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Da A, Wu-Lu M, Dragelj J, Mroginski MA, Ebrahimi KH. Multi-structural molecular docking (MOD) combined with molecular dynamics reveal the structural requirements of designing broad-spectrum inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16387. [PMID: 37773489 PMCID: PMC10541870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
New variants of SARS-CoV-2 that can escape immune response continue to emerge. Consequently, there is an urgent demand to design small molecule therapeutics inhibiting viral entry to host cells to reduce infectivity rate. Despite numerous in silico and in situ studies, the structural requirement of designing viral-entry inhibitors effective against multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be described. Here we systematically screened the binding of various natural products (NPs) to six different SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) structures. We demonstrate that Multi-structural Molecular Docking (MOD) combined with molecular dynamics calculations allowed us to predict a vulnerable site of RBD and the structural requirement of ligands binding to this vulnerable site. We expect that our findings lay the foundation for in silico screening and identification of lead molecules to guide drug discovery into designing new broad-spectrum lead molecules to counter the threat of future variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Da
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Meritxell Wu-Lu
- Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jovan Dragelj
- Institute of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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2
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Mohamed FF, Anhlan D, Schöfbänker M, Schreiber A, Classen N, Hensel A, Hempel G, Scholz W, Kühn J, Hrincius ER, Ludwig S. Hypericum perforatum and Its Ingredients Hypericin and Pseudohypericin Demonstrate an Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:530. [PMID: 35631357 PMCID: PMC9146521 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For almost two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has constituted a major challenge to human health, particularly due to the lack of efficient antivirals to be used against the virus during routine treatment interventions. Multiple treatment options have been investigated for their potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products, such as plant extracts, may be a promising option, as they have shown an antiviral activity against other viruses in the past. Here, a quantified extract of Hypericum perforatum was tested and found to possess a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral potency of the extract could be attributed to the naphtodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin, in contrast to other tested ingredients of the plant material, which did not show any antiviral activity. Hypericum perforatum and its main active ingredient hypericin were also effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron). Concerning its mechanism of action, evidence was obtained that Hypericum perforatum and hypericin may hold a direct virus-blocking effect against SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Taken together, the presented data clearly emphasize the promising antiviral activity of Hypericum perforatum and its active ingredients against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakry F. Mohamed
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (F.F.M.); (D.A.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.R.H.)
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Sharkia, Egypt
| | - Darisuren Anhlan
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (F.F.M.); (D.A.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.R.H.)
| | - Michael Schöfbänker
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (F.F.M.); (D.A.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.R.H.)
| | - André Schreiber
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (F.F.M.); (D.A.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.R.H.)
| | - Nica Classen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (N.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Andreas Hensel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (N.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Georg Hempel
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany;
| | | | - Joachim Kühn
- Division of Clinical Virology, Institute of Virology, University Hospital Muenster, 48151 Muenster, Germany;
| | - Eike R. Hrincius
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (F.F.M.); (D.A.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.R.H.)
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany; (F.F.M.); (D.A.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (E.R.H.)
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3
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Importance of Hypericin-Bcl2 interactions for biological effects at subcellular levels. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2019; 28:38-52. [PMID: 31430575 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2019.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin (Hyp) is a naturally occurring compound used as photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy and diagnosis. Recently, we have shown that Hyp presence alone, without illumination, resulted in substantial biological effects at several sub-cellular levels. Hyp induced changes in cellular ultrastructure, mitochondria function and metabolism, and distribution of Bcl2 proteins in malignant and non-malignant cells. The molecular mechanisms that underlie Hyp light-independent effects are still elusive. We have hypothesized that Bcl2-Hyp interactions might be one possible mechanism. We performed molecular docking studies to determine the Hyp-Bcl2 interaction profile. Based on the interaction profiles small Bcl2 peptide segments were selected for further study. We designed small peptides corresponding to Bcl2 BH3 and BH1 domains and tested the binding of Hyp and Bcl2 known inhibitor, ABT263, to the peptides in computer modeling and in vitro binding studies. We employed endogenous tryptophan and tyrosine in the BH3 and BH1 peptides, respectively, and their fluorescent properties to show interaction with Hyp and ABT263. Overall, our results indicate that Hyp can interact with Bcl2 protein at its BH3-BH1 hydrophobic groove, and this interaction may trigger changes in intracellular distribution of Bcl2 proteins. In addition, our computer modeling results suggest that Hyp also interacts with other anti-apoptotic members of Bcl2 family similar to the known BH3 mimetics. Our findings are novel and might contribute to understanding Hyp light-independent effects. In addition, they may substantiate the therapeutic use of Hyp as a BH3 mimetic molecule to enhance other cancer treatments.
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4
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Valvassori SS, Borges C, Bavaresco DV, Varela RB, Resende WR, Peterle BR, Arent CO, Budni J, Quevedo J. Hypericum perforatum chronic treatment affects cognitive parameters and brain neurotrophic factor levels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 40:367-375. [PMID: 30110089 PMCID: PMC6899380 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of Hypericum perforatum (hypericum) on cognitive behavior and neurotrophic factor levels in the brain of male and female rats. Methods: Male and female Wistar rats were treated with hypericum or water during 28 days by gavage. The animals were then subjected to the open-field test, novel object recognition and step-down inhibitory avoidance test. Nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) levels were evaluated in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Results: Hypericum impaired the acquisition of short- and long-term aversive memory in male rats, evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test. Female rats had no immediate memory acquisition and decreased short-term memory acquisition in the inhibitory avoidance test. Hypericum also decreased the recognition index of male rats in the object recognition test. Female rats did not recognize the new object in either the short-term or the long-term memory tasks. Hypericum decreased BDNF in the hippocampus of male and female rats. Hypericum also decreased NGF in the hippocampus of female rats. Conclusions: The long-term administration of hypericum appears to cause significant cognitive impairment in rats, possibly through a reduction in the levels of neurotrophic factors. This effect was more expressive in females than in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira S Valvassori
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Cenita Borges
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniela V Bavaresco
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Roger B Varela
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Wilson R Resende
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Bruna R Peterle
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Laboratório de Sinalização Neural e Psicofarmacologia, PPGCS, UNASAU, UNESC, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Camila O Arent
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Josiane Budni
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCS), Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde (UNASAU), Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Sanna MD, Ghelardini C, Galeotti N. St. John's Wort Potentiates anti-Nociceptive Effects of Morphine in Mice Models of Neuropathic Pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2018; 18:1334-1343. [PMID: 27688309 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective In this study, we compared the efficacy of a combination of PKC-blocker St. John's Wort (SJW) and morphine in mice with painful antiretroviral (2,3-dideoxycitidine [ddC]) and chemotherapic (oxaliplatin) neuropathy. Methods Morphine (1 and 5 mg/Kg i.p.), SJW (1 and 5 mg/Kg o.s.), or their combination was administered by systemic injection, and antinociception was determined by using the hot and cold plate tests. Results Here we demonstrate the ability of SJW to relieve neuropathic pain in mice neuropathic models and a potentiation of morphine antinociception in thermal pain. The potentiating effect shown by SJW was not secondary to its antinociceptive activity as the increase of the morphine antinociceptive effect was produced at a dose (1mg/kg o.s.) devoid of any capability to modulate the pain threshold in neuropathic pain mice. Further examinations of the SJW main components revealed that hypericin was responsible for the potentiating properties whereas flavonoids were ineffective. Conclusions These results show that SJW has notable antinociceptive activity for both neuropathic pain models and could be used in neuropathic pain relief alone or in combination with morphine. These data support the utility of combination SJW/opioid therapy in pain management for antinociceptive efficacy by enhancing opioid analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Domenica Sanna
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Synergism between PKCδ regulators hypericin and rottlerin enhances apoptosis in U87 MG glioma cells after light stimulation. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2017; 18:267-274. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Misuth M, Joniova J, Belej D, Hrivnak S, Horvath D, Huntosova V. Estimation of PKCδ autophosphorylation in U87 MG glioma cells: combination of experimental, conceptual and numerical approaches. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2017; 10:423-432. [PMID: 27158772 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201500332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Golgi apparatus (GA) is a center for lipid metabolism and the final target of ceramide pathway, which may result in apoptosis. In this work localization of highly hydrophobic hypericin is followed by time-resolved imaging of NBDC6 (fluorescent ceramide) in U87 MG glioma cells. Decrease of NBDC6 fluorescence lifetimes in cells indicates that hypericin can also follow this pathway. It is known that both, ceramide and hypericin can significantly influence protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Western blotting analysis shows increase of PKCδ autophosphorylation at Ser645 (p(S645)PKCδ) in glioma cells incubated with 500 nM hypericin and confocal-fluorescence microscopy distinguishes p(S645)PKCδ localization between GA related compartments and nucleus. Experimental and numerical methods are combined to study p(S645)PKCδ in U87 MG cell line. Image processing based on conceptual qualitative description is combined with numerical treatment via simple exponential saturation model which describes redistribution of p(S645)PKCδ between nucleus and GA related compartments after hypericin administration. These results suggest, that numerical methods can significantly improve quantification of biomacromolecules (p(S645)PKCδ) directly from the fluorescence images and such obtained outputs are complementary if not equal to typical used methods in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matus Misuth
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University (UPJS) in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslava Joniova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University (UPJS) in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
- Laboratory of Organometallic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Station 6, Batiment de Chimie, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Belej
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University (UPJS) in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Hrivnak
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University (UPJS) in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Denis Horvath
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University (UPJS) in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntosova
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, P.J. Safarik University (UPJS) in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
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Misuth M, Joniova J, Horvath D, Dzurova L, Nichtova Z, Novotova M, Miskovsky P, Stroffekova K, Huntosova V. The flashlights on a distinct role of protein kinase C δ: Phosphorylation of regulatory and catalytic domain upon oxidative stress in glioma cells. Cell Signal 2017; 34:11-22. [PMID: 28237688 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme are considered to be aggressive high-grade tumors with poor prognosis for patient survival. Photodynamic therapy is one of the adjuvant therapies which has been used for glioblastoma multiforme during last decade. Hypericin, a photosensitizer, can be employed in this treatment. We have studied the effect of hypericin on PKCδ phosphorylation in U87 MG cells before and after light application. Hypericin increased PKCδ phosphorylation at tyrosine 155 in the regulatory domain and serine 645 in the catalytic domain. However, use of the light resulted in apoptosis, decreased phosphorylation of tyrosine 155 and enhanced serine 645. The PKCδ localization and phosphorylation of regulatory and catalytic domains were shown to play a distinct role in the anti-apoptotic response of glioma cells. We hypothesized that PKCδ phosphorylated at the regulatory domain is primarily present in the cytoplasm and in mitochondria before irradiation, and it may participate in Bcl-2 phosphorylation. After hypericin and light application, PKCδ phosphorylated at a regulatory domain which is in the nucleus. In contrast, PKCδ phosphorylated at the catalytic domain may be mostly active in the nucleus before irradiation, but active in the cytoplasm after the irradiation. In summary, light-induced oxidative stress significantly regulates PKCδ pro-survival and pro-apoptotic activity in glioma cells by its phosphorylation at serine 645 and tyrosine 155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matus Misuth
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Sciences, P. J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslava Joniova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Sciences, P. J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Denis Horvath
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Dzurova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Sciences, P. J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Nichtova
- Department of Muscle Cell Research, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Science, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Novotova
- Department of Muscle Cell Research, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Science, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Pavol Miskovsky
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia; SAFTRA Photonics Ltd., Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Stroffekova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Sciences, P. J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia; Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Huntosova
- Center for Interdisciplinary Biosciences, Faculty of Sciences, P.J. Safarik University in Kosice, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovakia.
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Hypericin in the Dark: Foe or Ally in Photodynamic Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8100093. [PMID: 27754424 PMCID: PMC5082383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) are, in most cases, administered systemically with preferential accumulation in malignant tissues; however, exposure of non-malignant tissues to PS may also be clinically relevant, when PS molecules affect the pro-apoptotic cascade without illumination. Hypericin (Hyp) as PS and its derivatives have long been studied, regarding their photodynamic and photocytotoxic characteristics. Hyp and its derivatives have displayed light-activated antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in many tumor cell lines without cytotoxicity in the dark. However, light-independent effects of Hyp have emerged. Contrary to the acclaimed Hyp minimal dark cytotoxicity and preferential accumulation in tumor cells, it was recently been shown that non-malignant and malignant cells uptake Hyp at a similar level. In addition, Hyp has displayed light-independent toxicity and anti-proliferative effects in a wide range of concentrations. There are multiple mechanisms underlying Hyp light-independent effects, and we are still missing many details about them. In this paper, we focus on Hyp light-independent effects at several sub-cellular levels—protein distribution and synthesis, organelle ultrastructure and function, and Hyp light-independent effects regarding reactive oxygen species (ROS). We summarize work from our laboratories and that of others to reveal an intricate network of the Hyp light-independent effects. We propose a schematic model of pro- and anti-apoptotic protein dynamics between cell organelles due to Hyp presence without illumination. Based on our model, Hyp can be explored as an adjuvant therapeutic drug in combination with chemo- or radiation cancer therapy.
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Joniova J, Misuth M, Sureau F, Miskovsky P, Nadova Z. Effect of PKCα expression on Bcl-2 phosphorylation and cell death by hypericin. Apoptosis 2015; 19:1779-92. [PMID: 25300800 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-014-1043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In order to explain the contribution of the protein kinase Cα (PKCα) in apoptosis induced by photo-activation of hypericin (Hyp), a small interfering RNA was used for post-transcriptional silencing of pkcα gene expression. We have evaluated the influence of Hyp photo-activation on cell death in non-transfected and transfected (PKCα(-)) human glioma cells (U-87 MG). No significant differences were detected in cell survival between non-transfected and transfected PKCα(-) cells. However, the type of cell death was notably affected by silencing the pkcα gene. Photo-activation of Hyp strongly induced apoptosis in non-transfected cells, but the level of necrotic cells in transfected PKCα(-) cells increased significantly. The differences in cell death after Hyp photo-activation are demonstrated by changes in: (i) reactive oxygen species production, (ii) Bcl-2 phosphorylation on Ser70 (pBcl-2(Ser70)), (iii) cellular distributions of pBcl-2(Ser70) and (iv) cellular distribution of endogenous anti-oxidant glutathione and its co-localization with mitochondria. In summary, we suggest that post-transcriptional silencing of the pkcα gene and the related decrease of PKCα level considerably affects the anti-apoptotic function and the anti-oxidant function of Bcl-2. This implies that PKCα, as Bcl-2 kinase, indirectly protects U-87 MG cells against oxidative stress and subsequent cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslava Joniova
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, University of Pavol Jozef Safarik, Jesenna 5, 041 54, Kosice, Slovak Republic
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The role of anti-apoptotic protein kinase Cα in response to hypericin photodynamic therapy in U-87 MG cells. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2014; 11:213-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Galeotti N, Farzad M, Bianchi E, Ghelardini C. PKC-Mediated Potentiation of Morphine Analgesia by St. John’s Wort in Rodents and Humans. J Pharmacol Sci 2014; 124:409-17. [DOI: 10.1254/jphs.13226fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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13
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Comas-Barceló J, Rodríguez-Amigo B, Abbruzzetti S, Rey-Puech PD, Agut M, Nonell S, Viappiani C. A self-assembled nanostructured material with photosensitising properties. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra42609b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Conner MT, Conner AC, Bland CE, Taylor LHJ, Brown JEP, Parri HR, Bill RM. Rapid aquaporin translocation regulates cellular water flow: mechanism of hypotonicity-induced subcellular localization of aquaporin 1 water channel. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:11516-25. [PMID: 22334691 PMCID: PMC3322852 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.329219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of cellular water flow is mediated by the aquaporin (AQP) family of membrane proteins. The structural features of the family and the mechanism of selective water passage through the AQP pore are established, but there remains a gap in our knowledge of how water transport is regulated. Two broad possibilities exist. One is controlling the passage of water through the AQP pore, but this only has been observed as a phenomenon in some plant and microbial AQPs. An alternative is controlling the number of AQPs in the cell membrane. Here, we describe a novel pathway in mammalian cells whereby a hypotonic stimulus directly induces intracellular calcium elevations through transient receptor potential channels, which trigger AQP1 translocation. This translocation, which has a direct role in cell volume regulation, occurs within 30 s and is dependent on calmodulin activation and phosphorylation of AQP1 at two threonine residues by protein kinase C. This direct mechanism provides a rationale for the changes in water transport that are required in response to constantly changing local cellular water availability. Moreover, because calcium is a pluripotent and ubiquitous second messenger in biological systems, the discovery of its role in the regulation of AQP translocation has ramifications for diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes, as well as providing an explanation for the rapid regulation of water flow that is necessary for cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Conner
- School of Life & Health Sciences and Aston Research Centre for Healthy Ageing, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom
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Cencic R, Galicia-Vázquez G, Pelletier J. Inhibitors of translation targeting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A. Methods Enzymol 2012; 511:437-61. [PMID: 22713332 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-396546-2.00020-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The RNA helicases eIF4AI and eIF4AII play key roles in recruiting ribosomes to mRNA templates during eukaryotic translation initiation. Small molecule inhibitors of eIF4AI and eIF4AII have been useful for chemically dissecting their role in translation in vitro and in vivo. Here, we describe a screen performed on a small focused library of kinase inhibitors to identify a novel helicase inhibitor. We describe assays that have been critical for characterizing novel RNA helicase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Cencic
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Toxicity and phototoxicity of Hypocrellin A on malignant human cell lines, evidence of a synergistic action of photodynamic therapy with Imatinib mesylate. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2010; 99:100-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2010.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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St. John's Wort constituents modulate P-glycoprotein transport activity at the blood-brain barrier. Pharm Res 2010; 27:811-22. [PMID: 20229133 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-010-0074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term signaling effects of St. John's Wort (SJW) extract and selected SJW constituents on the blood-brain barrier transporter P-glycoprotein and to describe the role of PKC in the signaling. METHODS Cultured porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCEC) and freshly isolated brain capillaries from pig were used as in vitro/ex vivo blood-brain barrier model. SJW modulation of P-glycoprotein function was studied in PBCEC using a calcein-AM uptake assay and in isolated pig brain capillaries using the fluorescent cyclosporine A derivative NBD-CSA and confocal microscopy. RESULTS SJW extract and the constituents hyperforin, hypericin, and quercetin decreased P-glycoprotein transport activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SJW extract and hyperforin directly inhibited P-glycoprotein activity, whereas hypericin and quercetin modulated transporter function through a mechanism involving protein kinase C. Quercetin at high concentrations decreased P-glycoprotein transport activity, but increased transporter function at low concentrations. This increase in P-glycoprotein activity was likely due to trafficking and membrane insertion of vesicles containing transporter protein. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new insights into the short-term interaction of SJW with P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier. They are of potential relevance given the wide use of SJW as OTC medication and the importance P-glycoprotein has for CNS therapy.
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Passalacqua M, Pedrazzi M, Sparatore B, Patrone M, Pontremoli S, Melloni E. Functional role of the charge at the T538 residue in the control of protein kinase Cθ. Arch Biochem Biophys 2009; 481:202-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2008.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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