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Van Lam van T, Ivanova T, Lindberg I, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Steinmetzer T, Hardes K. Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel fluorogenic substrates of the proprotein convertases furin, PC1/3, PC2, PC5/6, and PC7. Anal Biochem 2022; 655:114836. [PMID: 35964735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114836] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertases (PCs) are involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, making them promising drug targets. Most assays for PCs have been performed with few standard substrates, regardless of differences in cleavage efficiencies. Derived from studies on substrate-analogue inhibitors, 11 novel substrates were synthesized and characterized with five PCs. H-Arg-Arg-Tle-Lys-Arg-AMC is the most efficiently cleaved furin substrate based on its kcat/KM value. Due to its higher kcat value, acetyl-Arg-Arg-Tle-Arg-Arg-AMC was selected for further measurements to demonstrate the benefit of this improved substrate. Compared to our standard conditions, its use allowed a 10-fold reduction of the furin concentration, which enabled Ki value determinations of previously described tight-binding inhibitors under classical conditions. Under these circumstances, a slow-binding behavior was observed for the first time with inhibitor MI-1148. In addition to furin, four additional PCs were used to characterize these substrates. The most efficiently cleaved PC1/3 substrate was Ac-Arg-Arg-Arg-Tle-Lys-Arg-AMC. The highest kcat/KM values for PC2 and PC7 were found for the N-terminally unprotected analogue of this substrate, although other substrates possess higher kcat values. The highest efficiency for PC5/6A was observed for the substrate Ac-Arg-Arg-Tle-Lys-Arg-AMC. In summary, we have identified new substrates for furin, PC1/3, PC2, and PC7 suitable for improved enzyme-kinetic measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Van Lam van
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Teodora Ivanova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | | | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, D-35394, Giessen, Germany.
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Lee SN, Yoon JH. The Role of Proprotein Convertases in Upper Airway Remodeling. Mol Cells 2022; 45:353-361. [PMID: 35611689 PMCID: PMC9200660 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a multifactorial, heterogeneous disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa and tissue remodeling, which can include basal/progenitor cell hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, squamous cell metaplasia, loss or dysfunction of ciliated cells, and increased matrix deposition. Repeated injuries can stimulate airway epithelial cells to produce inflammatory mediators that activate epithelial cells, immune cells, or the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit. This persistent inflammation can consequently induce aberrant tissue remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms driving disease within the different molecular CRS subtypes remain inadequately characterized. Numerous secreted and cell surface proteins relevant to airway inflammation and remodeling are initially synthesized as inactive precursor proteins, including growth/differentiation factors and their associated receptors, enzymes, adhesion molecules, neuropeptides, and peptide hormones. Therefore, these precursor proteins require post-translational cleavage by proprotein convertases (PCs) to become fully functional. In this review, we summarize the roles of PCs in CRS-associated tissue remodeling and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PCs for CRS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Nam Lee
- The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Joo-Heon Yoon
- The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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3
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Chou CL, Chen TJ, Lin CY, Lee SW, Wang SC, Chu SS, Yang CC. PCSK1 Overexpression in Rectal Cancer Correlates with Poor Response to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy and Prognosis. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3141-3150. [PMID: 32346297 PMCID: PMC7167277 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s243750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a data mining search for potential therapeutic targets to improve the outcome of rectal cancer, we identified PCSK1 as the cell-cell signaling gene most significantly associated with poor response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). This study aims to investigate the prognostic value of PCSK1 expression in rectal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant CCRT. Methods Endoscopic biopsy specimens from 172 rectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant CCRT followed by curative surgery were assessed immunohistochemically for PCSK1 expression, and H-scores were determined. Expression levels of PCSK1 were further analyzed for correlations with clinicopathologic features, tumor regression grade, metastasis-free survival, disease-specific survival, and recurrence-free survival. Results PCKS1 overexpression was significantly associated with pretreatment tumor status (T3-4; p = 0.009), pretreatment nodal status (N1-2; p < 0.001), posttreatment tumor status (T3-4; p < 0.001), posttreatment nodal status (N1-2; p < 0.001), vascular invasion (p = 0.003), and perineurial invasion (p = 0.023). PCKS1 overexpression was also found to be significantly associated with a lower degree of tumor regression (p < 0.001). In the univariate analysis, PCSK1 overexpression was significantly associated with lower disease-specific survival, metastasis-free survival, and recurrence-free survival (p < 0.005). PCSK1 overexpression remained an independent prognostic factor of lower disease-specific survival (p = 0.003; hazard ratio, 5.478) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Determination of PCSK1 overexpression may be useful for identifying rectal cancer patients at risk for a poor response and worse survival after CCRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lin Chou
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ju Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Optometry, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Wei Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Sheng Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chieh Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
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Hardes K, Ivanova T, Thaa B, McInerney GM, Klokk TI, Sandvig K, Künzel S, Lindberg I, Steinmetzer T. Elongated and Shortened Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of the Proprotein Convertase Furin. ChemMedChem 2017; 12:613-620. [PMID: 28334511 PMCID: PMC5572662 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Novel elongated and shortened derivatives of the peptidomimetic furin inhibitor phenylacetyl-Arg-Val-Arg-4-amidinobenzylamide were synthesized. The most potent compounds, such as Nα (carbamidoyl)Arg-Arg-Val-Arg-4-amidinobenzylamide (Ki =6.2 pm), contain additional basic residues at the N terminus and inhibit furin in the low-picomolar range. Furthermore, to decrease the molecular weight of this inhibitor type, compounds that lack the P5 moiety were prepared. The best inhibitors of this series, 5-(guanidino)valeroyl-Val-Arg-4-amidinobenzylamide and its P3 tert-leucine analogue displayed Ki values of 2.50 and 1.26 nm, respectively. Selected inhibitors, together with our previously described 4-amidinobenzylamide derivatives as references, were tested in cell culture for their activity against furin-dependent infectious pathogens. The propagation of the alphaviruses Semliki Forest virus and chikungunya virus was strongly inhibited in the presence of selected derivatives. Moreover, a significant protective effect of the inhibitors against diphtheria toxin was observed. These results confirm that the inhibition of furin should be a promising approach for the short-term treatment of acute infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornelia Hardes
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Teodora Ivanova
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Bastian Thaa
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerald M. McInerney
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tove Irene Klokk
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, NO-0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Sandvig
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Montebello, NO-0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sebastian Künzel
- Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Hochschule Ansbach, Residenzstraße 8, D-91522 Ansbach, Germany
| | - Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
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Hoe E, Hegele RA. Lipid Management in Diabetes with a Focus on Emerging Therapies. Can J Diabetes 2016; 39 Suppl 5:S183-90. [PMID: 26653256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We reviewed the current and potential future management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes, with a focus on reduction of risk for macrovascular disease. We considered novel dyslipidemia therapies, in particular, inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), which have been approved in Canada for reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in certain patient groups. We searched for English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of lipid-lowering modalities, mainly since 2012, that included patients with diabetes. The results from some RCTs may have future impacts on the approach to patients with diabetes. In particular, ezetimibe added to statins in the context of acute coronary syndromes seems to have particular benefits in patients with diabetes. Also, patients with diabetes show no differences, so far, from patients without diabetes with respect to efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in LDL cholesterol reduction and also in the frequency of adverse effects. RCTs of clinical outcomes with PCSK9 inhibitors performed exclusively in patients with diabetes are desirable, but approval of these agents for use in Canada has occurred before the availability of such results. Clinicians will have to gauge whether certain subjects with diabetes might benefit from this therapy, such as those with superimposed familial dyslipidemia, those with recurrent cardiovascular events and recalcitrant LDL cholesterol levels despite maximally tolerated statin therapy and those with high cardiovascular risk who cannot tolerate any dose of statins.
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MESH Headings
- Combined Modality Therapy/adverse effects
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy
- Drug Therapy, Combination/adverse effects
- Drug Therapy, Combination/trends
- Drugs, Investigational/adverse effects
- Drugs, Investigational/therapeutic use
- Dyslipidemias/complications
- Dyslipidemias/prevention & control
- Humans
- Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/adverse effects
- Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Hypolipidemic Agents/adverse effects
- Hypolipidemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Practice Guidelines as Topic
- Precision Medicine
- Proprotein Convertase 9
- Proprotein Convertases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proprotein Convertases/metabolism
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
- Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism
- Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/adverse effects
- Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
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6
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Fittler H, Depp A, Avrutina O, Dahms SO, Than ME, Empting M, Kolmar H. Engineering a Constrained Peptidic Scaffold towards Potent and Selective Furin Inhibitors. Chembiochem 2015; 16:2441-4. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Fittler
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für organische und Biochemie; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Alarich-Weiss Strasse 4 64287 Darmstadt Germany
| | - Alexander Depp
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für organische und Biochemie; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Alarich-Weiss Strasse 4 64287 Darmstadt Germany
| | - Olga Avrutina
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für organische und Biochemie; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Alarich-Weiss Strasse 4 64287 Darmstadt Germany
| | - Sven O. Dahms
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI); Beutenbergstrasse 11 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Manuel E. Than
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research-Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI); Beutenbergstrasse 11 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS); Campus C2.3 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Clemens-Schöpf-Institut für organische und Biochemie; Technische Universität Darmstadt; Alarich-Weiss Strasse 4 64287 Darmstadt Germany
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7
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Kibirev VK. Synthesis, biological evaluation and docking of novel bisamidinohydrazones as NON-peptide inhibitors of furin. UKRAINIAN BIOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 2015. [DOI: 10.15407/ubj87.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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8
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Mbikay M, Sirois F, Simoes S, Mayne J, Chrétien M. Quercetin-3-glucoside increases low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression, attenuates proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) secretion, and stimulates LDL uptake by Huh7 human hepatocytes in culture. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 4:755-62. [PMID: 25349780 PMCID: PMC4208090 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin-3-glucoside can increase LDLR expression by hepatocytes. Quercetin-3-glucoside can reduce PCSK9 secretion by hepatocytes. Quercetin-3-glucoside can down regulate sortilin expression. Quercetin-3-glucoside can increase LDL uptake by hepatocytes. Quercetin-3-glucoside is a potential anti-cholesterolemic agent.
Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mediates hepatic clearance of plasma cholesterol; proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) opposes this clearance by promoting LDLR degradation. The plant flavonoid quercetin-3-β-d-glucoside (Q3G) has been shown to reduce hypercholesterolemia in experimental animals. Here, we examined how it affects LDLR and PCSK9 expression as well as LDL uptake by human Huh7 hepatocytes. At low micromolar concentrations, Q3G increased LDLR expression, reduced PCSK9 secretion, and stimulated LDL uptake. It also diminished intracellular sortilin, a sorting receptor known to facilitate PCSK9 secretion. Thus, as an LDLR inducer and a PCSK9 anti-secretagogue, Q3G may represent an effective anti-cholesterolemic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majambu Mbikay
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ; Laboratory of Functional Endoproteolysis, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francine Sirois
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ; Laboratory of Functional Endoproteolysis, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sonia Simoes
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janice Mayne
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michel Chrétien
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada ; Laboratory of Functional Endoproteolysis, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Mbikay M, Mayne J, Chrétien M. Proprotein convertases subtilisin/kexin type 9, an enzyme turned escort protein: hepatic and extra hepatic functions. J Diabetes 2013; 5:391-405. [PMID: 23714205 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein Convertases Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine endoproteinase. Biosynthesized as a zymogen, it cleaves itself once, and then turns into an escort protein for transmembrane proteins, leading them into lysosomes for degradation. It is primarily produced and secreted by the liver. It attaches to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) at the surface of hepatocytes and, after co-endocytosis, directs it into lysosomes where it is degraded. By downregulating LDLR, PCSK9 reduces hepatic clearance of LDL-cholesterol. Inborn or induced increase of this function causes hypercholesterolemia; its decrease causes hypocholesterolemia. This has been experimentally demonstrated ex vivo and in vivo, and corroborated by epidemiological studies associating PCSK9 genetic variations with plasma cholesterol levels. PCSK9 is now a proven target for inactivation in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and associated atherosclerosis. However, it is still uncertain whether its severe or complete inactivation, combined with other predispositions, will be without undesirable side-effects. Some experimental data suggest that PCSK9 could contribute positively to the physiology of non-hepatic cells such as pancreatic islets β cells, adipocytes and macrophages, protecting them from excessive lipid uptake, in an endocrine, autocrine, or paracrine manner. Genetic variations that attenuate PCSK9 anti-LDLR activity are common in human populations. Their evolutionary significance still needs to be evaluated on the background of environmental pressures, such as infectious diseases, cold weather and famine, which have threatened survival and reproduction in the course of human prehistory and history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majambu Mbikay
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario
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ZHU JINGJING, VAN DE VEN WIM, VERMORKEN ALPHONS. Polyphenols with indirect proprotein convertase inhibitory activity. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:947-55. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Differential effects of PCSK9 loss of function variants on serum lipid and PCSK9 levels in Caucasian and African Canadian populations. Lipids Health Dis 2013; 12:70. [PMID: 23663650 PMCID: PMC3661383 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-12-70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Variants of the secreted glycoprotein, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9), associate with both hypo- and hyper-cholesterolemic phenotypes. Herein, we carried out full exonic sequencing of PCSK9 documenting the frequency of single and multiple PCSK9 variations and their effects on serum lipoprotein and PCSK9 levels in Caucasian Canadians. METHODS The 12 exons of PCSK9 were sequenced in 207 unrelated Caucasian Canadians. Minor allele frequencies of PCSK9 variants were compared amongst LDL cholesterol (LDLC) quintiles. Serum PCSK9 levels were measured by ELISA and lipoproteins by enzymatic methods. Comparisons were made with a Caucasian family cohort (n=51) and first generation African Canadians (n=31). RESULTS In Caucasians, but not African Canadians, the c.61_63insCTG (denoted L10Ins) and A53V PCSK9 variations were linked and their frequency was significantly higher among Caucasian Canadians with LDLC levels in the <25th percentile. In both the unrelated and family Caucasian cohorts those carrying the L10A53V PCSK9 variant had significantly lower LDLC without reduction in plasma PCSK9. The I474V PCSK9 variant associated with significantly lower serum PCSK9 and LDLC. A novel PCSK9 variant was identified; E206K. We found that the frequency of multiple PCSK9 variations was higher in first generation African Canadians. CONCLUSIONS We showed that the L10A53V and I474V PCSK9 variants were significantly associated with lower LDLC levels in Caucasian Canadians but differed in their effect on serum PCSK9 concentrations, illuminating differences in their mechanism of inaction and indicating that that PCSK9 measurement alone may not always be a good indicator of PCSK9 function.Full exonic sequencing of PCSK9 pointed to factors that may contribute to L10Ins PCSK9 variant loss of function in Canadians of Caucasian but not those of African descent. These included; (1) its tight linkage with the A53V variant in Caucasians and/or (2) for both the L10 and I474V, the combined (and negating) effect of multiple, differing phenotypic PCSK9 variants within individuals of African ancestry for which combinations of PCSK9 variations and their overall frequency was higher. No population studies, to our knowledge, have addressed or accessed the effect of multiple PCSK9 variants on cholesterol profiles. Our results indicate that this should be considered.
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12
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Demidyuk IV, Shubin AV, Gasanov EV, Kurinov AM, Demkin VV, Vinogradova TV, Zinovyeva MV, Sass AV, Zborovskaya IB, Kostrov SV. Alterations in gene expression of proprotein convertases in human lung cancer have a limited number of scenarios. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55752. [PMID: 23409034 PMCID: PMC3567108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertases (PCs) is a protein family which includes nine highly specific subtilisin-like serine endopeptidases in mammals. The system of PCs is involved in carcinogenesis and levels of PC mRNAs alter in cancer, which suggests expression status of PCs as a possible marker for cancer typing and prognosis. The goal of this work was to assess the information value of expression profiling of PC genes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for the first time to analyze mRNA levels of all PC genes as well as matrix metalloproteinase genes MMP2 and MMP14, which are substrates of PCs, in 30 matched pairs of samples of human lung cancer tumor and adjacent tissues without pathology. Significant changes in the expression of PCs have been revealed in tumor tissues: increased FURIN mRNA level (p<0.00005) and decreased mRNA levels of PCSK2 (p<0.007), PCSK5 (p<0.0002), PCSK7 (p<0.002), PCSK9 (p<0.00008), and MBTPS1 (p<0.00004) as well as a tendency to increase in the level of PCSK1 mRNA. Four distinct groups of samples have been identified by cluster analysis of the expression patterns of PC genes in tumor vs. normal tissue. Three of these groups covering 80% of samples feature a strong elevation in the expression of a single gene in cancer: FURIN, PCSK1, or PCSK6. Thus, the changes in the expression of PC genes have a limited number of scenarios, which may reflect different pathways of tumor development and cryptic features of tumors. This finding allows to consider the mRNAs of PC genes as potentially important tumor markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya V Demidyuk
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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13
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Chrétien M. My road to Damascus: how I converted to the prohormone theory and the proprotein convertases. Biochem Cell Biol 2012. [PMID: 23194189 DOI: 10.1139/o2012-031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
My desire as a young endocrinologist to improve my clinical skills through a better knowledge of hormone chemistry led me to serendipitous discoveries and unexpected horizons. The first discovery, published in 1967, revealed that peptide hormones are derived from endoproteolytic cleavages of larger precursor polypeptides. It was the foundation of the prohormone theory. Initially thought to apply to a few hormones, the theory rapidly extended to many proteins, including neuropeptides, neurotrophins, growth and transcription factors, receptors, extracellular matrix proteins, bacterial toxins, and viral glycoproteins. Its endoproteolytic activation mechanism has become a fundamental cellular process, affecting many biological functions. It implied the existence of specific endoproteolytic enzymes. These proprotein convertases were discovered in 1990. They have been shown to play a wide range of important roles in health and disease. They have opened up novel therapeutic avenues. Inactivation of PCSK9 to reduce plasma cholesterol is currently the most promising. To make this good thing even better, I recently discovered in a French Canadian family a potent PCSK9 (Gln152His) mutation that significantly lowers plasma cholesterol and should confer cardiovascular longevity. The discovery helped me to complete the loop: "From the bedside to the bench and back to the bedside."
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Chrétien
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a secreted glycoprotein that promotes growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis) and lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis), and can induce remodeling of large lymphatics. VEGF-D enhances solid tumor growth and metastatic spread in animal models of cancer, and in some human cancers VEGF-D correlates with metastatic spread, poor patient outcome, and, potentially, with resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs. Hence, VEGF-D signaling is a potential target for novel anti-cancer therapeutics designed to enhance anti-angiogenic approaches and to restrict metastasis. In the cardiovascular system, delivery of VEGF-D in animal models enhanced angiogenesis and tissue perfusion, findings which have led to a range of clinical trials testing this protein for therapeutic angiogenesis in cardiovascular diseases. Despite these experimental and clinical developments, our knowledge of the signaling mechanisms driven by VEGF-D is still evolving--here we explore the biology of VEGF-D, its signaling mechanisms, and the clinical relevance of this growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Achen
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 1 Saint Andrews Place, Locked Bag 1, A'Beckett Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia.
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15
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Seidah NG, Prat A. The biology and therapeutic targeting of the proprotein convertases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2012; 11:367-83. [PMID: 22679642 DOI: 10.1038/nrd3699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 588] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian proprotein convertases constitute a family of nine secretory serine proteases that are related to bacterial subtilisin and yeast kexin. Seven of these (proprotein convertase 1 (PC1), PC2, furin, PC4, PC5, paired basic amino acid cleaving enzyme 4 (PACE4) and PC7) activate cellular and pathogenic precursor proteins by cleavage at single or paired basic residues, whereas subtilisin kexin isozyme 1 (SKI-1) and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) regulate cholesterol and/or lipid homeostasis via cleavage at non-basic residues or through induced degradation of receptors. Proprotein convertases are now considered to be attractive targets for the development of powerful novel therapeutics. In this Review, we summarize the physiological functions and pathological implications of the proprotein convertases, and discuss proposed strategies to control some of their activities, including their therapeutic application and validation in selected disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil G Seidah
- Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (affiliated to University of Montreal), 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada.
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16
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Becker GL, Lu Y, Hardes K, Strehlow B, Levesque C, Lindberg I, Sandvig K, Bakowsky U, Day R, Garten W, Steinmetzer T. Highly potent inhibitors of proprotein convertase furin as potential drugs for treatment of infectious diseases. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:21992-2003. [PMID: 22539349 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.332643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimization of our previously described peptidomimetic furin inhibitors was performed and yielded several analogs with a significantly improved activity. The most potent compounds containing an N-terminal 4- or 3-(guanidinomethyl)phenylacetyl residue inhibit furin with K(i) values of 16 and 8 pM, respectively. These analogs inhibit other proprotein convertases, such as PC1/3, PC4, PACE4, and PC5/6, with similar potency, whereas PC2, PC7, and trypsin-like serine proteases are poorly affected. Incubation of selected compounds with Madin-Darby canine kidney cells over a period of 96 h revealed that they exhibit great stability, making them suitable candidates for further studies in cell culture. Two of the most potent derivatives were used to inhibit the hemagglutinin cleavage and viral propagation of a highly pathogenic avian H7N1 influenza virus strain. The treatment with inhibitor 24 (4-(guanidinomethyl)phenylacetyl-Arg-Val-Arg-4-amidinobenzylamide) resulted in significantly delayed virus propagation compared with an inhibitor-free control. The same analog was also effective in inhibiting Shiga toxin activation in HEp-2 cells. This antiviral effect, as well as the protective effect against a bacterial toxin, suggests that inhibitors of furin or furin-like proprotein convertases could represent promising lead structures for future drug development, in particular for the treatment of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gero L Becker
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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17
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Ivarsson ME, Leroux JC, Castagner B. Targeting bacterial toxins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:4024-45. [PMID: 22441768 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201104384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein toxins constitute the main virulence factors of several species of bacteria and have proven to be attractive targets for drug development. Lead candidates that target bacterial toxins range from small molecules to polymeric binders, and act at each of the multiple steps in the process of toxin-mediated pathogenicity. Despite recent and significant advances in the field, a rationally designed drug that targets toxins has yet to reach the market. This Review presents the state of the art in bacterial toxin targeted drug development with a critical consideration of achieved breakthroughs and withstanding challenges. The discussion focuses on A-B-type protein toxins secreted by four species of bacteria, namely Clostridium difficile (toxins A and B), Vibrio cholerae (cholera toxin), enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (Shiga toxin), and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax toxin), which are the causative agents of diseases for which treatments need to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias E Ivarsson
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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19
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Couture F, D'Anjou F, Day R. On the cutting edge of proprotein convertase pharmacology: from molecular concepts to clinical applications. Biomol Concepts 2011; 2:421-438. [PMID: 22308173 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2011.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the therapeutic targeting of proteases for the treatment of important diseases. Additionally new protein-based therapeutic strategies have the potential to widen the available treatments against these pathologies. In the last decade, accumulated evidence has confirmed that the family of proteases known as proprotein convertases (PCs) are potential targets for viral infections, osteoarthritis, cancer and cardiovascular disease, among others. Nevertheless, there are still many unanswered questions about the relevance of targeting PCs in a therapeutic context, especially regarding the anticipated secondary effects of treatment, considering the observed embryonic lethality of some PC knockout mice. In this review, the benefits of PCs as pharmacological targets will be discussed, with focus on concepts and strategies, as well as on the state of advancement of actual and future inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Couture
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke J1H 5N4, Québec, Canada
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20
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Iamsaard S, Vanichviriyakit R, Hommalai G, Saewu A, Srakaew N, Withyachumnarnkul B, Basak A, Tanphaichitr N. Enzymatic activity of sperm proprotein convertase is important for mammalian fertilization. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:2817-26. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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21
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Zandberg WF, Benjannet S, Hamelin J, Pinto BM, Seidah NG. N-glycosylation controls trafficking, zymogen activation and substrate processing of proprotein convertases PC1/3 and subtilisin kexin isozyme-1. Glycobiology 2011; 21:1290-300. [PMID: 21527438 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwr060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited proteolysis of proteins by the proprotein convertases (PCs) is a common means of producing bioactive proteins or peptides. The PCs are associated with numerous human pathologies and their activity can be reduced through the use of specific inhibitors. Here, we demonstrate an alternative approach to inhibiting PCs by altering their N-glycosylation. Through site-directed mutagenesis, we show that the convertase PC1/3 contains two N-glycans, only one of which is critical for its prosegment cleavage. The exact structure of PC1/3 N-glycans does not significantly affect its zymogen activation within endocrine cells, but glycosylation of Asn(146) is critical. Processing of the PC1/3's substrate proopiomelanocortin (POMC) was used in a cell-based assay to screen a collection of 45 compounds structurally related to known glycosidase inhibitors. Two 5-thiomannose-containing disaccharide derivatives were discovered to block PC1/3 and POMC processing into the analgesic peptide β-endorphin. These compounds also reduced the zymogen activation of the convertase subtilisin kexin isozyme-1 (SKI-1), blocked the processing of its substrate the sterol regulatory element-binding protein SREBP-2 and altered its glycosylation. Thus, modification of PC glycosylation may also be a means of blocking their activity, an effect which, in the case of SKI-1, may be of possible therapeutic use since SREBP-2 regulates sterol levels including cholesterol biosynthesis and its metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley F Zandberg
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6
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22
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Stawowy P, Kappert K. The molecular biology of furin-like proprotein convertases in vascular remodelling. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 768:191-206. [PMID: 21805243 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-204-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration represent key features in atherosclerosis and restenosis. The proprotein convertases (PCs) furin and PC5 are highly expressed in human atheroma and are putatively involved in vascular lesion formation via the activation of precursor proteins, essential for cell proliferation and migration. In vitro assays have identified these PCs to govern cell functions via endoproteolytic cleavage of key substrates, including pro-integrins and pro-matrix metalloproteinases. In vivo gene expression studies of furin/PC5 and their substrates demonstrate their coordinated regulation in animal models of vascular remodelling and in human atherosclerotic lesions. Here we describe in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the function of furin/PC5 in VSMCs and in vascular lesion formation. In conjunction with the development of novel PC inhibitors, this should facilitate the development of new strategies targeting PCs in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Stawowy
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, D-13353, Berlin, Germany.
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In vitro assay for protease activity of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexins (PCSKs): an overall review of existing and new methodologies. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 768:127-53. [PMID: 21805240 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-204-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian proprotein convertase subtilisin kexins (PCSKs) previously called proprotein or prohormone convertases (PCs) are a family of Ca(+2)-dependent endoproteases in the subtilisin family. These proteolytic enzymes exert their many crucial physiological and biological functions in vivo via their ability to cleave larger inactive precursor proteins into their biologically active mature forms. This event takes place in a highly efficient and selective manner. Such actions of PCSKs either alone or in combination to cleave specific protein bonds are the hallmark events that not only define the normal functions and metabolism of the body but also may lead to a variety of diseases or disorders with associated conditions. These include among others, diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, reproduction abnormalities as well as viral bacterial infections. These conditions were the direct consequences of an enhanced level of enzymatic activity of one or more PCSKs except only PCSK9, whose protease activity in relation to its physiological substrate has yet to be characterized. Owing to this finding, a large number of research studies have been exclusively devoted to develop rapid, efficient and reliable in vitro methods for examining the protease activity of these enzymes. Several assays have been developed to monitor PCSK activity and these are widely used in chemical, biochemical, cellular and animal studies. This review will cover various methodologies and protocols that are currently available in the literature for PCSK activity assays. These include liquid phase methods using fluorogenic, chromogenic and intramolecularly quenched fluorescent substrates as well as a newly developed novel solid phase fluorescence method. This review will also highlight the usefulness of these methodologies and finally a comparative analysis has been made to examine their merits and demerits with some key examples.
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Abstract
When I became a physician and an endocrinologist in the early 1960s, peptide hormone sequencing was still in its infancy; it was also far removed from my immediate interests. Through chance encounters with prominent teachers and mentors, I later became increasingly convinced that elucidation of the primary sequence of peptide hormones is key to understanding their production as well as their functions in human health and disease. My interest for pituitary hormones led me to discover that the sequence of β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone was contained within that γ and β-lipotropins and could be released from the latter by limited endoproteolysis. This prohormone theory became the leitmotiv of my career as a clinician/scientist. Through serendipity and the efforts of many laboratories including mine, this theory has now been widely confirmed, extended to various precursor proteins and implicated in many diseases. It has led to our discovery of the proprotein convertases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Chrétien
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1Y 4E9.
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C2-Symmetric azobenzene-amino acid conjugates and their inhibition of Subtilisin Kexin Isozyme-1. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:3977-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.04.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2009] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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He Y, Wortmann A, Burke LJ, Reid JC, Adams MN, Abdul-Jabbar I, Quigley JP, Leduc R, Kirchhofer D, Hooper JD. Proteolysis-induced N-terminal ectodomain shedding of the integral membrane glycoprotein CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is accompanied by tyrosine phosphorylation of its C-terminal domain and recruitment of Src and PKCdelta. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:26162-73. [PMID: 20551327 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.096453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CUB-domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is an integral membrane glycoprotein with potential as a marker and therapeutic target for a number of cancers. Here we examine mechanisms regulating cellular processing of CDCP1. By analyzing cell lines exclusively passaged non-enzymatically and through use of a panel of protease inhibitors, we demonstrate that full-length 135 kDa CDCP1 is post-translationally processed in a range of cell lines by a mechanism involving serine protease activity, generating a C-terminal 70-kDa fragment. Immunopurification and N-terminal sequencing of this cell-retained fragment and detailed mutagenesis, show that proteolytic processing of CDCP1 occurs at two sites, Arg-368 and Lys-369. We show that the serine protease matriptase is an efficient, but not essential, cellular processor of CDCP1 at Arg-368. Importantly, we also demonstrate that proteolysis induces tyrosine phosphorylation of 70-kDa CDCP1 and recruitment of Src and PKCdelta to this fragment. In addition, Western blot and mass spectroscopy analyses show that an N-terminal 65-kDa CDCP1 ectodomain is shed intact from the cell surface. These data provide new insights into mechanisms regulating CDCP1 and suggest that the biological role of this protein and, potentially, its function in cancer, may be mediated by both 70-kDa cell retained and 65-kDa shed fragments, as well as the full-length 135-kDa protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowu He
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
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Furin targeted drug delivery for treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma in a mouse model. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10445. [PMID: 20454619 PMCID: PMC2862740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Improvement of treatment efficacy and decreased side effects through tumor-targeted drug delivery would be desirable. By panning with a phage-displayed cyclic random peptide library we selected a peptide with strong affinity for RMS in vitro and in vivo. The peptide minimal binding motif Arg-X-(Arg/Lys)(Arg/Lys) identified by alanine-scan, suggested the target receptor to be a proprotein convertase (PC). Expression profiling of all PCs in RMS biopsies and cell lines revealed consistent high expression levels for the membrane-bound furin and PC7. Direct binding of RMS-P3 peptide to furin was demonstrated by affinity chromatography and supported by activity and colocalization studies. Treatment of RMS in mice with doxorubicin coupled to the targeting peptide resulted in a two-fold increase in therapeutic efficacy compared to doxorubicin treatment alone. Our findings indicate surface-furin binding as novel mechanism for therapeutic cell penetration which needs to be further investigated. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that specific targeting of membrane-bound furin in tumors is possible for and suggests that RMS and other tumors might benefit from proprotein convertases targeted drug delivery.
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Basak A, Khatib AM, Mohottalage D, Basak S, Kolajova M, Bag SS, Basak A. A novel enediynyl peptide inhibitor of furin that blocks processing of proPDGF-A, B and proVEGF-C. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7700. [PMID: 19956642 PMCID: PMC2778948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 09/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Furin represents a crucial member of secretory mammalian subtilase, the Proprotein Convertase (PC) or Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin (PCSK) superfamily. It has been linked to cancer, tumorgenesis, viral and bacterial pathogenesis. As a result it is considered a major target for intervention of these diseases. Methodology/Principal Findings Herein, we report, for the first time, the synthesis and biological evaluation of a newly designed potent furin inhibitor that contains a highly reactive beta-turn inducing and radical generating “enediynyl amino acid” (Eda) moiety. “Eda” was inserted between P1 and P1′ residues of hfurin98–112 peptide, derived from the primary cleavage site of furin's own prodomain. The resulting hexadecapeptide derivative inhibited furin in vitro with IC50 ∼40 nM when measured against the fluorogenic substrate Boc-RVRR-MCA. It also inhibited furin-mediated cleavage of a fluorogenic peptide derived from hSARS-CoV spike protein with IC50 ∼193 nM. Additionally it also blocked furin-processing of growth factors proPDGF-A, B and VEGF-C that are linked to tumor genesis and cancer. Circular dichroism study showed that this inhibitor displayed a predominantly beta-turn structure while western blots confirmed its ability to protect furin protein from self degradation. Conclusion/Significance These findings imply its potential as a therapeutic agent for intervention of cancer and other furin-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajoy Basak
- Department of Biochemistry, Chronic Diseases Program, Regional Protein Chemistry Center, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottowa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which promotes degradation of hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), has a role in plasma cholesterol metabolism. Its gene is associated with the development of familial hypercholesterolemia. mRNA silencing or inhibition of PCSK9-induced degradation of LDLR may be used to treat this disease. OBJECTIVE/METHODS To summarize approaches proposed to reduce the levels of PCSK9 and/or its activity. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS mRNA knockdown approaches include the use of antisense oligonucleotides either as soluble phosphorothioates or locked nucleic acids and lipidoid nanoparticles embedded with small interfering RNAs. Passive immunization is also an option. Other strategies include inhibition of the zymogen activation of proPCSK9, or the interaction of PCSK9 with the EGF-A domain of the LDLR. The N-terminal prosegment and the C-terminal Cys-His rich domain (CHRD), are alternative targets. Annexin A2 specifically binds the CHRD and inhibits PCSK9 function, and Annexin A2 peptide mimics could pave the way for the development of novel PCSK9-inhibitory compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil G Seidah
- Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, Laboratory of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, 110 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC, H2W 1R7 Canada.
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