL-Tau), respectively, indicated that Purpurin interacted with PHF6 predominantly via hydrophobic contacts and displayed a dose-dependent complexation with FL-Tau. Purpurin was non-toxic when fed to Drosophila and it significantly ameliorated the AD-related neurotoxic symptoms of transgenic flies expressing WT-FL human Tau (hTau) plausibly by inhibiting Tau accumulation and reducing Tau phosphorylation. Purpurin also reduced hTau accumulation in cell culture overexpressing hTau. Importantly, Purpurin efficiently crossed an in vitro human blood-brain barrier model. Our findings suggest that Purpurin could be a potential lead molecule for AD therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guru Krishnakumar Viswanathan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Shwartz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yelena Losev
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elad Arad
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Chen Shemesh
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Edward Pichinuk
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hamutal Engel
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Raveh
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Itzik Cooper
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Fabien Gosselet
- Blood-Brain Barrier Laboratory (LBHE), Université d'Artois, Lens, France
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Blavatnik Center for Drug Discovery, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The Interdisciplinary Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Albertini C, Salerno A, Sena Murteira Pinheiro P, Bolognesi ML. From combinations to multitarget‐directed ligands: A continuum in Alzheimer's disease polypharmacology. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:2606-2633. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Albertini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Alessandra Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Pedro Sena Murteira Pinheiro
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna Bologna Italy
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Maria L. Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology Alma Mater Studiorum–University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Li G, Yang W, Li W, Luo Y, Lim Y, Li Y, Paul A, Segal D, Hong L, Li Y. Rational Design of a Cocktail of Inhibitors against Aβ Aggregation. Chemistry 2020; 26:3499-3503. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201905621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Department of ChemistryTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
- Institute of OceanographyMinjiang University 350108 Fuzhou P. R. China
| | - Wu‐Yue Yang
- Zhou Pei-Yuan Center for Applied MathematicsTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
| | - Wen‐Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Department of ChemistryTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yun‐Yi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Department of ChemistryTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yeh‐Jun Lim
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Department of ChemistryTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Institute for Science and TechnologyShandong University of, Traditional Chinese Medicine 250355 Jinan P. R. China
| | - Ashim Paul
- School of Molecular Microbiology & BiotechnologyTel Aviv University 69978 Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- School of Molecular Microbiology & BiotechnologyTel Aviv University 69978 Tel Aviv Israel
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of NeurosciencesTel Aviv University 69978 Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Liu Hong
- Zhou Pei-Yuan Center for Applied MathematicsTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yan‐Mei Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Department of ChemistryTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders 100069 Beijing P. R. China
- Center for Synthetic and Systems BiologyTsinghua University 100084 Beijing P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
The oligomerization of Aβ16-22 peptide, which is the hydrophobic core region of full-length Aβ1-42, causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). This progressive neurodegenerative disease affects over 44 million people worldwide. However, very few synthesized drug molecules are available to inhibit the aggregation of Aβ. Recently, experimental studies have shown that the biological ATP molecule prevents Aβ fibrillation at the millimolar scale; however, the significance of ATP molecules on Aβ fibrillation and the mechanism behind it remain elusive. We have carried out a total of 7.5 μs extensive all-atom molecular dynamics and 8.82 μs of umbrella sampling in explicit water using AMBER14SB, AMBER99SB-ILDN, and AMBER-FB15 force fields for Aβ16-22 peptide, to investigate the role of ATP on the disruption of Aβ16-22 prefibrils. From various analyses, such as secondary structure analysis, residue-wise contact map, SASA, and interaction energies, we have observed that, in the presence of ATP, the aggregation of Aβ16-22 peptide is very unfavorable. Moreover, the biological molecule ATP interacts with the Aβ16-22 peptide via hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and NH-π interactions which, ultimately, prevent the aggregation of Aβ16-22 peptide. Hence, we assume that the deficiency of ATP may cause Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Pal
- Department of Chemistry , Indian Institute of Technology , Guwahati , Assam 781039 , India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry , Indian Institute of Technology , Guwahati , Assam 781039 , India
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sen S, Vuković L, Král P. Computational screening of nanoparticles coupling to Aβ40 peptides and fibrils. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17804. [PMID: 31780663 PMCID: PMC6883061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking the formation, growth, and breaking of amyloid fibrils by synthetic nanosystems could provide a treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. With this in mind, here atomistic molecular dynamics simulations are used to screen for nanoparticles (NPs), covered with different mixtures of ligands, including positively and negatively charged ligands, Aβ40-cut-peptide, and synthetic inhibitor ligands, in their selective coupling to Aβ40 peptides and their fibrils. The simulations reveal that only Aβ40-cut-peptide-covered NPs have strong and selective coupling to Aβ40 monomers. On the other hand, positive, positive-neutral, Janus, and peptide NPs couple to the beta sheet surfaces of Aβ40 fibrils and only the negative-neutral NPs couple to the fibril tips.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soumyo Sen
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute, Urbana-Champaign, 61801, United States
| | - Lela Vuković
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, El Paso, 79968, United States.
| | - Petr Král
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Chicago, 60607, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jokar S, Khazaei S, Behnammanesh H, Shamloo A, Erfani M, Beiki D, Bavi O. Recent advances in the design and applications of amyloid-β peptide aggregation inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease therapy. Biophys Rev 2019; 11:10.1007/s12551-019-00606-2. [PMID: 31713720 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-019-00606-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurological disorder that progresses gradually and can cause severe cognitive and behavioral impairments. This disease is currently considered a social and economic incurable issue due to its complicated and multifactorial characteristics. Despite decades of extensive research, we still lack definitive AD diagnostic and effective therapeutic tools. Consequently, one of the most challenging subjects in modern medicine is the need for the development of new strategies for the treatment of AD. A large body of evidence indicates that amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide fibrillation plays a key role in the onset and progression of AD. Recent studies have reported that amyloid hypothesis-based treatments can be developed as a new approach to overcome the limitations and challenges associated with conventional AD therapeutics. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive view of the challenges in AD therapy and pathophysiology. We also discuss currently known compounds that can inhibit amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation and their potential role in advancing current AD treatments. We have specifically focused on Aβ aggregation inhibitors including metal chelators, nanostructures, organic molecules, peptides (or peptide mimics), and antibodies. To date, these molecules have been the subject of numerous in vitro and in vivo assays as well as molecular dynamics simulations to explore their mechanism of action and the fundamental structural groups involved in Aβ aggregation. Ultimately, the aim of these studies (and current review) is to achieve a rational design for effective therapeutic agents for AD treatment and diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safura Jokar
- Department of Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. BOX: 14155-6559, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Khazaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials , Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. BOX: 14155-6559, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Behnammanesh
- Department of Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. BOX: 14155-6559, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box: 11365-11155, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Erfani
- Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI), P.O. Box: 14155-1339, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Beiki
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. BOX: 14155-6559, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Bavi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, P.O. Box: 71555-313, Shiraz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Viswanathan GK, Paul A, Gazit E, Segal D. Naphthoquinone Tryptophan Hybrids: A Promising Small Molecule Scaffold for Mitigating Aggregation of Amyloidogenic Proteins and Peptides. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:242. [PMID: 31750300 PMCID: PMC6843079 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A current challenge faced by researchers is the lack of disease-modifying therapeutics for amyloid formation that is associated with several human diseases. Although the monomeric proteins or peptides involved in various amyloidogenic diseases do not have amino acid sequence homology, there appears to be a structural correlation among the amyloid assemblies, which are responsible for distinct pathological conditions. Here, we review our work on Naphthoquinone Tryptophan (NQTrp) hybrids, a small molecule scaffold that can generically modulate neuronal and non-neuronal amyloid aggregation both in vitro and in vivo. NQTrp reduces the net amyloid load by inhibiting the process of amyloid formation and disassembling the pre-formed fibrils, both in a dose-dependent manner. As a plausible mechanism of action, NQTrp effectively forms hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, such as π-π stacking, with the vital residues responsible for the initial nucleation of protein/peptide aggregation. This review highlights the effectiveness of the NQTrp hybrid scaffold for developing novel small molecule modulators of amyloid aggregation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guru KrishnaKumar Viswanathan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ashim Paul
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Interdisciplinary Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Park SY, Seo J, Chun YS. Targeted Downregulation of kdm4a Ameliorates Tau-engendered Defects in Drosophila melanogaster. J Korean Med Sci 2019; 34:e225. [PMID: 31436053 PMCID: PMC6706347 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tauopathies, a class of neurodegenerative diseases that includes Alzheimer's disease (AD), are characterized by the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the human brain. As abnormal alterations in histone acetylation and methylation show a cause and effect relationship with AD, we investigated the role of several Jumonji domain-containing histone demethylase (JHDM) genes, which have yet to be studied in AD pathology. METHODS To examine alterations of several JHDM genes in AD pathology, we performed bioinformatics analyses of JHDM gene expression profiles in brain tissue samples from deceased AD patients. Furthermore, to investigate the possible relationship between alterations in JHDM gene expression profiles and AD pathology in vivo, we examined whether tissue-specific downregulation of JHDM Drosophila homologs (kdm) can affect tauR406W-induced neurotoxicity using transgenic flies containing the UAS-Gal4 binary system. RESULTS The expression levels of JHDM1A, JHDM2A/2B, and JHDM3A/3B were significantly higher in postmortem brain tissue from patients with AD than from non-demented controls, whereas JHDM1B mRNA levels were downregulated in the brains of patients with AD. Using transgenic flies, we revealed that knockdown of kdm2 (homolog to human JHDM1), kdm3 (homolog to human JHDM2), kdm4a (homolog to human JHDM3A), or kdm4b (homolog to human JHDM3B) genes in the eye ameliorated the tauR406W-engendered defects, resulting in less severe phenotypes. However, kdm4a knockdown in the central nervous system uniquely ameliorated tauR406W-induced locomotion defects by restoring heterochromatin. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that downregulation of kdm4a expression may be a potential therapeutic target in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Yeon Park
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jieun Seo
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang Sook Chun
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Paul A, Viswanathan GK, Mahapatra S, Balboni G, Pacifico S, Gazit E, Segal D. Antagonistic Activity of Naphthoquinone-Based Hybrids toward Amyloids Associated with Alzheimer's Disease and Type-2 Diabetes. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3510-3520. [PMID: 31282646 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and amyloid formation are associated with various human diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Type-2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). No disease-modifying therapeutics are available for them. Despite the lack of sequence homology between the corresponding proteins, aromatic residues are recognized as common key motifs in the formation and stabilization of amyloid structures via π-π stacking. Thus, targeting aromatic recognition interfaces could be a useful approach for inhibiting amyloid formation as well as disrupting the preformed amyloid fibrils. Combining experimental and computational approaches, we demonstrated the anti-amyloidogenic effect of naphthoquinone-tryptophan-based hybrid molecules toward PHF6 (τ-derived aggregative peptide), Amyloid β (Aβ42), and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) implicated in AD and T2DM, respectively. These hybrid molecules significantly inhibited the aggregation and disrupted their preformed fibrillar aggregates in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner as evident from Thioflavin T/S binding assay, CD spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Dye leakage assay from LUVs and cell-based experiments indicated that the hybrid molecules inhibit membrane disruption and cytotoxicity induced by these amyloids. Furthermore, in silico studies provided probable mechanistic insights into the interaction of these molecules with the amyloidogenic proteins in their monomeric or aggregated forms, including the role of hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bond formation, and packing during inhibition of aggregation and fibril disassembly. Our findings may help in designing novel therapeutics toward AD, T2DM, and other proteinopathies based on the naphthoquinone derived hybrid molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gianfranco Balboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences - Unit of Pharmaceutical, Pharmacological and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, I-09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Neo Shin N, Jeon H, Jung Y, Baek S, Lee S, Yoo HC, Bae GH, Park K, Yang SH, Han JM, Kim I, Kim Y. Fluorescent 1,4-Naphthoquinones To Visualize Diffuse and Dense-Core Amyloid Plaques in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mouse Brains. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3031-3044. [PMID: 31016960 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical approvals of brain imaging radiotracers targeting amyloid-β provided clinicians the tools to detect and confirm Alzheimer's disease pathology without autopsy or biopsy. While current imaging agents are effective in postsymptomatic Alzheimer's patients, there is much room for improvement in earlier diagnosis, hence prompting a need for new and improved amyloid imaging agents. Here we synthesized 41 novel 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives and initially discovered 14 antiamyloidogenic compounds via in vitro amyloid-β aggregation assay; however, qualitative analyses of these compounds produced conflicting results and required further investigation. Follow-up docking and biophysical studies revealed that four of these compounds penetrate the blood-brain barrier, directly bind to amyloid-β aggregates, and enhance fluorescence properties upon interaction. These compounds specifically stain both diffuse and dense-core amyloid-β plaques in brain sections of APP/PS1 double transgenic Alzheimer's mouse models. Our findings suggest 1,4-naphthoquinones as a new scaffold for amyloid-β imaging agents for early stage Alzheimer's.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naewoo Neo Shin
- Integrated Science and Engineering Division, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanna Jeon
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngeun Jung
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyeop Baek
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Lee
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Chan Yoo
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Hun Bae
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunwan Park
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hoon Yang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Han
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Ikyon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungSoo Kim
- Integrated Science and Engineering Division, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mžik M, Žďárová-Karasová J, Chalupová K, Korábečný J, Palička V, Šesták V. UHPLC-HRMS study of anti-Alzheimer's drug candidates: metabolism of 7-MEOTA-tryptophan hybrids hampers their passage into brain. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 174:134-144. [PMID: 31167157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Being among the top five causes of death in the developed world, Alzheimer's disease represents a major socio-economic issue. We administered a single intramuscular dose of two new hybrid anti-Alzheimer's compounds, with 7-methoxytacrine (7-MEOTA; acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) and tryptophan (inhibitor of amyloid accumulation) in their structure, to rats. Using validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) methods, we uncovered their inability to enter the site of action - the brain. We discuss four possible explanations: i) physico-chemical properties, ii) lack of active/facilitated transport, iii) effective efflux and/or iv) extensive metabolism. High-resolution mass spectrometric analyses proved that the compounds are easily hydrolysed at amide bond between tryptophan and the linker both in vitro and in vivo. Contrary to the parent compounds these metabolites - analogues of 7-MEOTA - can enter the brain in significant amounts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Mžik
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - J Žďárová-Karasová
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - K Chalupová
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - J Korábečný
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - V Palička
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - V Šesták
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Novel tacrine-tryptophan hybrids: Multi-target directed ligands as potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 168:491-514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
41
|
Paul S, Paul S. Inhibitory Effect of Choline-O-sulfate on Aβ16–22 Peptide Aggregation: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:3475-3489. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b02727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Srijita Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India 781039
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India 781039
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Paul A, Zhang BD, Mohapatra S, Li G, Li YM, Gazit E, Segal D. Novel Mannitol-Based Small Molecules for Inhibiting Aggregation of α-Synuclein Amyloids in Parkinson's Disease. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:16. [PMID: 30968030 PMCID: PMC6438916 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of the amyloidogenic protein α-synuclein (α-Syn) into toxic oligomers and mature fibrils is the major pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Small molecules that inhibit α-Syn aggregation thus may be useful therapeutics for PD. Mannitol and naphthoquinone-tryptophan (NQTrp) have been shown in the past to inhibit α-Syn aggregation by different mechanisms. Herein, we tested whether the conjugation of Mannitol and NQTrp may result in enhance efficacy toward α-Syn. The molecules were conjugated either by a click linker or via a PEG linker. The effect of the conjugate molecules on α-Syn aggregation in vitro was monitored using Thioflavin T fluorescence assay, circular dichroism, transmission electron microscopy, and Congo red birefringence assay. One of the conjugate molecules was found to be more effective than the two parent molecules and as effective as a mixture of the two. The conjugate molecules attenuated the disruptive effect of α-Syn on artificial membrane of Large Unilamellar Vesicles as monitored by dye leakage assay. The conjugates were found to be have low cytotoxicity and reduced toxicity of α-Syn toward SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. These novel designed entities can be attractive scaffold for the development of therapeutic agents for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- School of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bo-Dou Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Satabdee Mohapatra
- School of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Parkinson Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.,Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- School of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Benzodifurans for biomedical applications: BZ4, a selective anti-proliferative and anti-amyloid lead compound. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:285-302. [PMID: 30801198 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Our goal is to evaluate benzodifuran-based scaffolds for biomedical applications. METHODOLOGY We here explored the anticancer and anti-amyloid activities of a novel compound (BZ4) in comparison with other known benzodifuran analogs, previously studied in our group, and we have explored its ability to interact with different DNA model systems. RESULTS BZ4 shows antiproliferative activity on different cancer cells; does not affect noncancerous control cells and alters the aggregation properties of β-amyloid, as ascertained by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. An overall, qualitative picture on the mechanistic aspects related to the biological activities is discussed in light of the dynamic light scattering, UV, circular dichroism and fluorescence data, as well as of the metal ion-binding properties of BZ4.
Collapse
|
44
|
Paul A, Li WH, Viswanathan GK, Arad E, Mohapatra S, Li G, Jelinek R, Gazit E, Li YM, Segal D. Tryptophan–glucosamine conjugates modulate tau-derived PHF6 aggregation at low concentrations. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:14621-14624. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc06868f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan–glucosamine conjugates efficiently inhibit tau-derived PHF6-peptide fibrillization and disrupt its preformed fibrils at very low concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Paul
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
| | - Wen-Hao Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | | | - Elad Arad
- Department of Chemistry
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer Sheva 84105
- Israel
| | - Satabdee Mohapatra
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
| | - Gao Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Department of Chemistry
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev
- Beer Sheva 84105
- Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Department of Chemistry
- Tsinghua University
- Beijing 100084
- China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders
| | - Daniel Segal
- School of Molecular Cell Biology & Biotechnology
- Tel Aviv University
- Israel
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neurosciences
- Tel Aviv University
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Inhibitory Effect of Naphthoquinone-Tryptophan Hybrid towards Aggregation of PAP f39 Semen Amyloid. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123279. [PMID: 30544943 PMCID: PMC6320874 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PAP248–286, a 39 amino acid peptide fragment, derived from the prostatic acid phosphatase secreted in human semen, forms amyloid fibrils and facilitates the attachment of retroviruses to host cells that results in the enhancement of viral infection. Therefore, the inhibition of amyloid formation by PAP248–286 (termed PAP f39) may likely reduce HIV transmission in AIDS. In this study, we show that the naphthoquinone tryptophan (NQTrp) hybrid molecule significantly inhibited PAP f39 aggregation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner as observed from the ThT assay, ANS assay, and transmission electron microscopy imaging. We found that even at a sub-molar concentration of 20:1 [PAP f39:NQTrp], NQTrp could reduce >50% amyloid formation. NQTrp inhibition of PAP f39 aggregation resulted in non-toxic intermediate species as determined by the vesicle leakage assay. Isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular docking revealed that the binding of NQTrp and PAP f39 is spontaneous, and NQTrp predominantly interacts with the polar and charged residues of the peptide by forming hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with a strong binding energy. Collectively, these findings indicate that NQTrp holds significant potential as a small molecule inhibitor of semen amyloids.
Collapse
|
46
|
Doytchinova I, Atanasova M, Valkova I, Stavrakov G, Philipova I, Zhivkova Z, Zheleva-Dimitrova D, Konstantinov S, Dimitrov I. Novel hits for acetylcholinesterase inhibition derived by docking-based screening on ZINC database. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2018; 33:768-776. [PMID: 29651876 PMCID: PMC6010092 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2018.1458031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) increases the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and symptomatically improves the affected cognitive function. In the present study, we searched for novel AChE inhibitors by docking-based virtual screening of the standard lead-like set of ZINC database containing more than 6 million small molecules using GOLD software. The top 10 best-scored hits were tested in vitro for AChE affinity, neurotoxicity, GIT and BBB permeability. The main pharmacokinetic parameters like volume of distribution, free fraction in plasma, total clearance, and half-life were predicted by previously derived models. Nine of the compounds bind to the enzyme with affinities from 0.517 to 0.735 µM, eight of them are non-toxic. All hits permeate GIT and BBB and bind extensively to plasma proteins. Most of them are low-clearance compounds. In total, seven of the 10 hits are promising for further lead optimisation. These are structures with ZINC IDs: 00220177, 44455618, 66142300, 71804814, 72065926, 96007907, and 97159977.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irini Doytchinova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Drug Design and Development Lab, Sofia Tech Park, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Iva Valkova
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Drug Design and Development Lab, Sofia Tech Park, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Stavrakov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Irena Philipova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry with Centre of Phytochemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | | | - Ivan Dimitrov
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tran L, Kaffy J, Ongeri S, Ha-Duong T. Binding Modes of a Glycopeptidomimetic Molecule on Aβ Protofibrils: Implication for Its Inhibition Mechanism. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2859-2869. [PMID: 30025208 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that a glycopeptidomimetic molecule significantly delays the fibrillization process of Aβ42 peptide involved in Alzheimer's disease. However, the binding mode of this compound, named 3β, was not determined at the atomic scale, hindering our understanding of its mechanism of action and impeding structure-based design of new inhibitors. In the present study, we performed molecular docking calculations and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the most probable structures of 3β complexed with Aβ protofibrils. Our results show that 3β preferentially binds to an area of the protofibril surface that coincides with the protofibril dimerization interface observed in the solid-state NMR structure 5KK3 from the PDB. Based on these observations, we propose a model of the inhibition mechanism of Aβ fibrillization by compound 3β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linh Tran
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Julia Kaffy
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sandrine Ongeri
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Tâp Ha-Duong
- BioCIS, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Giorgetti S, Greco C, Tortora P, Aprile FA. Targeting Amyloid Aggregation: An Overview of Strategies and Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2677. [PMID: 30205618 PMCID: PMC6164555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloids result from the aggregation of a set of diverse proteins, due to either specific mutations or promoting intra- or extra-cellular conditions. Structurally, they are rich in intermolecular β-sheets and are the causative agents of several diseases, both neurodegenerative and systemic. It is believed that the most toxic species are small aggregates, referred to as oligomers, rather than the final fibrillar assemblies. Their mechanisms of toxicity are mostly mediated by aberrant interactions with the cell membranes, with resulting derangement of membrane-related functions. Much effort is being exerted in the search for natural antiamyloid agents, and/or in the development of synthetic molecules. Actually, it is well documented that the prevention of amyloid aggregation results in several cytoprotective effects. Here, we portray the state of the art in the field. Several natural compounds are effective antiamyloid agents, notably tetracyclines and polyphenols. They are generally non-specific, as documented by their partially overlapping mechanisms and the capability to interfere with the aggregation of several unrelated proteins. Among rationally designed molecules, we mention the prominent examples of β-breakers peptides, whole antibodies and fragments thereof, and the special case of drugs with contrasting transthyretin aggregation. In this framework, we stress the pivotal role of the computational approaches. When combined with biophysical methods, in several cases they have helped clarify in detail the protein/drug modes of interaction, which makes it plausible that more effective drugs will be developed in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Giorgetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 3b, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Claudio Greco
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Paolo Tortora
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Milan Center for Neuroscience (Neuro-MI), 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesco Antonio Aprile
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Salveson PJ, Haerianardakani S, Thuy-Boun A, Yoo S, Kreutzer AG, Demeler B, Nowick JS. Repurposing Triphenylmethane Dyes to Bind to Trimers Derived from Aβ. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:11745-11754. [PMID: 30125493 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b06568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Soluble oligomers of the β-amyloid peptide, Aβ, are associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Although many small molecules bind to these assemblies, the details of how these molecules interact with Aβ oligomers remain unknown. This paper reports that crystal violet, and other C3 symmetric triphenylmethane dyes, bind to C3 symmetric trimers derived from Aβ17-36. Binding changes the color of the dyes from purple to blue, and causes them to fluoresce red when irradiated with green light. Job plot and analytical ultracentrifugation experiments reveal that two trimers complex with one dye molecule. Studies with several triphenylmethane dyes reveal that three N, N-dialkylamino substituents are required for complexation. Several mutant trimers, in which Phe19, Phe20, and Ile31 were mutated to cyclohexylalanine, valine, and cyclohexylglycine, were prepared to probe the triphenylmethane dye binding site. Size exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and X-ray crystallographic studies demonstrate that these mutations do not impact the structure or assembly of the triangular trimer. Fluorescence spectroscopy and analytical ultracentrifugation experiments reveal that the dye packs against an aromatic surface formed by the Phe20 side chains and is clasped by the Ile31 side chains. Docking and molecular modeling provide a working model of the complex in which the triphenylmethane dye is sandwiched between two triangular trimers. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the X-ray crystallographic structures of triangular trimers derived from Aβ can be used to guide the discovery of ligands that bind to soluble oligomers derived from Aβ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Salveson
- Department of Chemistry , University of California Irvine , Irvine , California 92697-2025 , United States
| | - Sepehr Haerianardakani
- Department of Chemistry , University of California Irvine , Irvine , California 92697-2025 , United States
| | - Alexander Thuy-Boun
- Department of Chemistry , University of California Irvine , Irvine , California 92697-2025 , United States
| | - Stan Yoo
- Department of Chemistry , University of California Irvine , Irvine , California 92697-2025 , United States
| | - Adam G Kreutzer
- Department of Chemistry , University of California Irvine , Irvine , California 92697-2025 , United States
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Texas Health Science Center , San Antonio , Texas 78229-3900 , United States
| | - James S Nowick
- Department of Chemistry , University of California Irvine , Irvine , California 92697-2025 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chemerovski-Glikman M, Mimouni M, Dagan Y, Haj E, Vainer I, Allon R, Blumenthal EZ, Adler-Abramovich L, Segal D, Gazit E, Zayit-Soudry S. Rosmarinic Acid Restores Complete Transparency of Sonicated Human Cataract Ex Vivo and Delays Cataract Formation In Vivo. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9341. [PMID: 29921877 PMCID: PMC6008418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27516-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataract, the leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, arises from abnormal aggregation of crystallin lens proteins. Presently, surgical removal is the only therapeutic approach. Recent findings have triggered renewed interest in development of non-surgical treatment alternatives. However, emerging treatments are yet to achieve full and consistent lens clearance. Here, the first ex vivo assay to screen for drug candidates that reduce human lenticular protein aggregation was developed. This assay allowed the identification of two leading compounds as facilitating the restoration of nearly-complete transparency of phacoemulsified cataractous preparation ex vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that both compounds reduce cataract microparticle size and modify their amyloid-like features. In vivo studies confirmed that the lead compound, rosmarinic acid, delays cataract formation and reduces the severity of lens opacification in model rats. Thus, the ex vivo assay may provide an initial platform for broad screening of potential novel therapeutic agents towards pharmacological treatment of cataract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Chemerovski-Glikman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Michael Mimouni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yarden Dagan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Esraa Haj
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Igor Vainer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Raviv Allon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eytan Z Blumenthal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Daniel Segal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol Interdisciplinary School of Neurosciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ehud Gazit
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Shiri Zayit-Soudry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|