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Hernández C, Gómez-Peralta F, Simó-Servat O, García-Ramírez M, Abreu C, Gómez-Rodríguez S, Simó R. Usefulness of circulating EPAC1 as biomarkers of therapeutic response to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Acta Diabetol 2022; 59:1437-1442. [PMID: 35925404 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-022-01928-6] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The response to Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) is highly varia-ble among patients. Thus, the identification of predictive biomarkers of therapeutic response to GLP-1 RA could help us to optimize the use of this class of drugs. GLP-1RAs increase exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). The aim of the present study was to assess whether the increase of EPAC1 after GLP-1RAs treatment could be a biomarker of clinical response. METHODS After showing that GLP-1 (10 ng/mL) significantly increased the expression of EPAC1 in human endo-thelial vascular cells (HUVEC), a pilot clinical study was planned. For this purpose 49 patients with type 2 diabetes who started treatment with liraglutide were included. EPAC1 concentration was determined by ELISA before and at one month of liraglutide treatment. RESULTS We found that serum concentration of EPAC1 increased significantly after treatment with liraglutide. Only in those patients in whom EPAC1 increased (64%), a significant decrease in HbA1c, LDL-C, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference was shown. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that the increase of circulating EPAC1 after GLP-1RAs treatment could be a useful biomarker to predict clinical GLP1-RAs response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Hernández
- Department of Endocrinology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes Y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Olga Simó-Servat
- Department of Endocrinology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes Y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta García-Ramírez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes Y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Abreu
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Unit, Hospital General de Segovia, Segovia, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Simó
- Department of Endocrinology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Pg. Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes Y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ICSIII), Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Mohamed H, Shao H, Akimoto M, Darveau P, MacKinnon MR, Magolan J, Melacini G. QSAR models reveal new EPAC-selective allosteric modulators. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:1230-1239. [PMID: 36320893 PMCID: PMC9533425 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) are guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the small GTPases, Rap1 and Rap2. They regulate several physiological functions and mitigation of their activity has been suggested as a possible treatment for multiple diseases such as cardiomyopathy, diabetes, chronic pain, and cancer. Several EPAC-specific modulators have been developed, however studies that quantify their structure–activity relationships are still lacking. Here we propose a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model for a series of EPAC-specific compounds. The model demonstrated high reproducibility and predictivity and the predictive ability of the model was tested against a series of compounds that were unknown to the model. The compound with the highest predicted affinity was validated experimentally through fluorescence-based competition assays and NMR experiments revealed its mode of binding and mechanism of action as a partial agonist. The proposed QSAR model can, therefore, serve as an effective screening tool to identify promising EPAC-selective drug leads with enhanced potency. QSAR models of EPAC-specific allosteric ligands predict the affinity of a promising analogue.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebatallah Mohamed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Hongzhao Shao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Madoka Akimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Patrick Darveau
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Marc R. MacKinnon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Jakob Magolan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Melacini
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada
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3
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PDE-Mediated Cyclic Nucleotide Compartmentation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: From Basic to a Clinical Perspective. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 9:jcdd9010004. [PMID: 35050214 PMCID: PMC8777754 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are major components of blood vessels and are involved in physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions. In healthy vessels, vascular SMCs contribute to vasotone and regulate blood flow by cyclic nucleotide intracellular pathways. However, vascular SMCs lose their contractile phenotype under pathological conditions and alter contractility or signalling mechanisms, including cyclic nucleotide compartmentation. In the present review, we focus on compartmentalized signaling of cyclic nucleotides in vascular smooth muscle. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms clarifies the most relevant axes for the regulation of vascular tone. Furthermore, this allows the detection of possible changes associated with pathological processes, which may be of help for the discovery of novel drugs.
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4
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Zhao J, Yan T. MiR-455-5p serves as a biomarker of atherosclerosis and inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Per Med 2021; 18:213-221. [PMID: 33822652 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: This study discussed the clinical value and expression level of miR-455-5p in atherosclerosis (AS) patients. Meanwhile, its regulatory effect on the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was further analyzed. Materials & methods: Clinical experiments were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and receiver operating characteristic. Cell experiments were detected by CCK-8, transwell and luciferase reporter gene assay. Results: miR-455-5p was low expressed in AS patients and had diagnostic value to distinguish AS patients from healthy controls. MiR-455-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. SOCS3 was the target gene of miR-455-5p. Conclusion: MiR-455-5p may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AS. MiR-455-5p may inhibit the proliferation and migration of VSMCs through targeting SOCS3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Anqiu People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 262100, PR China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Rizhao, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, PR China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Departmentof Cardiology, Shanxian Haijiya Hospital, Heze, Shandong 274300, PR China
| | - Tingguo Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Anqiu People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 262100, PR China
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5
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Honma M, Hayashi K. Psoriasis: Recent progress in molecular‐targeted therapies. J Dermatol 2021; 48:761-777. [DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Honma
- Department of Dermatology Asahikawa Medical University Hospital Asahikawa Japan
- International Medical Support Center Asahikawa Medical University Hospital Asahikawa Japan
| | - Kei Hayashi
- International Medical Support Center Asahikawa Medical University Hospital Asahikawa Japan
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6
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Xiao J, Zhang B, Su Z, Liu Y, Shelite TR, Chang Q, Wang P, Bukreyev A, Soong L, Jin Y, Ksiazek T, Gaitas A, Rossi SL, Zhou J, Laposata M, Saito TB, Gong B. EPAC regulates von Willebrand factor secretion from endothelial cells in a PI3K/eNOS-dependent manner during inflammation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32908983 DOI: 10.1101/2020.09.04.282806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Coagulopathy is associated with both inflammation and infection, including infection with the novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Endothelial cells (ECs) fine tune hemostasis via cAMP-mediated secretion of von Willebrand factor (vWF), which promote the process of clot formation. The e xchange p rotein directly a ctivated by c AMP (EPAC) is a ubiquitously expressed intracellular cAMP receptor that plays a key role in stabilizing ECs and suppressing inflammation. To assess whether EPAC could regulate vWF release during inflammation, we utilized our EPAC1 -null mouse model and revealed an increased secretion of vWF in endotoxemic mice in the absence of the EPAC1 gene. Pharmacological inhibition of EPAC1 in vitro mimicked the EPAC1 -/- phenotype. EPAC1 regulated TNFα-triggered vWF secretion from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-dependent manner. Furthermore, EPAC1 activation reduced inflammation-triggered vWF release, both in vivo and in vitro . Our data delineate a novel regulatory role of EPAC1 in vWF secretion and shed light on potential development of new strategies to controlling thrombosis during inflammation. Key Point PI3K/eNOS pathway-mediated, inflammation-triggered vWF secretion is the target of the pharmacological manipulation of the cAMP-EPAC system.
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7
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Wang P, Luchowska-Stańska U, van Basten B, Chen H, Liu Z, Wiejak J, Whelan P, Morgan D, Lochhead E, Barker G, Rehmann H, Yarwood SJ, Zhou J. Synthesis and Biochemical Evaluation of Noncyclic Nucleotide Exchange Proteins Directly Activated by cAMP 1 (EPAC1) Regulators. J Med Chem 2020; 63:5159-5184. [PMID: 32340447 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) play a central role in various biological functions, and activation of the EPAC1 protein has shown potential benefits for the treatment of various human diseases. Herein, we report the synthesis and biochemical evaluation of a series of noncyclic nucleotide EPAC1 activators. Several potent EPAC1 binders were identified including 25g, 25q, 25n, 25u, 25e, and 25f, which promote EPAC1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor activity in vitro. These agonists can also activate EPAC1 protein in cells, where they exhibit excellent selectivity toward EPAC over protein kinase A and G protein-coupled receptors. Moreover, 25e, 25f, 25n, and 25u exhibited improved selectivity toward activation of EPAC1 over EPAC2 in cells. Of these, 25u was found to robustly inhibit IL-6-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and subsequent induction of the pro-inflammatory vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) cell-adhesion protein. These novel EPAC1 activators may therefore act as useful pharmacological tools for elucidation of EPAC function and promising drug leads for the treatment of relevant human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Urszula Luchowska-Stańska
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Boy van Basten
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jolanta Wiejak
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Padraic Whelan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - David Morgan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Emma Lochhead
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Graeme Barker
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Holger Rehmann
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Centre of Biomedical Genetics and Cancer Genomics Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Yarwood
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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8
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Shao H, Mohamed H, Boulton S, Huang J, Wang P, Chen H, Zhou J, Luchowska-Stańska U, Jentsch NG, Armstrong AL, Magolan J, Yarwood S, Melacini G. Mechanism of Action of an EPAC1-Selective Competitive Partial Agonist. J Med Chem 2020; 63:4762-4775. [PMID: 32297742 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) is a promising drug target for a wide disease range, from neurodegeneration and infections to cancer and cardiovascular conditions. A novel partial agonist of the EPAC isoform 1 (EPAC1), I942, was recently discovered, but its mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Here, we utilize NMR spectroscopy to map the I942-EPAC1 interactions at atomic resolution and propose a mechanism for I942 partial agonism. We found that I942 interacts with the phosphate binding cassette (PBC) and base binding region (BBR) of EPAC1, similar to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). These results not only reveal the molecular basis for the I942 vs cAMP mimicry and competition, but also suggest that the partial agonism of I942 arises from its ability to stabilize an inhibition-incompetent activation intermediate distinct from both active and inactive EPAC1 states. The mechanism of action of I942 may facilitate drug design for EPAC-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Urszula Luchowska-Stańska
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Yarwood
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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9
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The Role of Cyclic AMP Signaling in Cardiac Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010069. [PMID: 31888098 PMCID: PMC7016856 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial stress and injury invariably promote remodeling of the cardiac tissue, which is associated with cardiomyocyte death and development of fibrosis. The fibrotic process is initially triggered by the differentiation of resident cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. These activated fibroblasts display increased proliferative capacity and secrete large amounts of extracellular matrix. Uncontrolled myofibroblast activation can thus promote heart stiffness, cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, and progression to heart failure. Despite the well-established role of myofibroblasts in mediating cardiac disease, our current knowledge on how signaling pathways promoting fibrosis are regulated and coordinated in this cell type is largely incomplete. In this respect, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling acts as a major modulator of fibrotic responses activated in fibroblasts of injured or stressed hearts. In particular, accumulating evidence now suggests that upstream cAMP modulators including G protein-coupled receptors, adenylyl cyclases (ACs), and phosphodiesterases (PDEs); downstream cAMP effectors such as protein kinase A (PKA) and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Epac; and cAMP signaling organizers such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) modulate a variety of fundamental cellular processes involved in myocardial fibrosis including myofibroblast differentiation, proliferation, collagen secretion, and invasiveness. The current review will discuss recent advances highlighting the role of cAMP and AKAP-mediated signaling in regulating pathophysiological responses controlling cardiac fibrosis.
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Ahmed A, Boulton S, Shao H, Akimoto M, Natarajan A, Cheng X, Melacini G. Recent Advances in EPAC-Targeted Therapies: A Biophysical Perspective. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111462. [PMID: 31752286 PMCID: PMC6912387 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The universal second messenger cAMP regulates diverse intracellular processes by interacting with ubiquitously expressed proteins, such as Protein Kinase A (PKA) and the Exchange Protein directly Activated by cAMP (EPAC). EPAC is implicated in multiple pathologies, thus several EPAC-specific inhibitors have been identified in recent years. However, the mechanisms and molecular interactions underlying the EPAC inhibition elicited by such compounds are still poorly understood. Additionally, being hydrophobic low molecular weight species, EPAC-specific inhibitors are prone to forming colloidal aggregates, which result in non-specific aggregation-based inhibition (ABI) in aqueous systems. Here, we review from a biophysical perspective the molecular basis of the specific and non-specific interactions of two EPAC antagonists—CE3F4R, a non-competitive inhibitor, and ESI-09, a competitive inhibitor of EPAC. Additionally, we discuss the value of common ABI attenuators (e.g., TX and HSA) to reduce false positives at the expense of introducing false negatives when screening aggregation-prone compounds. We hope this review provides the EPAC community effective criteria to evaluate similar compounds, aiding in the optimization of existing drug leads, and informing the development of the next generation of EPAC-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alveena Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Stephen Boulton
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.A.); (S.B.)
| | - Hongzhao Shao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (H.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Madoka Akimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (H.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology & Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Giuseppe Melacini
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (A.A.); (S.B.)
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada; (H.S.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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M. Beck E, Parnell E, Cowley A, Porter A, Gillespie J, Robinson J, Robinson L, Pannifer AD, Hamon V, Jones P, Morrison A, McElroy S, Timmerman M, Rutjes H, Mahajan P, Wiejak J, Luchowska-Stańska U, Morgan D, Barker G, Rehmann H, Yarwood SJ. Identification of A Novel Class of Benzofuran Oxoacetic Acid-Derived Ligands that Selectively Activate Cellular EPAC1. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111425. [PMID: 31726720 PMCID: PMC6912754 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP promotes EPAC1 and EPAC2 activation through direct binding to a specific cyclic nucleotide-binding domain (CNBD) within each protein, leading to activation of Rap GTPases, which control multiple cell responses, including cell proliferation, adhesion, morphology, exocytosis, and gene expression. As a result, it has become apparent that directed activation of EPAC1 and EPAC2 with synthetic agonists may also be useful for the future treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. To identify new EPAC agonists we have developed a fluorescent-based, ultra-high-throughput screening (uHTS) assay that measures the displacement of binding of the fluorescent cAMP analogue, 8-NBD-cAMP to the EPAC1 CNBD. Triage of the output of an approximately 350,000 compound screens using this assay identified a benzofuran oxaloacetic acid EPAC1 binder (SY000) that displayed moderate potency using orthogonal assays (competition binding and microscale thermophoresis). We next generated a limited library of 91 analogues of SY000 and identified SY009, with modifications to the benzofuran ring associated with a 10-fold increase in potency towards EPAC1 over SY000 in binding assays. In vitro EPAC1 activity assays confirmed the agonist potential of these molecules in comparison with the known EPAC1 non-cyclic nucleotide (NCN) partial agonist, I942. Rap1 GTPase activation assays further demonstrated that SY009 selectively activates EPAC1 over EPAC2 in cells. SY009 therefore represents a novel class of NCN EPAC1 activators that selectively activate EPAC1 in cellulae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Beck
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Euan Parnell
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Angela Cowley
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Alison Porter
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Jonathan Gillespie
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - John Robinson
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Lindsay Robinson
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Andrew D. Pannifer
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Veronique Hamon
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Philip Jones
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Angus Morrison
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Stuart McElroy
- European Screening Centre Newhouse, University of Dundee, Biocity Scotland, Bo’Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK; (E.M.B.); (A.C.); (A.P.); (J.G.); (J.R.); (L.R.); (A.D.P.); (V.H.); (P.J.); (A.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Martin Timmerman
- Pivot Park Screening Centre, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands; (M.T.); (H.R.)
| | - Helma Rutjes
- Pivot Park Screening Centre, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands; (M.T.); (H.R.)
| | - Pravin Mahajan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK;
| | - Jolanta Wiejak
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (J.W.); (U.L.-S.)
| | - Urszula Luchowska-Stańska
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (J.W.); (U.L.-S.)
| | - David Morgan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (D.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Graeme Barker
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (D.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Holger Rehmann
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Centre of Biomedical Genetics and Cancer Genomics Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Stephen J. Yarwood
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK; (J.W.); (U.L.-S.)
- Correspondence:
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Luchowska-Stańska U, Morgan D, Yarwood SJ, Barker G. Selective small-molecule EPAC activators. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:1415-1427. [PMID: 31671184 PMCID: PMC6824682 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cellular signalling enzymes, EPAC1 and EPAC2, have emerged as key intracellular sensors of the secondary messenger cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) alongside protein kinase A. Interest has been galvanised in recent years thanks to the emergence of these species as potential targets for new cardiovascular disease therapies, including vascular inflammation and insulin resistance in vascular endothelial cells. We herein summarise the current state-of-the-art in small-molecule EPAC activity modulators, including cyclic nucleotides, sulphonylureas, and N-acylsulphonamides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Luchowska-Stańska
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics, and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - David Morgan
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Stephen J. Yarwood
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics, and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
| | - Graeme Barker
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K
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Mice depleted for Exchange Proteins Directly Activated by cAMP (Epac) exhibit irregular liver regeneration in response to partial hepatectomy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13789. [PMID: 31551444 PMCID: PMC6760117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50219-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP 1 and 2 (Epac1 and Epac2) are expressed in a cell specific manner in the liver, but their biological functions in this tissue are poorly understood. The current study was undertaken to begin to determine the potential roles of Epac1 and Epac2 in liver physiology and disease. Male C57BL/6J mice in which expression of Epac1 and/or Epac2 are deleted, were subjected to partial hepatectomy and the regenerating liver was analyzed with regard to lipid accumulation, cell replication and protein expression. In response to partial hepatectomy, deletion of Epac1 and/or Epac2 led to increased hepatocyte proliferation 36 h post surgery, and the transient steatosis observed in wild type mice was virtually absent in mice lacking both Epac1 and Epac2. The expression of the protein cytochrome P4504a14, which is implicated in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, was substantially reduced upon deletion of Epac1/2, while a number of factors involved in lipid metabolism were significantly decreased. Moreover, the number of Küpffer cells was affected, and Epac2 expression was increased in the liver of wild type mice in response to partial hepatectomy, further supporting a role for these proteins in liver function. This study establishes hepatic phenotypic abnormalities in mice deleted for Epac1/2 for the first time, and introduces Epac1/2 as regulators of hepatocyte proliferation and lipid accumulation in the regenerative process.
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Wiejak J, van Basten B, Luchowska-Stańska U, Hamilton G, Yarwood SJ. The novel exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP 1 (EPAC1) agonist, I942, regulates inflammatory gene expression in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1866:264-276. [PMID: 30414891 PMCID: PMC6325792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (EPAC1) suppresses multiple inflammatory actions in vascular endothelial cells (VECs), partly due to its ability to induce expression of the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) gene, the protein product of which inhibits interleukin 6 (IL6) signalling through the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Here, for the first time, we use the non-cyclic nucleotide EPAC1 agonist, I942, to determine its actions on cellular EPAC1 activity and cyclic AMP-regulated gene expression in VECs. We demonstrate that I942 promotes EPAC1 and Rap1 activation in HEK293T cells and induces SOCS3 expression and suppresses IL6-stimulated JAK/STAT3 signalling in HUVECs. SOCS3 induction by I942 in HUVECs was blocked by the EPAC1 antagonist, ESI-09, and EPAC1 siRNA, but not by the broad-spectrum protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H89, indicating that I942 regulates SOCS3 gene expression through EPAC1. RNA sequencing was carried out to further identify I942-regulated genes in HUVECs. This identified 425 I942-regulated genes that were also regulated by the EPAC1-selective cyclic AMP analogue, 007, and the cyclic AMP-elevating agents, forskolin and rolipram (F/R). The majority of genes identified were suppressed by I942, 007 and F/R treatment and many were involved in the control of key vascular functions, including the gene for the cell adhesion molecule, VCAM1. I942 and 007 also inhibited IL6-induced expression of VCAM1 at the protein level and blocked VCAM1-dependent monocyte adhesion to HUVECs. Overall, I942 represents the first non-cyclic nucleotide EPAC1 agonist in cells with the ability to suppress IL6 signalling and inflammatory gene expression in VECs. The novel EPAC1 ligand I942 activates cellular EPAC1 and Rap1 GTPase. I942 induces SOCS3 gene expression in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). I942 suppresses JAK/STAT3 signalling from the IL6 receptor in VECs. I942 regulates 425 novel gene targets in VECs. I942 suppresses VCAM1 expression and monocyte adhesion in VECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Wiejak
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Boy van Basten
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Urszula Luchowska-Stańska
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Graham Hamilton
- Glasgow Polyomics, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Campus, University of Glasgow, Bearsden G61 1QH, UK
| | - Stephen J Yarwood
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
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