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Pepelnjak M, Rogawski R, Arkind G, Leushkin Y, Fainer I, Ben-Nissan G, Picotti P, Sharon M. Systematic identification of 20S proteasome substrates. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:403-427. [PMID: 38287148 PMCID: PMC10987551 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00015-y] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
For years, proteasomal degradation was predominantly attributed to the ubiquitin-26S proteasome pathway. However, it is now evident that the core 20S proteasome can independently target proteins for degradation. With approximately half of the cellular proteasomes comprising free 20S complexes, this degradation mechanism is not rare. Identifying 20S-specific substrates is challenging due to the dual-targeting of some proteins to either 20S or 26S proteasomes and the non-specificity of proteasome inhibitors. Consequently, knowledge of 20S proteasome substrates relies on limited hypothesis-driven studies. To comprehensively explore 20S proteasome substrates, we employed advanced mass spectrometry, along with biochemical and cellular analyses. This systematic approach revealed hundreds of 20S proteasome substrates, including proteins undergoing specific N- or C-terminal cleavage, possibly for regulation. Notably, these substrates were enriched in RNA- and DNA-binding proteins with intrinsically disordered regions, often found in the nucleus and stress granules. Under cellular stress, we observed reduced proteolytic activity in oxidized proteasomes, with oxidized protein substrates exhibiting higher structural disorder compared to unmodified proteins. Overall, our study illuminates the nature of 20S substrates, offering crucial insights into 20S proteasome biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Pepelnjak
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rivkah Rogawski
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Galina Arkind
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Yegor Leushkin
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Irit Fainer
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Gili Ben-Nissan
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Paola Picotti
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michal Sharon
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
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2
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Schrader M, Fricker LD. Current Challenges and Future Directions in Peptidomics. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:485-498. [PMID: 38549031 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_26] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The field of peptidomics has been under development since its start more than 20 years ago. In this chapter we provide a personal outlook for future directions in this field. The applications of peptidomics technologies are spreading more and more from classical research of peptide hormones and neuropeptides towards commercial applications in plant and food-science. Many clinical applications have been developed to analyze the complexity of biofluids, which are being addressed with new instrumentation, automization, and data processing. Additionally, the newly developed field of immunopeptidomics is showing promise for cancer therapies. In conclusion, peptidomics will continue delivering important information in classical fields like neuropeptides and peptide hormones, benefiting from improvements in state-of-the-art technologies. Moreover, new directions of research such as immunopeptidomics will further complement classical omics technologies and may become routine clinical procedures. Taken together, discoveries of new substances, networks, and applications of peptides can be expected in different disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Schrader
- Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Weihenstephan-Tr. University of Applied Sciences, Freising, Germany.
| | - Lloyd D Fricker
- Departments of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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3
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Eichler RAS, Martucci LF, de Castro LM, Ferro ES. Methods for Intracellular Peptidomic Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2758:199-212. [PMID: 38549015 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3646-6_10] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Peptides have broad biological significance among different species. Intracellular peptides are considered a particular class of bioactive peptides, whose generation is initiated by proteasomal degradation of cytosolic, nuclear, or mitochondrial proteins. To extract and purify intracellular peptides, which may apply for biological peptides in general, it is important to consider the initial source: tissue, cell, or fluid. First, it is important to proceed fast with inactivation of proteases and/or peptidases commonly present in the biological source of peptides, which might rapidly degrade peptides during the initial process of extraction. The incubation of biological tissues, cells, and fluids at 80 °C for up to 20 min have been sufficient to fully inactivate proteases or peptidases activities. It is particularly important not to acidify the samples at high temperature, because it can lead to nonspecific hydrolysis reactions; particularly, the Asp-Pro peptide bond can be cleaved at acidic environments and elevated temperatures. Unfortunately, not every sample can have proteinases and peptidases denatured by heating the biological source of intracellular peptides. Plasma, for example, when heated at temperatures higher than 55 °C can clot and trap peptides within the fibrin net. Therefore, alternative conditions for inactivating proteinases and peptidases must apply for plasma samples. In this chapter, the most successful methods used in our laboratory to extract intracellular peptides are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela A S Eichler
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Martucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro M de Castro
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bioscience Institute, São Vicente, Brazil
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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4
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Burov AV, Rodin AA, Karpov VL, Morozov AV. The Role of Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in the Biology of Stem Cells. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2043-2053. [PMID: 38462448 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Selective degradation of cellular proteins by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is one of the key regulatory mechanisms in eukaryotic cells. A growing body of evidence indicates that UPS is involved in the regulation of fundamental processes in mammalian stem cells, including proliferation, differentiation, cell migration, aging, and programmed cell death, via proteolytic degradation of key transcription factors and cell signaling proteins and post-translational modification of target proteins with ubiquitin. Studying molecular mechanisms of proteostasis in stem cells is of great importance for the development of new therapeutic approaches aimed at the treatment of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other socially significant pathologies. This review discusses current data on the UPS functions in stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Burov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Andrey A Rodin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vadim L Karpov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexey V Morozov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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5
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Caprioli B, Eichler RAS, Silva RNO, Martucci LF, Reckziegel P, Ferro ES. Neurolysin Knockout Mice in a Diet-Induced Obesity Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15190. [PMID: 37894869 PMCID: PMC10607720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015190] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurolysin oligopeptidase (E.C.3.4.24.16; Nln), a member of the zinc metallopeptidase M3 family, was first identified in rat brain synaptic membranes hydrolyzing neurotensin at the Pro-Tyr peptide bond. The previous development of C57BL6/N mice with suppression of Nln gene expression (Nln-/-), demonstrated the biological relevance of this oligopeptidase for insulin signaling and glucose uptake. Here, several metabolic parameters were investigated in Nln-/- and wild-type C57BL6/N animals (WT; n = 5-8), male and female, fed either a standard (SD) or a hypercaloric diet (HD), for seven weeks. Higher food intake and body mass gain was observed for Nln-/- animals fed HD, compared to both male and female WT control animals fed HD. Leptin gene expression was higher in Nln-/- male and female animals fed HD, compared to WT controls. Both WT and Nln-/- females fed HD showed similar gene expression increase of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), a peptidase related to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) metabolism. The present data suggest that Nln participates in the physiological mechanisms related to diet-induced obesity. Further studies will be necessary to better understand the molecular mechanism responsible for the higher body mass gain observed in Nln-/- animals fed HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Caprioli
- Pharmacology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (B.C.); (R.A.S.E.); (R.N.O.S.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Rosangela A. S. Eichler
- Pharmacology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (B.C.); (R.A.S.E.); (R.N.O.S.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Renée N. O. Silva
- Pharmacology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (B.C.); (R.A.S.E.); (R.N.O.S.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Luiz Felipe Martucci
- Pharmacology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (B.C.); (R.A.S.E.); (R.N.O.S.); (L.F.M.)
| | - Patricia Reckziegel
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Pharmacology Department, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB), São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (B.C.); (R.A.S.E.); (R.N.O.S.); (L.F.M.)
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6
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Martucci LF, Eichler RA, Silva RN, Costa TJ, Tostes RC, Busatto GF, Seelaender MC, Duarte AJ, Souza HP, Ferro ES. Intracellular peptides in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. iScience 2023; 26:107542. [PMID: 37636076 PMCID: PMC10448160 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107542] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides (InPeps) generated by the orchestrated action of the proteasome and intracellular peptidases have biological and pharmacological significance. Here, human plasma relative concentration of specific InPeps was compared between 175 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and 45 SARS-CoV-2 non-infected patients; 2,466 unique peptides were identified, of which 67% were InPeps. The results revealed differences of a specific group of peptides in human plasma comparing non-infected individuals to patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, following the results of the semi-quantitative analyses by isotope-labeled electrospray mass spectrometry. The protein-protein interactions networks enriched pathways, drawn by genes encoding the proteins from which the peptides originated, revealed the presence of the coronavirus disease/COVID-19 network solely in the group of patients fatally infected by SARS-CoV-2. Thus, modulation of the relative plasma levels of specific InPeps could be employed as a predictive tool for disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Felipe Martucci
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Renée N.O. Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Tiago J. Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Rita C. Tostes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Geraldo F. Busatto
- Department of Psichiatry, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Marilia C.L. Seelaender
- Department of Surgery, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Alberto J.S. Duarte
- Department of Patology, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Heraldo P. Souza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Department of Patology, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, 01246-903 SP, Brazil
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7
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Gu Y, Wu L, Hameed Y, Nabi-Afjadi M. Overcoming the challenge: cell-penetrating peptides and membrane permeability. BIOMATERIALS AND BIOSENSORS 2023; 2. [DOI: 10.58567/bab02010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
<p>Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the membrane permeability of bioactive molecules, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. CPPs possess the ability to deliver a diverse array of bioactive molecules into cells using either covalent or non-covalent approaches, with a preference for non-covalent methods to preserve the biological activity of the transported molecules. By effectively traversing various physiological barriers, CPPs have exhibited significant potential in preclinical and clinical drug development. The discovery of CPPs represents a valuable solution to the challenge of limited membrane permeability of bioactive molecules and will continue to exert a crucial influence on the field of biomedical science.</p>
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gu
- The Statistics Department, The George Washington University, Washington, United States
| | - Long Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States
| | - Yasir Hameed
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Ouellet S, Ferguson L, Lau AZ, Lim TKY. CysPresso: a classification model utilizing deep learning protein representations to predict recombinant expression of cysteine-dense peptides. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:200. [PMID: 37193950 PMCID: PMC10189939 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05327-8] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cysteine-dense peptides (CDPs) are an attractive pharmaceutical scaffold that display extreme biochemical properties, low immunogenicity, and the ability to bind targets with high affinity and selectivity. While many CDPs have potential and confirmed therapeutic uses, synthesis of CDPs is a challenge. Recent advances have made the recombinant expression of CDPs a viable alternative to chemical synthesis. Moreover, identifying CDPs that can be expressed in mammalian cells is crucial in predicting their compatibility with gene therapy and mRNA therapy. Currently, we lack the ability to identify CDPs that will express recombinantly in mammalian cells without labour intensive experimentation. To address this, we developed CysPresso, a novel machine learning model that predicts recombinant expression of CDPs based on primary sequence. RESULTS We tested various protein representations generated by deep learning algorithms (SeqVec, proteInfer, AlphaFold2) for their suitability in predicting CDP expression and found that AlphaFold2 representations possessed the best predictive features. We then optimized the model by concatenation of AlphaFold2 representations, time series transformation with random convolutional kernels, and dataset partitioning. CONCLUSION Our novel model, CysPresso, is the first to successfully predict recombinant CDP expression in mammalian cells and is particularly well suited for predicting recombinant expression of knottin peptides. When preprocessing the deep learning protein representation for supervised machine learning, we found that random convolutional kernel transformation preserves more pertinent information relevant for predicting expressibility than embedding averaging. Our study showcases the applicability of deep learning-based protein representations, such as those provided by AlphaFold2, in tasks beyond structure prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Larissa Ferguson
- Neurobiology Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Angus Z Lau
- Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony K Y Lim
- , Vancouver, Canada.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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9
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Mazzi Esquinca ME, Correa CN, Marques de Barros G, Montenegro H, Mantovani de Castro L. Multiomic Approach for Bioprospection: Investigation of Toxins and Peptides of Brazilian Sea Anemone Bunodosoma caissarum. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21030197. [PMID: 36976246 PMCID: PMC10058367 DOI: 10.3390/md21030197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea anemones are sessile invertebrates of the phylum Cnidaria and their survival and evolutive success are highly related to the ability to produce and quickly inoculate venom, with the presence of potent toxins. In this study, a multi-omics approach was applied to characterize the protein composition of the tentacles and mucus of Bunodosoma caissarum, a species of sea anemone from the Brazilian coast. The tentacles transcriptome resulted in 23,444 annotated genes, of which 1% showed similarity with toxins or proteins related to toxin activity. In the proteome analysis, 430 polypeptides were consistently identified: 316 of them were more abundant in the tentacles while 114 were enriched in the mucus. Tentacle proteins were mostly enzymes, followed by DNA- and RNA-associated proteins, while in the mucus most proteins were toxins. In addition, peptidomics allowed the identification of large and small fragments of mature toxins, neuropeptides, and intracellular peptides. In conclusion, integrated omics identified previously unknown or uncharacterized genes in addition to 23 toxin-like proteins of therapeutic potential, improving the understanding of tentacle and mucus composition of sea anemones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda Mazzi Esquinca
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Neves Correa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marques de Barros
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Mantovani de Castro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
- Biodiversity of Coastal Environments Postgraduate Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Bioscience Institute, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, SP, Brazil
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10
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Effect of Peptides from Plasma of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease on the Vascular Endothelial Cells. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020238. [PMID: 36837440 PMCID: PMC10003965 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the foremost cause of adult disability and mortality. There is an urgent need to focus on the research of new approaches for the prevention and treatment of CAD. Materials and Methods: The effects of peptides isolated from the blood plasma of CAD patients on endothelial cell secretion using the in vitro model have been tested. Human endothelial progenitor cells (HEPCs) were incubated for 24 h with peptides isolated from the plasma of healthy subjects or patients with stable angina, progressive unstable angina, and myocardial infarction. The contents of some soluble anticoagulant as well as procoagulant mediators in HEPC culture treated with peptide pools were then compared. Results and Conclusion: The results show that peptides from the plasma of patients with myocardial infarction promote endothelial cells to release both von Willebrand factor and endothelin-1, increasing vasoconstriction and shifting hemostatic balance toward a prothrombotic state. In contrast, peptides from the plasma of patients with progressive unstable angina suppress the secretion of endothelin-1 by HEPCs, while the secretion of both von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator was increased. As can be seen from the results obtained, disease derived peptides may contribute to the homeostasis of living organisms or the progression of pathological processes.
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11
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PDAUG: a Galaxy based toolset for peptide library analysis, visualization, and machine learning modeling. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:197. [PMID: 35643441 PMCID: PMC9148462 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04727-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Computational methods based on initial screening and prediction of peptides for desired functions have proven to be effective alternatives to lengthy and expensive biochemical experimental methods traditionally utilized in peptide research, thus saving time and effort. However, for many researchers, the lack of expertise in utilizing programming libraries, access to computational resources, and flexible pipelines are big hurdles to adopting these advanced methods.
Results To address the above mentioned barriers, we have implemented the peptide design and analysis under Galaxy (PDAUG) package, a Galaxy-based Python powered collection of tools, workflows, and datasets for rapid in-silico peptide library analysis. In contrast to existing methods like standard programming libraries or rigid single-function web-based tools, PDAUG offers an integrated GUI-based toolset, providing flexibility to build and distribute reproducible pipelines and workflows without programming expertise. Finally, we demonstrate the usability of PDAUG in predicting anticancer properties of peptides using four different feature sets and assess the suitability of various ML algorithms. Conclusion PDAUG offers tools for peptide library generation, data visualization, built-in and public database peptide sequence retrieval, peptide feature calculation, and machine learning (ML) modeling. Additionally, this toolset facilitates researchers to combine PDAUG with hundreds of compatible existing Galaxy tools for limitless analytic strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04727-6.
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12
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Silvério R, Barth R, Heimann AS, Reckziegel P, dos Santos GJ, Romero-Zerbo SY, Bermúdez-Silva FJ, Rafacho A, Ferro ES. Pep19 Has a Positive Effect on Insulin Sensitivity and Ameliorates Both Hepatic and Adipose Tissue Phenotype of Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084082. [PMID: 35456900 PMCID: PMC9030859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084082] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide DIIADDEPLT (Pep19) has been previously suggested to improve metabolic parameters, without adverse central nervous system effects, in a murine model of diet-induced obesity. Here, we aimed to further evaluate whether Pep19 oral administration has anti-obesogenic effects, in a well-established high-fat diet-induced obesity model. Male Swiss mice, fed either a standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD), were orally administrated for 30 consecutive days, once a day, with saline vehicle or Pep19 (1 mg/kg). Next, several metabolic, morphological, and behavioral parameters were evaluated. Oral administration of Pep19 attenuated HFD body-weight gain, reduced in approximately 40% the absolute mass of the endocrine pancreas, and improved the relationship between circulating insulin and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Pep19 treatment of HFD-fed mice attenuated liver inflammation, hepatic fat distribution and accumulation, and lowered plasma alanine aminotransferase activity. The inguinal fat depot from the SD group treated with Pep19 showed multilocular brown-fat-like cells and increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), suggesting browning on inguinal white adipose cells. Morphological analysis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) from HFD mice showed the presence of larger white-like unilocular cells, compared to BAT from SD, Pep19-treated SD or HFD mice. Pep19 treatment produced no alterations in mice behavior. Oral administration of Pep19 ameliorates some metabolic traits altered by diet-induced obesity in a Swiss mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Silvério
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Investigation in Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (R.B.); (G.J.d.S.)
| | - Robson Barth
- Laboratory of Investigation in Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (R.B.); (G.J.d.S.)
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Andrea S. Heimann
- Proteimax BioTechnology Israel LTD, 4 Duvdevan Street, Pardes Hana, Haifa 3708973, Israel;
| | - Patrícia Reckziegel
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo J. dos Santos
- Laboratory of Investigation in Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (R.B.); (G.J.d.S.)
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Silvana Y. Romero-Zerbo
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, UGC Endocrinología y Nutrición Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (S.Y.R.-Z.); (F.J.B.-S.)
- Biomedical Research Center for Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Bermúdez-Silva
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, UGC Endocrinología y Nutrición Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (S.Y.R.-Z.); (F.J.B.-S.)
- Biomedical Research Center for Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alex Rafacho
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Investigation in Chronic Diseases, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (R.B.); (G.J.d.S.)
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (E.S.F.)
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (E.S.F.)
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13
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Wang T, Tian L, Cheng Q, Feng S, Zhang H, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Cheng M, Meng Z, Meng Q. Pep5-based antitumor peptides containing multifunctional fragments with enhanced activity and synergistic effect. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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14
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Effect of FKBP12-Derived Intracellular Peptides on Rapamycin-Induced FKBP-FRB Interaction and Autophagy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030385. [PMID: 35159195 PMCID: PMC8834644 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides (InPeps) generated by proteasomes were previously suggested as putative natural regulators of protein-protein interactions (PPI). Here, the main aim was to investigate the intracellular effects of intracellular peptide VFDVELL (VFD7) and related peptides on PPI. The internalization of the peptides was achieved using a C-terminus covalently bound cell-penetrating peptide (cpp; YGRKKRRQRRR). The possible inhibition of PPI was investigated using a NanoBiT® luciferase structural complementation reporter system, with a pair of plasmids vectors each encoding, simultaneously, either FK506-binding protein (FKBP) or FKBP-binding domain (FRB) of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). The interaction of FKBP-FRB within cells occurs under rapamycin induction. Results shown that rapamycin-induced interaction between FKBP-FRB within human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells was inhibited by VFD7-cpp (10-500 nM) and FDVELLYGRKKRRQRRR (VFD6-cpp; 1-500 nM); additional VFD7-cpp derivatives were either less or not effective in inhibiting FKBP-FRB interaction induced by rapamycin. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested that selected peptides, such as VFD7-cpp, VFD6-cpp, VFAVELLYGRKKKRRQRRR (VFA7-cpp), and VFEVELLYGRKKKRRQRRR (VFA7-cpp), bind to FKBP and to FRB protein surfaces. However, only VFD7-cpp and VFD6-cpp induced changes on FKBP structure, which could help with understanding their mechanism of PPI inhibition. InPeps extracted from HEK293 cells were found mainly associated with macromolecular components (i.e., proteins and/or nucleic acids), contributing to understanding InPeps' intracellular proteolytic stability and mechanism of action-inhibiting PPI within cells. In a model of cell death induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation, VFD6-cpp (1 µM) increased the viability of mouse embryonic fibroblasts cells (MEF) expressing mTORC1-regulated autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5), but not in autophagy-deficient MEF cells lacking the expression of Atg5. These data suggest that VFD6-cpp could have therapeutic applications reducing undesired side effects of rapamycin long-term treatments. In summary, the present report provides further evidence that InPeps have biological significance and could be valuable tools for the rational design of therapeutic molecules targeting intracellular PPI.
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15
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Yin A, Feng M, Zhang L, Cheng Z, Li Y, Qian L. Identification of a novel native peptide derived from 60S ribosomal protein L23a that translationally regulates p53 to reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105988. [PMID: 34808368 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a severe disease,but its underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated and no effective clinical treatment is available. Utilizing intracellular peptidomics, we identified a novel native peptide PDRL23A (Peptide Derived from RPL23A), that is intimately related to hypoxic stress. We further show that PDRL23A effectively alleviates hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury in vitro, along with improvements in mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis, including ROS accumulation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Strikingly, the in vivo results indicate that, short-term pretreatment with PDRL23A could effectively inhibit I/R-induced cardiomyocyte death, myocardial fibrosis and decreased cardiac function. Interestingly, PDRL23A was found to interact with 60 S ribosomal protein L26 (RPL26), hampering RPL26-governed p53 translation, and resulting in a reduction in the level of p53 protein, which in turn reduced p53-mediated apoptosis under hypoxic conditions. Collectively, a native peptide, PDRL23A, which translationally regulates p53 to protect against myocardial I/R injury, has been identified for the first time. Our findings provide insight into the adaptive mechanisms of hypoxia and present a potential new treatment for myocardial I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwen Yin
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Mengwen Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Zijie Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yun Li
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China.
| | - Lingmei Qian
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, China; Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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16
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Silva RNO, Llanos RP, Eichler RAS, Oliveira TB, Gozzo FC, Festuccia WT, Ferro ES. New Intracellular Peptide Derived from Hemoglobin Alpha Chain Induces Glucose Uptake and Reduces Blood Glycemia. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122175. [PMID: 34959456 PMCID: PMC8708875 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular peptides were shown to derive from proteasomal degradation of proteins from mammalian and yeast cells, being suggested to play distinctive roles both inside and outside these cells. Here, the role of intracellular peptides previously identified from skeletal muscle and adipose tissues of C57BL6/N wild type (WT) and neurolysin knockout mice were investigated. In differentiated C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells, some of these intracellular peptides like insulin activated the expression of several genes related to muscle contraction and gluconeogenesis. One of these peptides, LASVSTVLTSKYR (Ric4; 600 µg/kg), administrated either intraperitoneally or orally in WT mice, decreased glycemia. Neither insulin (10 nM) nor Ric4 (100 µM) induced glucose uptake in adipose tissue explants obtained from conditional knockout mice depleted of insulin receptor. Ric4 (100 µM) similarly to insulin (100 nM) induced Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane of C2C12 differentiated cells, and increased GLUT4 mRNA levels in epididymal adipose tissue of WT mice. Ric4 (100 µM) increased both Erk and Akt phosphorylation in C2C12, as well as in epididymal adipose tissue from WT mice; Erk, but not Akt phosphorylation was activated by Ric4 in tibial skeletal muscle from WT mice. Ric4 is rapidly degraded in vitro by WT liver and kidney crude extracts, such a response that is largely reduced by structural modifications such as N-terminal acetylation, C-terminal amidation, and substitution of Leu8 for DLeu8 (Ac-LASVSTV[DLeu]TSKYR-NH2; Ric4-16). Ric4-16, among several Ric4 derivatives, efficiently induced glucose uptake in differentiated C2C12 cells. Among six Ric4-derivatives evaluated in vivo, Ac-LASVSTVLTSKYR-NH2 (Ric4-2; 600 µg/kg) and Ac-LASVSTV[DLeu]TSKYR (Ric4-15; 600 µg/kg) administrated orally efficiently reduced glycemia in a glucose tolerance test in WT mice. The potential clinical application of Ric4 and Ric4-derivatives deserves further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée N. O. Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (R.N.O.S.); (R.P.L.); (R.A.S.E.)
| | - Ricardo P. Llanos
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (R.N.O.S.); (R.P.L.); (R.A.S.E.)
| | - Rosangela A. S. Eichler
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (R.N.O.S.); (R.P.L.); (R.A.S.E.)
| | - Thiago B. Oliveira
- Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (T.B.O.); (W.T.F.)
| | - Fábio C. Gozzo
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil;
| | - William T. Festuccia
- Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (T.B.O.); (W.T.F.)
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (R.N.O.S.); (R.P.L.); (R.A.S.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7310
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17
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Lyapina I, Ivanov V, Fesenko I. Peptidome: Chaos or Inevitability. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13128. [PMID: 34884929 PMCID: PMC8658490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of naturally occurring peptides differing in their origin, abundance and possible functions have been identified in the tissue and biological fluids of vertebrates, insects, fungi, plants and bacteria. These peptide pools are referred to as intracellular or extracellular peptidomes, and besides a small proportion of well-characterized peptide hormones and defense peptides, are poorly characterized. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that unknown bioactive peptides are hidden in the peptidomes of different organisms. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of generation and properties of peptidomes across different organisms. Based on their origin, we propose three large peptide groups-functional protein "degradome", small open reading frame (smORF)-encoded peptides (smORFome) and specific precursor-derived peptides. The composition of peptide pools identified by mass-spectrometry analysis in human cells, plants, yeast and bacteria is compared and discussed. The functions of different peptide groups, for example the role of the "degradome" in promoting defense signaling, are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Igor Fesenko
- Department of Functional Genomics and Proteomics of Plants, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (I.L.); (V.I.)
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18
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Sahu I, Mali SM, Sulkshane P, Xu C, Rozenberg A, Morag R, Sahoo MP, Singh SK, Ding Z, Wang Y, Day S, Cong Y, Kleifeld O, Brik A, Glickman MH. The 20S as a stand-alone proteasome in cells can degrade the ubiquitin tag. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6173. [PMID: 34702852 PMCID: PMC8548400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteasome, the primary protease for ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis in eukaryotes, is usually found as a mixture of 30S, 26S, and 20S complexes. These complexes have common catalytic sites, which makes it challenging to determine their distinctive roles in intracellular proteolysis. Here, we chemically synthesize a panel of homogenous ubiquitinated proteins, and use them to compare 20S and 26S proteasomes with respect to substrate selection and peptide-product generation. We show that 20S proteasomes can degrade the ubiquitin tag along with the conjugated substrate. Ubiquitin remnants on branched peptide products identified by LC-MS/MS, and flexibility in the 20S gate observed by cryo-EM, reflect the ability of the 20S proteasome to proteolyze an isopeptide-linked ubiquitin-conjugate. Peptidomics identifies proteasome-trapped ubiquitin-derived peptides and peptides of potential 20S substrates in Hi20S cells, hypoxic cells, and human failing-heart. Moreover, elevated levels of 20S proteasomes appear to contribute to cell survival under stress associated with damaged proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Sahu
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Sachitanand M Mali
- Schulich faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Prasad Sulkshane
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Cong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Andrey Rozenberg
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Roni Morag
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | | | - Sumeet K Singh
- Schulich faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Zhanyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Sharleen Day
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yao Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- Shanghai Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Oded Kleifeld
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
| | - Michael H Glickman
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
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19
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Delfi M, Sartorius R, Ashrafizadeh M, Sharifi E, Zhang Y, De Berardinis P, Zarrabi A, Varma RS, Tay FR, Smith BR, Makvandi P. Self-assembled peptide and protein nanostructures for anti-cancer therapy: Targeted delivery, stimuli-responsive devices and immunotherapy. NANO TODAY 2021; 38:101119. [PMID: 34267794 PMCID: PMC8276870 DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2021.101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled peptides and proteins possess tremendous potential as targeted drug delivery systems and key applications of these well-defined nanostructures reside in anti-cancer therapy. Peptides and proteins can self-assemble into nanostructures of diverse sizes and shapes in response to changing environmental conditions such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, as well as host and guest molecular interactions; their countless benefits include good biocompatibility and high loading capacity for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. These self-assembled nanomaterials can be adorned with functional moieties to specifically target tumor cells. Stimuli-responsive features can also be incorporated with respect to the tumor microenvironment. This review sheds light on the growing interest in self-assembled peptides and proteins and their burgeoning applications in cancer treatment and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Delfi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Monte S. Angelo, Via Cintia, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Rossella Sartorius
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esmaeel Sharifi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, 6517838736, Hamadan, Iran
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, IPCB-CNR, Naples 80125, Italy
| | - Yapei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rajender S. Varma
- Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Franklin R Tay
- The Graduate School, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Bryan Ronain Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Radiology and the Molecular Imaging Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Centre for Micro-BioRobotics, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
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20
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Glasmacher S, Gertsch J. Characterization of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) and stability of hemopressins in mice. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100808. [PMID: 33799079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100808] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressins ((x)-PVNFKLLSH) or peptide endocannabinoids (pepcans) can bind to cannabinoid receptors. RVD-hemopressin (pepcan-12) was shown to act as endogenous allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptors, with opposite effects on CB1 and CB2, respectively. Moreover, the N-terminally elongated pepcan-23 was detected in different tissues and was postulated to be the pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Currently, data about the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and stability of hemopressin-type peptides are lacking. Here we investigated the secondary structure and physiological role of pepcan-23 as precursor of RVD-hemopressin. We assessed the metabolic stability of these peptides, including hemopressin. Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, pepcan-23 was measured in mouse tissues and human whole blood (~50 pmol/mL) and in plasma was the most stable endogenous peptide containing the hemopressin sequence. Using peptide spiked human whole blood, mouse adrenal gland and liver homogenates demonstrate that pepcan-23 acts as endogenous pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin. Furthermore, administered pepcan-23 converted to RVD-hemopressin in mice. In circular dichroism spectroscopy, pepcan-23 showed a helix-unordered-helix structure and efficiently formed complexes with divalent metal ions, in particular Cu(II) and Ni(II). Hemopressin and RVD-hemopressin were not bioavailable to the brain and showed poor stability in plasma, in agreement with their overall poor biodistribution. Acute hemopressin administration (100 mg/kg) did not modulate endogenous RVD-hemopressin/pepcan-23 levels or influence the endocannabinoid lipidome but increased 1-stearoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol. Overall, we show that pepcan-23 is a biological pro-peptide of RVD-hemopressin and divalent metal ions may regulate this process. Given the lack of metabolic stability of hemopressins, administration of pepcan-23 as pro-peptide may be suitable in pharmacological experiments as it is converted to RVD-hemopressin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Glasmacher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland.
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21
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Peptidomic profiling of cerebrospinal fluid from patients with intracranial saccular aneurysms. J Proteomics 2021; 240:104188. [PMID: 33781962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Intracranial saccular aneurysms (ISA) represent 90%-95% of all intracranial aneurysm cases, characterizing abnormal pockets at arterial branch points. Ruptures lead to subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) and poor prognoses. We applied mass spectrometry-based peptidomics to investigate the peptidome of twelve cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from eleven patients diagnosed with ISA. For peptide profile analyses, participants were classified into: 1) ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms (RIA), 2) unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms (UIA), and late-ruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms (LRIA). Altogether, a total of 2199 peptides were detected by both Mascot and Peaks software, from which 484 (22.0%) were unique peptides. All unique peptides presented conserved chains, domains, regions of protein modulation and/or post-translational modification sites related to human diseases. Gene Ontology (GO) analyses of peptide precursor proteins showed that 42% are involved in binding, 56% in cellular anatomical entities, and 39% in intercellular signaling molecules. Unique peptides identified in patients diagnosed with RIA have a larger molecular weight and a distinctive developmental process compared to UIA and LRIA (P ≤ 0.05). Continued investigations will allow the characterization of the biological and clinical significance of the peptides identified in the present study, as well as identify prototypes for peptide-based pharmacological therapies to treat ISA. SIGNIFICANCE.
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22
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Heimann AS, Dale CS, Guimarães FS, Reis RAM, Navon A, Shmuelov MA, Rioli V, Gomes I, Devi LL, Ferro ES. Hemopressin as a breakthrough for the cannabinoid field. Neuropharmacology 2021; 183:108406. [PMID: 33212113 PMCID: PMC8609950 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH in rats, and PVNFKLLSH in humans and mice), a fragment derived from the α-chain of hemoglobin, was the first peptide described to have type 1 cannabinoid receptor activity. While hemopressin was shown to have inverse agonist/antagonistic activity, extended forms of hemopressin (i.e. RVD-hemopressin, also called pepcan-12) exhibit type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptor agonistic/allosteric activity, and recent studies suggest that they can activate intracellular mitochondrial cannabinoid receptors. Therefore, hemopressin and hemopressin-related peptides could have location-specific and biased pharmacological action, which would increase the possibilities for fine-tunning and broadening cannabinoid receptor signal transduction. Consistent with this, hemopressins were shown to play a role in a number of physiological processes including antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, regulation of food intake, learning and memory. The shortest active hemopressin fragment, NFKF, delays the first seizure induced by pilocarpine, and prevents neurodegeneration in an experimental model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These functions of hemopressins could be due to engagement of both cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptor systems. Self-assembled nanofibrils of hemopressin have pH-sensitive switchable surface-active properties, and show potential as inflammation and cancer targeted drug-delivery systems. Upon disruption of the self-assembled hemopressin nanofibril emulsion, the intrinsic analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hemopressin could help bolster the therapeutic effect of anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer formulations. In this article, we briefly review the molecular and behavioral pharmacological properties of hemopressins, and summarize studies on the intricate and unique mode of generation and binding of these peptides to cannabinoid receptors. Thus, the review provides a window into the current status of hemopressins in expanding the repertoire of signaling and activity by the endocannabinoid system, in addition to their new potential for pharmaceutic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila S Dale
- Department of Anatomy, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, 14025-600, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A M Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Federal University, 21949-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ami Navon
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal A Shmuelov
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Vanessa Rioli
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lakshmi L Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 10029, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Science Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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23
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Structural Insights into Substrate Recognition and Processing by the 20S Proteasome. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020148. [PMID: 33498876 PMCID: PMC7910952 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Four decades of proteasome research have yielded extensive information on ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. The archetype of proteasomes is a 20S barrel-shaped complex that does not rely on ubiquitin as a degradation signal but can degrade substrates with a considerable unstructured stretch. Since roughly half of all proteasomes in most eukaryotic cells are free 20S complexes, ubiquitin-independent protein degradation may coexist with ubiquitin-dependent degradation by the highly regulated 26S proteasome. This article reviews recent advances in our understanding of the biochemical and structural features that underlie the proteolytic mechanism of 20S proteasomes. The two outer α-rings of 20S proteasomes provide a number of potential docking sites for loosely folded polypeptides. The binding of a substrate can induce asymmetric conformational changes, trigger gate opening, and initiate its own degradation through a protease-driven translocation mechanism. Consequently, the substrate translocates through two additional narrow apertures augmented by the β-catalytic active sites. The overall pulling force through the two annuli results in a protease-like unfolding of the substrate and subsequent proteolysis in the catalytic chamber. Although both proteasomes contain identical β-catalytic active sites, the differential translocation mechanisms yield distinct peptide products. Nonoverlapping substrate repertoires and product outcomes rationalize cohabitation of both proteasome complexes in cells.
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Camargo LL, Denadai-Souza A, Yshii LM, Lima C, Teixeira SA, Cerqueira ARA, Gewehr MCF, Fernandes ES, Schenka AA, Muscará MN, Ferro ES, Costa SKP. The potential anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of rat hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH) in experimental arthritis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173636. [PMID: 33053380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), stands out as one of the main sources of pain and impairment to the quality of life. The use of hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH; Hp), an inverse agonist of type 1 cannabinoid receptor, has proven to be effective in producing analgesia in pain models, but its effect on neuro-inflammatory aspects of RA is limited. In this study, antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was evoked by the intraarticular (i.art.) injection of methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected ipsilateral knee joints or AIA contralateral were used as control. Nociceptive and inflammatory parameters such as knee joint oedema and leukocyte influx and histopathological changes were carried out in addition to the local measurement of interleukins (IL) IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and the immunoreactivity of the neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in the spinal cord (lumbar L3-5 segments) of AIA rats. For 4 days, AIA rats were treated daily with a single administration of saline, Hp injected (10 or 20 μg/day, i.art.), Hp given orally (20 μg/Kg, p.o.) or indomethacin (Indo; 5 mg/Kg, i.p.). In comparison to the PBS control group, the induction of AIA produced a significant and progressive mono-arthritis condition. The degree of AIA severity progressively compromised the normal walking pattern and impaired mobility over the next four days in relation to PBS-injected rats or contralateral knee joints. In AIA rats, the reduction of the distance between footprints and disturbances of gait evidenced signs of nociception. This response worsened at day 4, and a loss of footprint from the ipsilateral hind paw was evident. Daily treatment of the animals with Hp either i.art. (10 and 20 μg/knee) or p.o. (20 μg/Kg) as well as Indo (5 mg/Kg, i.p.) ameliorated the impaired mobility in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In parallel, the AIA-injected ipsilateral knee joints reach a peak of swelling 24 h after AIA induction, which persisted over the next four days in relation to PBS-injected rats or contralateral knee joints. There was a significant but not dose-dependent inhibitory effect produced by all dosages and routes of Hp treatments on AIA-induced knee joint swelling (P < 0.05). In addition, the increased synovial levels of MPO activity, total leukocytes number and IL-6, but not IL-1β, were significantly reduced by the lower i.art. dose of Hp. In conclusion, these results successfully demonstrate that Hp may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to treat RA, an effect which is unrelated to the proinflammatory actions of the neuropeptides CGRP and SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia L Camargo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Denadai-Souza
- INSERM UMR U1043 - CNRS U5282, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, 31300, France; KU Leuven, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Laboratory for Intestinal Neuroimmune Interactions, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidia M Yshii
- INSERM UMR U1043 - CNRS U5282, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, 31300, France; VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research and KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carla Lima
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxicology (CAT/CEPID), Butantan Institute, Avenue Vital Brazil, 1500, Butantan, 05503-009, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone A Teixeira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson R A Cerqueira
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Mayara C F Gewehr
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth S Fernandes
- Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba, 80250-060, PR, Brazil; Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia Aplicada à Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Curitiba, 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - André A Schenka
- Faculty of Medical Sciences- Department of Pharmacology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcelo N Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil; Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-I), University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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Dwivedi V, Yaniv K, Sharon M. Beyond cells: The extracellular circulating 20S proteasomes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166041. [PMID: 33338594 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence arising from numerous clinical studies indicate that assembled and functional 20S proteasome complexes circulate freely in plasma. Elevated levels of this core proteolytic complex have been found in the plasma of patients suffering from blood, skin and solid cancers, autoimmune disorders, trauma and sepsis. Moreover, in various diseases, there is a positive correlation between circulating 20S proteasome (c20S) levels and treatment efficacy and survival rates, suggesting the involvement of this under-studied c20S complex in pathophysiology. However, many aspects of this system remain enigmatic, as we still do not know the origin, biological role or mechanisms of extracellular transport and regulation of c20S proteasomes. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the c20S proteasome system and discuss the remaining gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandita Dwivedi
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Karina Yaniv
- Departments of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal Sharon
- Departments of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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26
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Riquelme-Sandoval A, de Sá-Ferreira CO, Miyakoshi LM, Hedin-Pereira C. New Insights Into Peptide Cannabinoids: Structure, Biosynthesis and Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596572. [PMID: 33362550 PMCID: PMC7759141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of endogenous lipids, of which the best known are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their enzyme machinery for synthesis and degradation and their specific receptors, cannabinoid receptor one (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor two (CB2). However, endocannabinoids also bind to other groups of receptors. Furthermore, another group of lipids are considered to be endocannabinoids, such as the fatty acid ethanolamides, the fatty acid primary amides and the monoacylglycerol related molecules. Recently, it has been shown that the hemopressin peptide family, derived from α and β chains of hemoglobins, is a new family of cannabinoids. Some studies indicate that hemopressin peptides are expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues and act as ligands of these receptors, thus suggesting that they play a physiological role. In this review, we examine new evidence on lipid endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the modulation of their signaling pathways. We focus our discussion on the current knowledge of the pharmacological effects, the biosynthesis of the peptide cannabinoids and the new insights on the activation and modulation of cannabinoid receptors by these peptides. The novel peptide compounds derived from hemoglobin chains and their non-classical activation of cannabinoid receptors are only starting to be uncovered. It will be exciting to follow the ensuing discoveries, not only in reference to what is already known of the classical lipid endocannabinoids revealing more complex aspects of endocannabinoid system, but also as to its possibilities as a future therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Riquelme-Sandoval
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Caio O de Sá-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leo M Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecilia Hedin-Pereira
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroanatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,VPPCB-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Gewehr MCF, Silverio R, Rosa-Neto JC, Lira FS, Reckziegel P, Ferro ES. Peptides from Natural or Rationally Designed Sources Can Be Used in Overweight, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes Therapies. Molecules 2020; 25:E1093. [PMID: 32121443 PMCID: PMC7179135 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are among the most prominent health problems in the modern world, mostly because they are either associated with or increase the risk of other diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and/or cancer. Most professional organizations define overweight and obesity according to individual body-mass index (BMI, weight in kilograms divided by height squared in meters). Overweight is defined as individuals with BMI from 25 to 29, and obesity as individuals with BMI ≥30. Obesity is the result of genetic, behavioral, environmental, physiological, social, and cultural factors that result in energy imbalance and promote excessive fat deposition. Despite all the knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of obesity, which is considered a disease, none of the existing treatments alone or in combination can normalize blood glucose concentration and prevent debilitating complications from obesity. This review discusses some new perspectives for overweight and obesity treatments, including the use of the new orally active cannabinoid peptide Pep19, the advantage of which is the absence of undesired central nervous system effects usually experienced with other cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara C. F. Gewehr
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Renata Silverio
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil;
| | - José Cesar Rosa-Neto
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Fabio S. Lira
- Department of Physical Education, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente 19060-900, Brazil;
| | - Patrícia Reckziegel
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmacology and Molecular Biology (INFAR), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
| | - Emer S. Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil;
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28
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The Relevance of Thimet Oligopeptidase in the Regulation of Energy Metabolism and Diet-Induced Obesity. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020321. [PMID: 32079362 PMCID: PMC7072564 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15; EP24.15; THOP1) is a potential therapeutic target, as it plays key biological functions in processing biologically functional peptides. The structural conformation of THOP1 provides a unique restriction regarding substrate size, in that it only hydrolyzes peptides (optimally, those ranging from eight to 12 amino acids) and not proteins. The proteasome activity of hydrolyzing proteins releases a large number of intracellular peptides, providing THOP1 substrates within cells. The present study aimed to investigate the possible function of THOP1 in the development of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and insulin resistance by utilizing a murine model of hyperlipidic DIO with both C57BL6 wild-type (WT) and THOP1 null (THOP1−/−) mice. After 24 weeks of being fed a hyperlipidic diet (HD), THOP1−/− and WT mice ingested similar chow and calories; however, the THOP1−/− mice gained 75% less body weight and showed neither insulin resistance nor non-alcoholic fatty liver steatosis when compared to WT mice. THOP1−/− mice had increased adrenergic-stimulated adipose tissue lipolysis as well as a balanced level of expression of genes and microRNAs associated with energy metabolism, adipogenesis, or inflammation. Altogether, these differences converge to a healthy phenotype of THOP1−/− fed a HD. The molecular mechanism that links THOP1 to energy metabolism is suggested herein to involve intracellular peptides, of which the relative levels were identified to change in the adipose tissue of WT and THOP1−/− mice. Intracellular peptides were observed by molecular modeling to interact with both pre-miR-143 and pre-miR-222, suggesting a possible novel regulatory mechanism for gene expression. Therefore, we successfully demonstrated the previously anticipated relevance of THOP1 in energy metabolism regulation. It was suggested that intracellular peptides were responsible for mediating the phenotypic differences that are described herein by a yet unknown mechanism of action.
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Wei F, Zhao L, Jing Y. Hemoglobin-derived peptides and mood regulation. Peptides 2020; 127:170268. [PMID: 32070683 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence accumulated over the past decades has revealed that red blood cells and hemoglobin (Hb) in the blood play important roles in modulating moods and emotions. The number of red blood cells affects the mood. Hb is the principal content in the red blood cells besides water. Denatured Hb is hydrolyzed to produce bioactive peptides. RVD-hemopressin α (RVD-Hpα), which is a fragment of α-chain (95-103) in Hb, functions as a negative allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor 1 and a positive allosteric modulator of cannabinoid receptor 2. Hemorphins, which are fragments of β-chain in Hb, exert their effects on opioid receptors. Two hemorphins, namely, LVV-hemorphin-6 and LVV-hemorphin-7, could induce anxiolytic-like effects. The use of Hb-derived bioactive peptides for the treatment of mood disorders is desirable due to cannabinoid-opioid cross modulation and the critical roles of the two systems in physiological processes, such as memory, mood and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Wei
- Department of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, PR China.
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30
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Wei F, Zhao L, Jing Y. Signaling molecules targeting cannabinoid receptors: Hemopressin and related peptides. Neuropeptides 2020; 79:101998. [PMID: 31831183 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various physiological processes such as nociception, inflammation, appetite, stress, and emotion regulation. Many studies have linked the endocannabinoid system to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Hemopressin [Hp; a fragment of the hemoglobin α1 chain (95-103 amino acids)] and related peptides [VD-Hpα and RVD-Hpα] are peptides that bind to CBRs. Hp acts as an inverse agonist to CB1 receptor (CB1R), VD-Hpα acts as an agonist to CB1R, and RVD-Hpα acts as a negative allosteric modulator of CB1R and a positive allosteric modulator of CB2R. Because of the critical roles of CBRs in numerous physiological processes, it is appealing to use Hp and related peptides for therapeutic purposes. This review discusses their discovery, structure, metabolism, brain exposure, self-assembly characteristics, pharmacological characterization, and pharmacological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Wei
- Department of Physiology and Psychology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Lanzhou University First Affiliated Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, PR China
| | - Yuhong Jing
- Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China; Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China.
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31
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Heimann AS, Giardini AC, Sant'Anna MB, Dos Santos NB, Gewehr MCF, Munhoz CD, Castro LM, Picolo G, Remer RA, Ferro ES. NFKF is a synthetic fragment derived from rat hemopressin that protects mice from neurodegeneration. Neurosci Lett 2020; 721:134765. [PMID: 32004656 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested the pharmacological potential of rat hemopressin (PVNFKFLSH) and its shorter synthetic peptide NFKF, to protect from pilocarpine-induced seizures in mice. Orally administered NFKF was shown to be hundred times more potent than cannabidiol in delaying the first seizure induced by pilocarpine in mice. Here, using an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis we have shown that C57BL/6 J mice orally administrated with NFKF (500 μg/kg) presented better EAE clinical scores and improved locomotor activity compared to saline administrated control mice. NFKF blocked the production of IL-1beta and IL-6, and has high scores binding cannabinoid type 2 receptors. Therefore, NFKF is an exciting new possibility to neurodegenerative diseases therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A C Giardini
- Special Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - M B Sant'Anna
- Special Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Nilton B Dos Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayara C F Gewehr
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina D Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro M Castro
- Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University, 11330-900, São Vicente, Brazil
| | - Gisele Picolo
- Special Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | - Emer S Ferro
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil.
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32
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Effect of Protein Denaturation and Enzyme Inhibitors on Proteasomal-Mediated Production of Peptides in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060207. [PMID: 31142026 PMCID: PMC6627375 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides produced by the proteasome have been proposed to function as signaling molecules that regulate a number of biological processes. In the current study, we used quantitative peptidomics to test whether conditions that affect protein stability, synthesis, or turnover cause changes in the levels of peptides in Human Embryonic Kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells. Mild heat shock (42 °C for 1 h) or treatment with the deubiquitinase inhibitor b-AP15 led to higher levels of ubiquitinated proteins but did not significantly increase the levels of intracellular peptides. Treatment with cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein translation, did not substantially alter the levels of intracellular peptides identified herein. Cells treated with a combination of epoxomicin and bortezomib showed large increases in the levels of most peptides, relative to the levels in cells treated with either compound alone. Taken together with previous studies, these results support a mechanism in which the proteasome cleaves proteins into peptides that are readily detected in our assays (i.e., 6–37 amino acids) and then further degrades many of these peptides into smaller fragments.
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