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Tao Z, Zhao X, Wang H, Zhang J, Jiang G, Yu B, Chen Y, Zhu M, Long J, Yin L, Zhang X, Liu M, He L. A method for rapid nanobody screening with no bias of the library diversity. iScience 2024; 27:108966. [PMID: 38327779 PMCID: PMC10847680 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanobody, referred to the variable domain of heavy-chain-only antibodies, has several advantages such as small size and feasible Escherichia coli expression, making them promising for scientific research and therapies. Conventional nanobody screening and expression methods often suffer from the need for subcloning into expression vectors and amplification-induced diversity loss. Here, we developed an integrated method for simultaneous screening and expression. Nanobody libraries were cloned and secretly expressed in the culture medium. Target-specific nanobodies were isolated through 1-3 rounds of dilution and regrowth following the Poisson distribution. This ensured no dismissal of positive clones, with populations of positive clones increasing over 10-fold in each dilution round. Ultimately, we isolated 5 nanobodies against death domain receptor 5 and 5 against Pyrococcus furiosus DNA polymerase directly from their immunized libraries. Notably, our approach enables nanobody screening without specialized instruments, demonstrating broad applicability in routine monoclonal nanobody production for diverse biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
- Qinhe Life Science Ltd, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Huan Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Guosheng Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yihao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingjun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junli Long
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Department of Clinical Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430072, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Optics Valley Laboratory, Hubei 430074, China
| | - Lichun He
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Van Campenhout R, De Groof TWM, Kadam P, Kwak BR, Muyldermans S, Devoogdt N, Vinken M. Nanobody-based pannexin1 channel inhibitors reduce inflammation in acute liver injury. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:371. [PMID: 37821897 PMCID: PMC10566086 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02137-1] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opening of pannexin1 channels is considered as a key event in inflammation. Pannexin1 channel-mediated release of adenosine triphosphate triggers inflammasome signaling and activation of immune cells. By doing so, pannexin1 channels play an important role in several inflammatory diseases. Although pannexin1 channel inhibition could represent a novel clinical strategy for treatment of inflammatory disorders, therapeutic pannexin1 channel targeting is impeded by the lack of specific, potent and/or in vivo-applicable inhibitors. The goal of this study is to generate nanobody-based inhibitors of pannexin1 channels. RESULTS Pannexin1-targeting nanobodies were developed as potential new pannexin1 channel inhibitors. We identified 3 cross-reactive nanobodies that showed affinity for both murine and human pannexin1 proteins. Flow cytometry experiments revealed binding capacities in the nanomolar range. Moreover, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies were found to block pannexin1 channel-mediated release of adenosine triphosphate. The pannexin1-targeting nanobodies were also demonstrated to display anti-inflammatory effects in vitro through reduction of interleukin 1 beta amounts. This anti-inflammatory outcome was reproduced in vivo using a human-relevant mouse model of acute liver disease relying on acetaminophen overdosing. More specifically, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies lowered serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and diminished liver damage. These effects were linked with alteration of the expression of several NLRP3 inflammasome components. CONCLUSIONS This study introduced for the first time specific, potent and in vivo-applicable nanobody-based inhibitors of pannexin1 channels. As demonstrated for the case of liver disease, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies hold great promise as anti-inflammatory agents, yet this should be further tested for extrahepatic inflammatory disorders. Moreover, the pannexin1-targeting nanobodies represent novel tools for fundamental research regarding the role of pannexin1 channels in pathological and physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Center for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Bioengineering Sciences Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Molecular Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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Van Campenhout R, Caufriez A, Tabernilla A, Maerten A, De Boever S, Sanz-Serrano J, Kadam P, Vinken M. Pannexin1 channels in the liver: an open enemy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1220405. [PMID: 37492223 PMCID: PMC10363690 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1220405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexin1 proteins form communication channels at the cell plasma membrane surface, which allow the transfer of small molecules and ions between the intracellular compartment and extracellular environment. In this way, pannexin1 channels play an important role in various cellular processes and diseases. Indeed, a plethora of human pathologies is associated with the activation of pannexin1 channels. The present paper reviews and summarizes the structure, life cycle, regulation and (patho)physiological roles of pannexin1 channels, with a particular focus on the relevance of pannexin1 channels in liver diseases.
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De Pauw T, De Mey L, Debacker JM, Raes G, Van Ginderachter JA, De Groof TWM, Devoogdt N. Current status and future expectations of nanobodies in oncology trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:705-721. [PMID: 37638538 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2249814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized personalized medicine for cancer in recent decades. Despite their broad application in oncology, their large size and complexity may interfere with successful tumor targeting for certain applications of cancer diagnosis and therapy. Nanobodies have unique structural and pharmacological features compared to monoclonal antibodies and have successfully been used as complementary anti-cancer diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools. AREAS COVERED Here, an overview is given of the nanobody-based diagnostics and therapeutics that have been or are currently being tested in oncological clinical trials. Furthermore, preclinical developments, which are likely to be translated into the clinic in the near future, are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Overall, the presented studies show the application potential of nanobodies in the field of oncology, making it likely that more nanobodies will be clinically approved in the upcoming future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa De Pauw
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lynn De Mey
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jens M Debacker
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W M De Groof
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Kendrick JS, Webber C. One small step in time, one giant leap for DMPK kind - A CRO perspective of the evolving core discipline of drug development. Xenobiotica 2022; 52:797-810. [PMID: 36097976 DOI: 10.1080/00498254.2022.2124389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
As the Space Race or Formula 1 drives innovation, efficiency and progress in home technology and home car markets, so Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) drives scientific innovation and value for drug development companies. Stand still and fall behind as the saying goes, and these analogies are true as much in the design and conduct of DMPK studies as they are in technology and manufacturing sectors.This short review showcases the impact that DMPK has had on drug development and how it has changed in the last 10 years, illustrating the value added scientific benefit, cost and time saving, that innovative DMPK program design and study conduct have. Examples and case studies spanning novel in vitro alternatives such as organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) developments; use of in vivo microsampling across small and large animal species; to how challenging historical paradigms in Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME) studies; and embracing new technologies to address regulatory concerns, are presented.The continual pace of change has kept DMPK at the core of pharmaceutical, crop and chemical evaluation, and this is set to continue as regulators use this discipline to inform decision making. With new modalities and new scientific questions, DMPK will continue to evolve, with the likes of new in vitro, in vivo and in silico models becoming central to candidate selection and progression.
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Zucker E, Burd I. P2X7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target for perinatal brain injury associated with preterm birth. Exp Neurol 2022; 357:114207. [PMID: 35985555 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation-induced preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and long-term sequelae in surviving children. IL-1β is a major contributor to inflammation-induced preterm labor and its sequelae. It has recently been demonstrated that the cytokine storm and its progression depend on IL-1β release into circulation and that the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is the key player of the ATP-driven NLRP3/caspase-1 activation, necessary for the cleavage of pro-IL-1β to its mature form as well as its subsequent secretion. Being a key component to the inflammatory cascade, P2X7R illuminates a new therapeutic avenue to halt progression of inflammation prior to perinatal brain injury. In this review, we summarize the basic role of the P2X7 receptor in the inflammatory signaling cascade and the possibility of it being used as a therapeutic target in perinatal brain injury. We discuss the antagonists and agonists of the receptor as well as its role in other inflammatory diseases, showing the importance of discovering the functions of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Zucker
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Yan R, Zhou H, Zheng X, Zhang X. RNA-seq analysis of green tea polyphenols modulation of differently expressed genes in Enterococcus faecalis under low pH. Lett Appl Microbiol 2022; 74:970-980. [PMID: 35247280 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13686] [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: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a resident bacterium in the host. The increase of internal stress like low pH may affect the biological effects of E. faecalis. The prebiotic-like function of tea polyphenols can enhance the beneficial effects of its tolerance to environmental stress. In this study, RNA-sequence analysis was used to explore the protective effect of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on E. faecalis under low pH stress. A total of 28 genes were found to be responsive to GTP under low pH stress, including 16 up-regulated and 12 down-regulated. GTP intervention can partly relieve some undesired negative influences, such as the down-regulation of the base excision repair gene and amino acid transport and metabolism gene. The significantly changes were associated with selenocompound metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis after the intervention of GTP. The present study provided new insights into the growth and continuous adaptation of E. faecalis under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Yan
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Xiaojie Zheng
- Department of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Wenzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou, 325006, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, P.R. China
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Abbas G, Pandey G, Singh KB, Gautam N. One-Pot Surface Modification of β-Cu 2O NPs for Biocatalytic Performance against A-549 Lung Carcinoma Cell Lines through Docking Analysis. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:29380-29393. [PMID: 34778611 PMCID: PMC8581973 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The physicochemical approaches and biological principles in bio-nanotechnology favor specially functionalized nanosized particles. Cuprous oxide nanoparticles (β-Cu2O NPs) of cuprite phase with a little tenorite (CuO) may be very effective in the development of novel therapeutic approaches against several fatalities including A-549 lung carcinoma cell lines. Consequently, the synthesis of β-Cu2O NPs for the improvement in the therapeutic index and drug delivery application is becoming an effective strategy in conventional anticarcinoma treatment. Hence, surface-enhanced nanosized spherical cuprous oxide nanoparticles (β-Cu2O NPs) of cuprite phase were successfully prepared using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as an amphiphilic nonionic surfactant and l-ascorbic acid (K3[Cu(Cl5)]@LAA-PEG) reduced to cuprites β-Cu2O NPs via the sonochemical route. Less improved toxicity and better solubility of β-Cu2O NPs compared with Axitinib were a major reason for producing β-Cu2O NPs from K3[Cu(Cl5)]@LAA-PEG (LAA, l-ascorbic acid, PEG, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)). These nanoparticle syntheses have been suggested to influence their cytotoxicity, free-radical scavenging analysis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and l-ascorbic acid (LAA) as coated and grafted materials due to their dose-dependent nature and IC50 calculations. The surface morphology of the formed β-Cu2O NPs has been examined via UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy diffraction scattering spectroscopy (SEM@EDS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis results confirm the presence of pure cuprite with a very little amount of tenorite (CuO) phase, Dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirms the negative ζ-value with stable nature. Docking was performed using PDB of lung carcinomas and others, as rigid receptors, whereas the β-Cu2O NP cluster was treated as a flexible ligand.
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Orlando M, Fortuna S, Oloketuyi S, Bajc G, Goldenzweig A, de Marco A. CDR1 Composition Can Affect Nanobody Recombinant Expression Yields. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091362. [PMID: 34572576 PMCID: PMC8465892 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The isolation of nanobodies from pre-immune libraries by means of biopanning is a straightforward process. Nevertheless, the recovered candidates often require optimization to improve some of their biophysical characteristics. In principle, CDRs are not mutated because they are likely to be part of the antibody paratope, but in this work, we describe a mutagenesis strategy that specifically addresses CDR1. Its sequence was identified as an instability hot spot by the PROSS program, and the available structural information indicated that four CDR1 residues bound directly to the antigen. We therefore modified the loop flexibility with the addition of an extra glycine rather than by mutating single amino acids. This approach significantly increased the nanobody yields but traded-off with moderate affinity loss. Accurate modeling coupled with atomistic molecular dynamics simulations enabled the modifications induced by the glycine insertion and the rationale behind the engineering design to be described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Orlando
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Sara Fortuna
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via L. Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Sandra Oloketuyi
- Lab of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska cesta 13, Rožna Dolina, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia;
| | - Gregor Bajc
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Adi Goldenzweig
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel;
| | - Ario de Marco
- Lab of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska cesta 13, Rožna Dolina, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-(05)-3315295
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Ruiz-López E, Schuhmacher AJ. Transportation of Single-Domain Antibodies through the Blood-Brain Barrier. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081131. [PMID: 34439797 PMCID: PMC8394617 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies derive from the heavy-chain-only antibodies of Camelidae (camel, dromedary, llama, alpaca, vicuñas, and guananos; i.e., nanobodies) and cartilaginous fishes (i.e., VNARs). Their small size, antigen specificity, plasticity, and potential to recognize unique conformational epitopes represent a diagnostic and therapeutic opportunity for many central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. However, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) poses a challenge for their delivery into the brain parenchyma. Nevertheless, numerous neurological diseases and brain pathologies, including cancer, result in BBB leakiness favoring single-domain antibodies uptake into the CNS. Some single-domain antibodies have been reported to naturally cross the BBB. In addition, different strategies and methods to deliver both nanobodies and VNARs into the brain parenchyma can be exploited when the BBB is intact. These include device-based and physicochemical disruption of the BBB, receptor and adsorptive-mediated transcytosis, somatic gene transfer, and the use of carriers/shuttles such as cell-penetrating peptides, liposomes, extracellular vesicles, and nanoparticles. Approaches based on single-domain antibodies are reaching the clinic for other diseases. Several tailoring methods can be followed to favor the transport of nanobodies and VNARs to the CNS, avoiding the limitations imposed by the BBB to fulfill their therapeutic, diagnostic, and theragnostic promises for the benefit of patients suffering from CNS pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ruiz-López
- Molecular Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Alberto J. Schuhmacher
- Molecular Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Fundación Aragonesa para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (ARAID), 500018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Kumar S, Athreya A, Gulati A, Nair RM, Mahendran I, Ranjan R, Penmatsa A. Structural basis of inhibition of a transporter from Staphylococcus aureus, NorC, through a single-domain camelid antibody. Commun Biol 2021; 4:836. [PMID: 34226658 PMCID: PMC8257674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transporters play vital roles in acquiring antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we report the X-ray structure of NorC, a 14-transmembrane major facilitator superfamily member that is implicated in fluoroquinolone resistance in drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, at a resolution of 3.6 Å. The NorC structure was determined in complex with a single-domain camelid antibody that interacts at the extracellular face of the transporter and stabilizes it in an outward-open conformation. The complementarity determining regions of the antibody enter and block solvent access to the interior of the vestibule, thereby inhibiting alternating-access. NorC specifically interacts with an organic cation, tetraphenylphosphonium, although it does not demonstrate an ability to transport it. The interaction is compromised in the presence of NorC-antibody complex, consequently establishing a strategy to detect and block NorC and related transporters through the use of single-domain camelid antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Kumar
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Arunabh Athreya
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ashutosh Gulati
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rahul Mony Nair
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ithayaraja Mahendran
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Structural Parasitology Lab, International Centre for Genetic engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Ranjan
- Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Research Centre of Camel (NRCC), Bikaner, India
| | - Aravind Penmatsa
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
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Van Campenhout R, Gomes AR, De Groof TW, Muyldermans S, Devoogdt N, Vinken M. Mechanisms Underlying Connexin Hemichannel Activation in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073503. [PMID: 33800706 PMCID: PMC8036530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions and connexin hemichannels mediate intercellular and extracellular communication, respectively. While gap junctions are seen as the “good guys” by controlling homeostasis, connexin hemichannels are considered as the “bad guys”, as their activation is associated with the onset and dissemination of disease. Open connexin hemichannels indeed mediate the transport of messengers between the cytosol and extracellular environment and, by doing so, fuel inflammation and cell death in a plethora of diseases. The present mini-review discusses the mechanisms involved in the activation of connexin hemichannels during pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Ana Rita Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.W.M.D.G.); (N.D.)
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.W.M.D.G.); (N.D.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (A.R.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-4774587
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