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Wlodawer A, Dauter Z, Lubkowski J, Loch JI, Brzezinski D, Gilski M, Jaskolski M. Towards a dependable data set of structures for L-asparaginase research. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2024; 80:506-527. [PMID: 38935343 PMCID: PMC11220836 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798324005461] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Protein Data Bank (PDB) includes a carefully curated treasury of experimentally derived structural data on biological macromolecules and their various complexes. Such information is fundamental for a multitude of projects that involve large-scale data mining and/or detailed evaluation of individual structures of importance to chemistry, biology and, most of all, to medicine, where it provides the foundation for structure-based drug discovery. However, despite extensive validation mechanisms, it is almost inevitable that among the ∼215 000 entries there will occasionally be suboptimal or incorrect structure models. It is thus vital to apply careful verification procedures to those segments of the PDB that are of direct medicinal interest. Here, such an analysis was carried out for crystallographic models of L-asparaginases, enzymes that include approved drugs for the treatment of certain types of leukemia. The focus was on the adherence of the atomic coordinates to the rules of stereochemistry and their agreement with the experimental electron-density maps. Whereas the current clinical application of L-asparaginases is limited to two bacterial proteins and their chemical modifications, the field of investigations of such enzymes has expanded tremendously in recent years with the discovery of three entirely different structural classes and with numerous reports, not always quite reliable, of the anticancer properties of L-asparaginases of different origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Wlodawer
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteMarylandUSA
| | - Zbigniew Dauter
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteMarylandUSA
| | - Jacek Lubkowski
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteMarylandUSA
| | - Joanna I. Loch
- Department of Crystal Chemistry and Crystal Physics, Faculty of ChemistryJagiellonian UniversityCracowPoland
| | - Dariusz Brzezinski
- Institute of Computing SciencePoznan University of TechnologyPoznanPoland
| | - Miroslaw Gilski
- Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryPolish Academy of SciencesPoznanPoland
- Department of Crystallography, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mariusz Jaskolski
- Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryPolish Academy of SciencesPoznanPoland
- Department of Crystallography, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Fontes MG, Silva C, Roldán WH, Monteiro G. Exploring the potential of asparagine restriction in solid cancer treatment: recent discoveries, therapeutic implications, and challenges. Med Oncol 2024; 41:176. [PMID: 38879707 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02424-3] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid crucial for protein biosynthesis and function, and therefore cell maintenance and growth. Furthermore, this amino acid has an important role in regulating several metabolic pathways, such as tricarboxylic acid cycle and the urea cycle. When compared to normal cells, tumor cells typically present a higher demand for asparagine, making it a compelling target for therapy. In this review article, we investigate different facets of asparagine bioavailability intricate role in malignant tumors raised from solid organs. We take a comprehensive look at asparagine synthetase expression and regulation in cancer, including the impact on tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, we explore asparagine depletion through L-asparaginase as a potential therapeutic method for aggressive solid tumors, approaching different formulations of the enzyme and combinatory therapies. In summary, here we delve into studies about endogenous and exogenous asparagine availability in solid cancers, analyzing therapeutic implications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gabriel Fontes
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Silva
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Henry Roldán
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Zhou Y, Shen J, Chi H, Zhu X, Lu Z, Lu F, Zhu P. Rational engineering and insight for a L-glutaminase activity reduced type II L-asparaginase from Bacillus licheniformis and its antileukemic activity in vitro. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 257:128690. [PMID: 38092107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128690] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Type II L-asparaginase (ASNase) has been approved by the FDA for treating acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), but its therapeutic effect is limited by low catalytic efficiency and L-glutaminase (L-Gln) activity. This study utilized free energy based molecular dynamics calculations to identify residues associated with substrate binding in Bacillus licheniformis L-asparaginase II (BLASNase) with high catalytical activity. After saturation and combination mutagenesis, the mutant LGT (74 L/75G/111 T) with intensively reduced l-glutamine catalytic activity was generated. The l-glutamine/L-asparagine activity (L-Gln/L-Asn) of LGT was only 6.6 % of parent BLASNase, whereas the L-asparagine (L-Asn) activity was preserved >90 %. Furthermore, structural comparison and molecular dynamics calculations indicated that the mutant LGT had reduced binding ability and affinity towards l-glutamine. To evaluate its effect on acute leukemic cells, LGT was supplied in treating MOLT-4 cells. The experimental results demonstrated that LGT was more cytotoxic and promoted apoptosis compared with commercial Escherichia coli ASNase. Overall, our findings firstly provide insights into reducing l-glutamine activity without impacting L-asparagine activity for BLASNase to possess remarkable potential for anti-leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Juan Shen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Huibing Chi
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhaoxin Lu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Fengxia Lu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Ping Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Shishparenok AN, Gladilina YA, Zhdanov DD. Engineering and Expression Strategies for Optimization of L-Asparaginase Development and Production. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15220. [PMID: 37894901 PMCID: PMC10607044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering for heterologous expression has advanced in recent years. Model systems such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pichia pastoris are often used as host microorganisms for the enzymatic production of L-asparaginase, an enzyme widely used in the clinic for the treatment of leukemia and in bakeries for the reduction of acrylamide. Newly developed recombinant L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) may have a low affinity for asparagine, reduced catalytic activity, low stability, and increased glutaminase activity or immunogenicity. Some successful commercial preparations of L-ASNase are now available. Therefore, obtaining novel L-ASNases with improved properties suitable for food or clinical applications remains a challenge. The combination of rational design and/or directed evolution and heterologous expression has been used to create enzymes with desired characteristics. Computer design, combined with other methods, could make it possible to generate mutant libraries of novel L-ASNases without costly and time-consuming efforts. In this review, we summarize the strategies and approaches for obtaining and developing L-ASNase with improved properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya N. Shishparenok
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.)
| | - Yulia A. Gladilina
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.)
| | - Dmitry D. Zhdanov
- Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya St. 10/8, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.S.); (Y.A.G.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University), Miklukho—Maklaya St. 6, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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Tong WH, Rizzari C. Back to the future: the amazing journey of the therapeutic anti-leukemia enzyme asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi. Haematologica 2023; 108:2606-2615. [PMID: 37470157 PMCID: PMC10542841 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
For several decades, asparaginase has been considered world-wide as an essential component of combination chemotherapy for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Discovered over 60 years ago, two main unmanipulated asparaginase products originated from primary bacteria sources, namely Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi, have been available for clinical use. A pegylated product of the Escherichia coli asparaginase was subsequently developed and is now the main product used by several international co-operative groups. The various asparaginase products all display the same mechanism of action (hydrolysis of circulating asparagine) and are associated with similar efficacy and toxicity patterns. However, their different pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunological properties require distinctive modalities of application and monitoring. Erwinia chrysanthemi asparaginase was initially used as a first-line product, but subsequently became a preferred second-line product for children who experienced immunological reactions to the Escherichia coli asparaginase products. An asparaginase product displaying the same characteristics of the Erwinia chrysanthemi asparaginase has recently been produced by use of recombinant technology, thus securing a preparation available for use as an alternative, or as a back-up in case of shortages, for the non-recombinant product. The long journey of the Erwinia chrysanthemi asparaginase product as it has developed throughout the last several decades has made it possible for almost every child and adult with ALL to complete the asparaginase-based protocol treatment when an immunological reaction has occurred to any Escherichia coli asparaginase product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing H Tong
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care (PHEG), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Argos Zorggroep "DrieMaasStede", Center for Specialized Geriatric Care, Schiedam.
| | - Carmelo Rizzari
- Department of Pediatrics, Foundation IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca
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杨 扬, 范 典, 郑 博, 周 圣. [Latest Findings on the Function of Immune Metabolism in Tumor Immunity]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2023; 54:497-504. [PMID: 37248574 PMCID: PMC10475430 DOI: 10.12182/20230560304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming, an important hallmark of cancer, helps cancer achieve rapid proliferation. Metabolic changes in tumors regulate multiple metabolic pathways of immune cells, thereby suppressing antitumor immunity. Recent studies have been focused on in-depth investigation into the changes in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids. Researchers have also conducted in-depth exploration of the interactive metabolic regulation of tumor cells and immune cells. Targeting various metabolic mechanisms while combining available anti-tumor therapies and enhancing the anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy by satisfying the metabolic demands of immune cells has offered new perspectives for therapies targeting the immune metabolism of tumors and enhancing anti-tumor immune responses. Studies on novel immune checkpoint molecules and cellular immunotherapies are also ongoing. Herein, we reviewed the latest findings on the mechanisms of immune metabolism underlying tumor immunosuppression and their application in immunotherapy. We also suggested some ideas for the future development of the regulation of immune metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- 扬 杨
- 四川大学华西第二医院 妇产科 (成都 610041)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 典 范
- 四川大学华西第二医院 妇产科 (成都 610041)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 博豪 郑
- 四川大学华西第二医院 妇产科 (成都 610041)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 圣涛 周
- 四川大学华西第二医院 妇产科 (成都 610041)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- 出生缺陷与相关妇儿疾病教育部重点实验室(四川大学) (成都 610041)Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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