1
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Babych M, Garelja ML, Nguyen PT, Hay DL, Bourgault S. Converting the Amyloidogenic Islet Amyloid Polypeptide into a Potent Nonaggregating Peptide Ligand by Side Chain-to-Side Chain Macrocyclization. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 39225636 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), also known as amylin, is a hormone playing key physiological roles. However, its aggregation and deposition in the pancreatic islets are associated with type 2 diabetes. While this peptide adopts mainly a random coil structure in solution, its secondary conformational conversion into α-helix represents a critical step for receptor activation and contributes to amyloid formation and associated cytotoxicity. Considering the large conformational landscape and high amyloidogenicity of the peptide, as well as the complexity of the self-assembly process, it is challenging to delineate the delicate interplay between helical folding, peptide aggregation, and receptor activation. In the present study, we probed the roles of helical folding on the function-toxicity duality of IAPP by restricting its conformational ensemble through side chain-to-side chain stapling via azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Intramolecular macrocyclization (i; i + 4) constrained IAPP into α-helix and inhibited its aggregation into amyloid fibrils. These helical derivatives slowed down the self-assembly of unmodified IAPP. Site-specific macrocyclization modulated the capacity of IAPP to perturb lipid bilayers and cell plasma membrane and reduced, or even fully inhibited, the cytotoxicity associated with aggregation. Furthermore, the α-helical IAPP analogs showed moderate to high potency toward cognate G protein-coupled receptors. Overall, these results indicate that macrocyclization represents a promising strategy to protect an amyloidogenic peptide hormone from aggregation and associated toxicity, while maintaining high receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaryta Babych
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3P8, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Michael L Garelja
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, 18 Frederick Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Phuong Trang Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3P8, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Debbie L Hay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, 18 Frederick Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, 3A Symonds Street, Auckland 92019, New Zealand
| | - Steve Bourgault
- Department of Chemistry, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3P8, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal H3C 3P8, Canada
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2
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Majekodunmi T, Britton D, Montclare JK. Engineered Proteins and Materials Utilizing Residue-Specific Noncanonical Amino Acid Incorporation. Chem Rev 2024; 124:9113-9135. [PMID: 39008623 PMCID: PMC11327963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The incorporation of noncanonical amino acids into proteins and protein-based materials has significantly expanded the repertoire of available protein structures and chemistries. Through residue-specific incorporation, protein properties can be globally modified, resulting in the creation of novel proteins and materials with diverse and tailored characteristics. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in residue-specific incorporation techniques as well as the applications of the engineered proteins and materials. Specifically, we discuss their utility in bio-orthogonal noncanonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT), fluorescent noncanonical amino acid tagging (FUNCAT), threonine-derived noncanonical amino acid tagging (THRONCAT), cross-linking, fluorination, and enzyme engineering. This review underscores the importance of noncanonical amino acid incorporation as a tool for the development of tailored protein properties to meet diverse research and industrial needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temiloluwa Majekodunmi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States
| | - Dustin Britton
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States
| | - Jin Kim Montclare
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York 11201, United States
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10012, United States
- Department of Biomaterials, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, New York 10010, United States
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York 10016, United States
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3
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Wei L, Mei D, Hu S, Du S. Dual-target EZH2 inhibitor: latest advances in medicinal chemistry. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:1561-1582. [PMID: 39082677 PMCID: PMC11370917 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2380243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase, plays a crucial role in tumor progression by regulating gene expression. EZH2 inhibitors have emerged as promising anti-tumor agents due to their potential in cancer treatment strategies. However, single-target inhibitors often face limitations such as drug resistance and side effects. Dual-target inhibitors, exemplified by EZH1/2 inhibitor HH-2853(28), offer enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects. This review highlights recent advancements in dual inhibitors targeting EZH2 and other proteins like BRD4, PARP1, and EHMT2, emphasizing rational design, structure-activity relationships, and safety profiles, suggesting their potential in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology Department of Orthodontics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology Department of Orthodontics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Sijia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology Department of Orthodontics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Shufang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology Department of Orthodontics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
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4
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Imai M, Colas K, Suga H. Protein Grafting Techniques: From Peptide Epitopes to Lasso-Grafted Neobiologics. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202400152. [PMID: 38693599 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Protein engineering techniques have vastly expanded their domain of impact, notably following the success of antibodies. Likewise, smaller peptide therapeutics have carved an increasingly significant niche for themselves in the pharmaceutical landscape. The concept of grafting such peptides onto larger protein scaffolds, thus harvesting the advantages of both, has given rise to a variety of protein engineering strategies that are reviewed herein. We also describe our own "Lasso-Grafting" approach, which combines traditional grafting concepts with mRNA display to streamline the production of multiple grafted drug candidates for virtually any target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Imai
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kilian Colas
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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5
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Wang X, Chen X, Chen Z, Xu W, Lai R, Qiu X, Zeng Z, Wang C, Wang Z, Wang J. Integrated Anchored Stapling and Hierarchical Dynamics: MSICDA-Driven CREBBP Bromodomain Inhibition. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4739-4758. [PMID: 38863138 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent success in the computational approaches of cyclic peptide design, current studies face challenges in modeling noncanonical amino acids and nonstandard cyclizations due to limited data. To address this challenge, we developed an integrated framework for the tailored design of stapled peptides (SPs) targeting the bromodomain of CREBBP (CREBBP-BrD). We introduce a powerful combination of anchored stapling and hierarchical molecular dynamics to design and optimize SPs by employing the MultiScale integrative conformational dynamics assessment (MSICDA) strategy, which involves an initial virtual screening of over 1.5 million SPs, followed by comprehensive simulations amounting to 154.54 μs across 5418 of instances. The MSICDA method provides a detailed and holistic stability view of peptide-protein interactions, systematically isolated optimized peptides and identified two leading candidates, DA#430 and DA#99409, characterized by their enhanced stability, optimized binding, and high affinity toward the CREBBP-BrD. In cell-free assays, DA#430 and DA#99409 exhibited 2- to 12-fold greater potency than inhibitor SGC-CBP30. Cell studies revealed higher peptide selectivity for cancerous versus normal cells over small molecules. DA#430 combined with (+)-JQ-1 showed promising synergistic effects. Our approach enables the identification of peptides with optimized binding, high affinity, and enhanced stability, leading to more precise and effective cyclic peptide design, thereby establishing MSICDA as a generalizable and transformative tool for uncovering novel targeted drug development in various therapeutic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wanting Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ruizhi Lai
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Xiaohui Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zekai Zeng
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Shenzhen Qiyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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6
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Aslan A, Ari Yuka S. Therapeutic peptides for coronary artery diseases: in silico methods and current perspectives. Amino Acids 2024; 56:37. [PMID: 38822212 PMCID: PMC11143054 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-024-03397-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Many drug formulations containing small active molecules are used for the treatment of coronary artery disease, which affects a significant part of the world's population. However, the inadequate profile of these molecules in terms of therapeutic efficacy has led to the therapeutic use of protein and peptide-based biomolecules with superior properties, such as target-specific affinity and low immunogenicity, in critical diseases. Protein‒protein interactions, as a consequence of advances in molecular techniques with strategies involving the combined use of in silico methods, have enabled the design of therapeutic peptides to reach an advanced dimension. In particular, with the advantages provided by protein/peptide structural modeling, molecular docking for the study of their interactions, molecular dynamics simulations for their interactions under physiological conditions and machine learning techniques that can work in combination with all these, significant progress has been made in approaches to developing therapeutic peptides that can modulate the development and progression of coronary artery diseases. In this scope, this review discusses in silico methods for the development of peptide therapeutics for the treatment of coronary artery disease and strategies for identifying the molecular mechanisms that can be modulated by these designs and provides a comprehensive perspective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayca Aslan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selcen Ari Yuka
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Health Biotechnology Joint Research and Application Center of Excellence, Esenler, Istanbul, Turkey.
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7
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Chen FJ, Lin W, Chen FE. Non-symmetric stapling of native peptides. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:304-318. [PMID: 38575678 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-024-00591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Stapling has emerged as a powerful technique in peptide chemistry. It enables precise control over peptide conformation leading to enhanced properties such as improved stability and enhanced binding affinity. Although symmetric stapling methods have been extensively explored, the field of non-symmetric stapling of native peptides has received less attention, largely as a result of the formidable challenges it poses - in particular the complexities involved in achieving the high chemo-selectivity and site-selectivity required to simultaneously modify distinct proteinogenic residues. Over the past 5 years, there have been significant breakthroughs in addressing these challenges. In this Review, we describe the latest strategies for non-symmetric stapling of native peptides, elucidating the protocols, reaction mechanisms and underlying design principles. We also discuss current challenges and opportunities this field offers for future applications, such as ligand discovery and peptide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa-Jie Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Wanzhen Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis of Chiral Drugs, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
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8
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Li Y, Wu M, Fu Y, Xue J, Yuan F, Qu T, Rissanou AN, Wang Y, Li X, Hu H. Therapeutic stapled peptides: Efficacy and molecular targets. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107137. [PMID: 38522761 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107137] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Peptide stapling, by employing a stable, preformed alpha-helical conformation, results in the production of peptides with improved membrane permeability and enhanced proteolytic stability, compared to the original peptides, and provides an effective solution to accelerate the rapid development of peptide drugs. Various reviews present peptide stapling chemistries, anchoring residues and one- or two-component cyclization, however, therapeutic stapled peptides have not been systematically summarized, especially focusing on various disease-related targets. This review highlights the latest advances in therapeutic peptide drug development facilitated by the application of stapling technology, including different stapling techniques, synthetic accessibility, applicability to biological targets, potential for solving biological problems, as well as the current status of development. Stapled peptides as therapeutic drug candidates have been classified and analysed mainly by receptor- and ligand-based stapled peptide design against various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammation, and diabetes. This review is expected to provide a comprehensive reference for the rational design of stapled peptides for different diseases and targets to facilitate the development of therapeutic peptides with enhanced pharmacokinetic and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China.
| | - Minghao Wu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yinxue Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Jingwen Xue
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Tianci Qu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Anastassia N Rissanou
- Theoretical & Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Yilin Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 131 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai 200444, China.
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9
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Wayment AX, Johnson NC, Moreno MR, Stewart C, Felix BM, Lambert I, Traynor SA, Nielson PM, Lofgreen GQ, Smith SL, Newton MP, Tretbar JW, Nygaard JM, Harrell KG, Kinghorn MJ, Michaelis DJ. Squaric esters as peptide stapling reagents. Tetrahedron Lett 2024; 140:155010. [PMID: 38736688 PMCID: PMC11087058 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2024.155010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
We report that squaric esters can serve as bifunctional reagents for selective peptide stapling reactions. Formation of the squaric amide staple occurs under mild conditions with amine-containing side chains. We show that short resin-bound peptides are readily stapled on solid phase and that stapling can occur at various relative positions along the peptide and with various amine tether lengths (e.g. Lysine, ornithine, etc). The squaric amide staples are stable to strong acid conditions used to cleave the stapled peptide from the resin and the stapled peptides show an increase in helicity as analyzed through circular dichroism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam X. Wayment
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Nye C. Johnson
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Christopher Stewart
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Braxton M. Felix
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Isaac Lambert
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Sarah A. Traynor
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - P. Michael Nielson
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Grant Q. Lofgreen
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Shannon L. Smith
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Madison P. Newton
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Jordan W. Tretbar
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Joseph M.L. Nygaard
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Kylie G. Harrell
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Michael J. Kinghorn
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - David J. Michaelis
- Department of Chemsitry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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10
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Lester C, Li JM, Passang T, Wang Y, Waller EK, Blakey SB. Chemical Modifications to Enhance the Drug Properties of a VIP Receptor Antagonist (ANT) Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4391. [PMID: 38673976 PMCID: PMC11050070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084391] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antagonist peptides (ANTs) of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptors (VIP-Rs) are shown to enhance T cell activation and proliferation in vitro, as well as improving T cell-dependent anti-tumor response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) murine models. However, peptide therapeutics often suffer from poor metabolic stability and exhibit a short half-life/fast elimination in vivo. In this study, we describe efforts to enhance the drug properties of ANTs via chemical modifications. The lead antagonist (ANT308) is derivatized with the following modifications: N-terminus acetylation, peptide stapling, and PEGylation. Acetylated ANT308 exhibits diminished T cell activation in vitro, indicating that N-terminus conservation is critical for antagonist activity. The replacement of residues 13 and 17 with cysteine to accommodate a chemical staple results in diminished survival using the modified peptide to treat mice with AML. However, the incorporation of the constraint increases survival and reduces tumor burden relative to its unstapled counterpart. Notably, PEGylation has a significant positive effect, with fewer doses of PEGylated ANT308 needed to achieve comparable overall survival and tumor burden in leukemic mice dosed with the parenteral ANT308 peptide, suggesting that polyethylene glycol (PEG) incorporation enhances longevity, and thus the antagonist activity of ANT308.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lester
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Jian-Ming Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (J.-M.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Tenzin Passang
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Yuou Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (J.-M.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Edmund K. Waller
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (J.-M.L.); (Y.W.)
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Simon B. Blakey
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
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11
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Mahto AK, Kanupriya, Kumari S, Yar MS, Dewangan RP. Hydrocarbon stapled temporin-L analogue as potential antibacterial and antiendotoxin agents with enhanced protease stability. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107239. [PMID: 38428282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global concern and a huge burden on the healthcare system. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as a solution of AMR due to their membrane-lytic and intracellular mode of action and therefore resistance development against AMPs is less frequent. One such AMPs, temporin-L (TL) is a 13-mer peptide reported as a potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial agent with significant immunomodulatory activity. However, TL is toxic to human erythrocytes at their antibacterial concentrations and therefore various analogues were synthesized with potent antimicrobial activity and lower hemolytic activity. In this work, we have selected a non-toxic engineered analogue of TL (eTL) and performed hydrocarbon stapling of amino acid residues at i to i + 4 positions at different part of sequence. The synthesized peptides were investigated against both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as methicillin resistant S. aureus, its MIC was measured in the concentrations range of 0.9-15.2 µM. All analogues were found equal or better antibacterial as compared to parent peptide. Interestingly one analogue eTL [5-9] was found to be non-cytotoxic and stable in presence of the human serum. Mode of action studies revealed membrane depolarizing and disruptive mode of action with live MRSA. Further in vivo studies of antimicrobial against MRSA infection and anti-endotoxin activities in mice model revealed potential activity of the stapled peptide analogue. Overall, this reports on stapled analogue of the AMPs highlights an important strategy for the development of new antibacterial therapeutics against AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Kumar Mahto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Kanupriya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Shalini Kumari
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Sukhdev Vihar, Mathura Road, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammad Shahar Yar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University), New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Rikeshwer Prasad Dewangan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be University), New Delhi 110062, India.
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12
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Quagliata M, Papini AM, Rovero P. Chemically modified antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3541. [PMID: 37699615 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3541] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
To date, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a potentially lethal disease. Although both vaccines and specific antiviral drugs have been approved, the search for more specific therapeutic approaches is still ongoing. The infection mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 consists of several stages, and each one can be selectively blocked to disrupt viral infection. Peptides are a promising class of antiviral compounds, which may be suitably modified to be more stable, more effective, and more selective towards a specific viral replication step. The latter two goals might be obtained by increasing the specificity and/or the affinity of the interaction with a specific target and often imply the stabilization of the secondary structure of the active peptide. This review is focused on modified antiviral peptides against SARS-CoV-2 acting at different stages of virus replication, including ACE2-RBD interaction, membrane fusion mechanism, and the proteolytic cleavage by different viral proteases. Therefore, the landscape presented herein provides a useful springboard for the design of new and powerful antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quagliata
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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13
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Worm D, Grabe GJ, de Castro GV, Rabinovich S, Warm I, Isherwood K, Helaine S, Barnard A. Stapled Phd Peptides Inhibit Doc Toxin Induced Growth Arrest in Salmonella. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2485-2494. [PMID: 38098459 PMCID: PMC10728895 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial toxin inhibition is a promising approach to overcoming antibiotic failure. InSalmonella, knockout of the toxin Doc has been shown to significantly reduce the formation of antibiotic-tolerant persisters. Doc is a kinase that is inhibited in nontolerant cells by its cognate antitoxin, Phd. In this work, we have developed first-in-class stapled peptide antitoxin mimetics based on the Doc inhibitory sequence of Phd. After making a series of substitutions to improve bacterial uptake, we identified a lead stapled Phd peptide that is able to counteract Doc toxicity in Salmonella. This provides an exciting starting point for the further development of therapeutic peptides capable of reducing antibiotic persistence in pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis
J. Worm
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Grzegorz J. Grabe
- Department
of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, 4 Blackfan Circle, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Guilherme V. de Castro
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Sofya Rabinovich
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Ian Warm
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Kira Isherwood
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
| | - Sophie Helaine
- Department
of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, 4 Blackfan Circle, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Anna Barnard
- Department
of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12
0BZ, U.K.
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14
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Paquette AR, Boddy CN. Double Stranded DNA Binding Stapled Peptides: An Emerging Tool for Transcriptional Regulation. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300594. [PMID: 37750576 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Stapled peptides have rapidly established themselves as a powerful technique to mimic α-helical interactions with a short peptide sequence. There are many examples of stapled peptides that successfully disrupt α-helix-mediated protein-protein interactions, with an example currently in clinical trials. DNA-protein interactions are also often mediated by α-helices and are involved in all transcriptional regulation processes. Unlike DNA-binding small molecules, which typically lack DNA sequence selectivity, DNA-binding proteins bind with high affinity and high selectivity. These are ideal candidates for the design DNA-binding stapled peptides. Despite the parallel to protein-protein interaction disrupting stapled peptides and the need for sequence specific DNA binders, there are very few DNA-binding stapled peptides. In this review we examine all the known DNA-binding stapled peptides. Their design concepts are compared to stapled peptides that disrupt protein-protein interactions and based on the few examples in the literature, DNA-binding stapled peptide trends are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- André R Paquette
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Christopher N Boddy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
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15
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Zhou L, Hou Y, Pan X, Wang X, Jin H, Yang X, Wang K, Ding X, Wang K, Zhu M, Pan Y, Wang W, Lu L. Trichosanthin-derived peptide Tk-PQ attenuates immune rejection in mouse tracheal allotransplant model by suppressing PI3K-Akt and inducing type II immune polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111081. [PMID: 37862724 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is one of the main complications affecting long-term survival of post-lung transplantation patients. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Tk-PQ (a peptide derived from trichosanthin) in alleviating OB in a mouse ectopic tracheal transplant model. We found that post-transplantation treatment of Tk-PQ significant ameliorated OB symptoms including luminal occlusion, epithelial cells loss and fibrosis in the allograft. In addition, Tk-PQ promoted immune suppressive environment by inducing Th2 polarization and increasing Treg population which in turn led to elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-33 and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β. Mechanistically, we used transcriptome analysis of splenic T cells from allografted mice to show that Tk-PQ treatment down-regulated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Indeed, the immune suppression phenotypes of Tk-PQ was recapitulated by a PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, Tk-PQ regulates post-transplantation immuno-rejection by modulating the balance of T cell response via the PI3K-Akt pathway, making it a promising peptide based immune rejection suppressant for patients receiving allotransplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yafei Hou
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xufeng Pan
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haizhen Jin
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Kefan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xuping Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Minfang Zhu
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yan Pan
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Weimin Wang
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Liming Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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16
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Chen T, Pertsemlidis S, Watson R, Kavirayuni VS, Hsu A, Vure P, Pulugurta R, Vincoff S, Hong L, Wang T, Yudistyra V, Haarer E, Zhao L, Chatterjee P. PepMLM: Target Sequence-Conditioned Generation of Peptide Binders via Masked Language Modeling. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2310.03842v2. [PMID: 37873004 PMCID: PMC10593082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Target proteins that lack accessible binding pockets and conformational stability have posed increasing challenges for drug development. Induced proximity strategies, such as PROTACs and molecular glues, have thus gained attention as pharmacological alternatives, but still require small molecule docking at binding pockets for targeted protein degradation (TPD). The computational design of protein-based binders presents unique opportunities to access undruggable targets, but have often relied on stable 3D structures or predictions for effective binder generation. Recently, we have leveraged the expressive latent spaces of protein language models (pLMs) for the prioritization of peptide binders from sequence alone, which we have then fused to E3 ubiquitin ligase domains, creating a CRISPR-analogous TPD system for target proteins. However, our methods rely on training discriminator models for ranking heuristically or unconditionally-derived guide peptides for their target binding capability. In this work, we introduce PepMLM, a purely target sequence-conditioned de novo generator of linear peptide binders. By employing a novel masking strategy that uniquely positions cognate peptide sequences at the terminus of target protein sequences, PepMLM tasks the state-of-the-art ESM-2 pLM to fully reconstruct the binder region, achieving low perplexities matching or improving upon previously-validated peptide-protein sequence pairs. After successful in silico benchmarking with AlphaFold-Multimer, we experimentally verify PepMLM's efficacy via fusion of model-derived peptides to E3 ubiquitin ligase domains, demonstrating endogenous degradation of target substrates in cellular models. In total, PepMLM enables the generative design of candidate binders to any target protein, without the requirement of target structure, empowering downstream programmable proteome editing applications.
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17
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Hymel HC, Anderson JC, Liu D, Gauthier TJ, Melvin AT. Incorporating a β-hairpin sequence motif to increase intracellular stability of a peptide-based PROTAC. Biochem Eng J 2023; 199:109063. [PMID: 37637833 PMCID: PMC10455042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2023.109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a new class of therapeutics that utilize the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to facilitate proteasomal degradation of "undruggable" targets. Peptide-based PROTACs contain three essential components: a binding motif for the target protein, a short amino acid sequence recognized by an E3 ligase called a degron, and a cell penetrating peptide to facilitate uptake into intact cells. While peptide-based PROTACs have been shown to successfully degrade numerous targets, they have often been found to exhibit low cell permeability and high protease susceptibility. Prior work identified peptides containing a β-hairpin sequence motif that function not only as protecting elements, but also as CPPs and degrons. The goal of this study was to investigate if a β-hairpin sequence could replace commonly used unstructured peptides sequences as the degron and the CPP needed for PROTAC uptake and function. The degradation of the protein Tau was selected as a model system as several published works have identified a Tau binding element that could easily be conjugated to the β-hairpin sequence. A series of time- and concentration-dependent studies confirmed that the βhairpin sequence was an adequate alternative CPP and degron to facilitate the proteasomemediated degradation of Tau. Microscopy studies confirmed the time-dependent uptake of the PROTAC and a degradation assay confirmed that the β-hairpin conjugated PROTAC had a greater lifetime in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Hymel
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Jeffery C Anderson
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Dong Liu
- LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Lab, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Ted J Gauthier
- LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Lab, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Adam T Melvin
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
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18
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Verma S, Ogata FT, Moreno IY, Prinholato da Silva C, Marforio TD, Calvaresi M, Sen M, Coulson-Thomas VJ, Gesteira TF. Rational design and synthesis of lumican stapled peptides for promoting corneal wound healing. Ocul Surf 2023; 30:168-178. [PMID: 37742739 PMCID: PMC11092926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lumican is a major extracellular matrix (ECM) component in the cornea that is upregulated after injury and promotes corneal wound healing. We have recently shown that peptides designed based on the 13 C-terminal amino acids of lumican (LumC13 and LumC13C-A) are able to recapitulate the effects of lumican on promoting corneal wound healing. Herein we used computational chemistry to develop peptide mimetics derived from LumC13C-A with increased stability and half-life that are biologically active and non-toxic, thereby promoting corneal wound healing with increased pharmacological potential. METHODS Different peptides staples were rationalized using LumC13C-A sequence by computational chemistry, docked to TGFβRI and the interface binding energies compared. Lowest scoring peptides were synthesized, and the toxicity of peptides tested using CCK8-based cell viability assay. The efficacy of the stapled peptides at promoting corneal wound healing was tested using a proliferation assay, an in vitro scratch assay using human corneal epithelial cells and an in vivo murine corneal debridement wound healing model. RESULTS Binding free energies were calculated using MMGBSA algorithm, and peptides LumC13C and LumC13S5 displayed superior binding to ALK5 compared to the non-stapled peptide LumC13C-A. The presence of the hydrocarbon staple in LumC13C enhances the stability of the α-helical conformation, thereby facilitating more optimal interactions with the ALK5 receptor. The stapled peptides do not present cytotoxic effects on human corneal epithelial cells at a 300 nM concentration. Similar to lumican and LumC13C-A, both C13C and LumC13S5 significantly promote corneal wound healing both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Highly stable and non-toxic stapled peptides designed based on LumC13, significantly promote corneal wound healing. As a proof of principle, our data shows that more stable and pharmacologically relevant peptides can be designed based on endogenous peptide sequences for treating various corneal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Isabel Y Moreno
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Tainah Dorina Marforio
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Calvaresi
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Mehmet Sen
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Ullah H, Deng T, Ali M, Farooqui NA, Alsholi DM, Siddiqui NZ, Rehman AU, Ali S, Ilyas M, Wang L, Xin Y. Sea Conch Peptides Hydrolysate Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice through Immune Modulation and Gut Microbiota Restoration. Molecules 2023; 28:6849. [PMID: 37836692 PMCID: PMC10574497 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196849] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a persistent, lifelong inflammation of the digestive system. Dextran sulfate sodium is commonly used to induce colitis in experimental animal models, which causes epithelial damage, intestinal inflammation, mucin depletion, and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Various prebiotics, polysaccharides, and polypeptides are used for IBD treatment. In this study, we used a murine model utilizing BALB/c mice, with 10 mice per group, to investigate the treatment effect of sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) on DSS-induced colitis mice. Colitis was induced through the administration of 2.5% DSS in drinking water over a seven-days period. Furthermore, on the eighth day of the experiment, sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) at low (100 mg/kg), medium (200 mg/kg), and high (400 mg/kg) doses, which were continued for 14 days, were assessed for medicinal purposes in DSS-induced colitis mice. Our results showed that CPH treatment significantly alleviated the severity and symptoms of colitis. The epithelial integrity and histological damage were improved. Intestinal inflammation and inflammatory cell infiltration were improved. Furthermore, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced, and intestinal barrier integrity was restored by elevating the tight junction proteins. Moreover, 16s RNA sequencing revealed dysbiosis of the gut microbiota was observed upon DSS treatment, which was reinstated after CPH treatment. An increased level of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus was observed in the treatment groups. Finally, our results suggest that CPH would be recommended as a functional food source and also have the potential to be used as a medicinal product for different gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidayat Ullah
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Ting Deng
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Muhsin Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Nabeel Ahmed Farooqui
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Duaa M. Alsholi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Nimra Zafar Siddiqui
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Ata Ur Rehman
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Sharafat Ali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Muhammad Ilyas
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
| | - Liang Wang
- Stem Cell Clinical Research Center, National Joint Engineering Laboratory, Regenerative Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Yi Xin
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Basic Medical Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (T.D.); (M.A.); (N.A.F.); (D.M.A.); (N.Z.S.); (A.U.R.); (M.I.)
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20
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Bathgate RAD, Praveen P, Sethi A, Furuya WI, Dhingra RR, Kocan M, Ou Q, Valkovic AL, Gil-Miravet I, Navarro-Sánchez M, Olucha-Bordonau FE, Gundlach AL, Rosengren KJ, Gooley PR, Dutschmann M, Hossain MA. Noncovalent Peptide Stapling Using Alpha-Methyl-l-Phenylalanine for α-Helical Peptidomimetics. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20242-20247. [PMID: 37439676 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and peptidomimetics are attractive drug candidates because of their high target specificity and low-toxicity profiles. Developing peptidomimetics using hydrocarbon (HC)-stapling or other stapling strategies has gained momentum because of their high stability and resistance to proteases; however, they have limitations. Here, we take advantage of the α-methyl group and an aromatic phenyl ring in a unique unnatural amino acid, α-methyl-l-phenylalanine (αF), and propose a novel, noncovalent stapling strategy to stabilize peptides. We utilized this strategy to create an α-helical B-chain mimetic of a complex insulin-like peptide, human relaxin-3 (H3 relaxin). Our comprehensive data set (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) confirmed that the new high-yielding B-chain mimetic, H3B10-27(13/17αF), is remarkably stable in serum and fully mimics the biological function of H3 relaxin. H3B10-27(13/17αF) is an excellent scaffold for further development as a drug lead and an important tool to decipher the physiological functions of the neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptor, RXFP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Praveen Praveen
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ashish Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation, The Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Werner I Furuya
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Rishi R Dhingra
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Martina Kocan
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Qinghao Ou
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Adam L Valkovic
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Isis Gil-Miravet
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castelló de La Plana, Spain
| | - Mónica Navarro-Sánchez
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castelló de La Plana, Spain
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Predepartmental Unit of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castelló de La Plana, Spain
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mathias Dutschmann
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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21
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Guarrochena X, Kaudela B, Mindt TL. Automated solid-phase synthesis of metabolically stabilized triazolo-peptidomimetics. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3488. [PMID: 36912359 PMCID: PMC10909554 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles as trans-amide bond surrogates has become an important tool for the synthesis of metabolically stabilized peptidomimetics. These heterocyclic bioisosters are generally incorporated into the peptide backbone by applying a diazo-transfer reaction followed by CuAAC (click chemistry) with an α-amino alkyne. Even though the manual synthesis of backbone-modified triazolo-peptidomimetics has been reported by us and others, no procedure has yet been described for an automated synthesis using peptide synthesizers. In order to efficiently adapt these reactions to an automated setup, different conditions were explored, putting special emphasis on the required long-term stability of both the diazo-transfer reagent and the Cu(I) catalyst in solution. ISA·HCl is the reagent of choice to accomplish the diazo-transfer reaction; however, it was found instable in DMF, the most commonly used solvent for SPPS. Thus, an aqueous solution of ISA·HCl was used to prevent its degradation over time, and the composition in the final diazo-transfer reaction was adjusted to preserve suitable swelling conditions of the resins applied. The CuAAC reaction was performed without difficulties using [Cu (CH3 CN)4 ]PF6 as a catalyst and TBTA as a stabilizer to prevent oxidation to Cu(II). The optimized automated two-step procedure was applied to the synthesis of structurally diverse triazolo-peptidomimetics to demonstrate the versatility of the developed methodology. Under the optimized conditions, five triazolo-peptidomimetics (8-5 amino acid residues) were synthesized efficiently using two different resins. Analysis of the crude products by HPLC-MS revealed moderate to good purities of the desired triazolo-peptidomimetics (70-85%). The synthesis time ranged between 9 and 12.5 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Guarrochena
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Vienna Doctoral School in ChemistryUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied DiagnosticsAKH Wien c/o Sekretariat NuklearmedizinViennaAustria
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Joint Applied Medicinal Radiochemistry FacilityUniversity of Vienna, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Kaudela
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Vienna Doctoral School in ChemistryUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied DiagnosticsAKH Wien c/o Sekretariat NuklearmedizinViennaAustria
| | - Thomas L. Mindt
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of ChemistryUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied DiagnosticsAKH Wien c/o Sekretariat NuklearmedizinViennaAustria
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Joint Applied Medicinal Radiochemistry FacilityUniversity of Vienna, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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22
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Gori A, Lodigiani G, Colombarolli SG, Bergamaschi G, Vitali A. Cell Penetrating Peptides: Classification, Mechanisms, Methods of Study, and Applications. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300236. [PMID: 37389978 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) encompass a class of peptides that possess the remarkable ability to cross cell membranes and deliver various types of cargoes, including drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins, into cells. For this reason, CPPs are largely investigated in drug delivery applications in the context of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. While sharing this functionality and some common structural features, such as a high content of positively charged amino acids, CPPs represent an extremely diverse group of elements, which can differentiate under many aspects. In this review, we summarize the most common characteristics of CPPs, introduce their main distinctive features, mechanistic aspects that drive their function, and outline the most widely used techniques for their structural and functional studies. We highlight current gaps and future perspectives in this field, which have the potential to significantly impact the future field of drug delivery and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gori
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Lodigiani
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Stella G Colombarolli
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Greta Bergamaschi
- SCITEC - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, Via Mario Bianco 9, 20131, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "Giulio Natta", National Research Council of Italy, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Roma, Italy
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23
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Khairkhah N, Namvar A, Bolhassani A. Application of Cell Penetrating Peptides as a Promising Drug Carrier to Combat Viral Infections. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1387-1402. [PMID: 36719639 PMCID: PMC9888354 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00679-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Novel effective drugs or therapeutic vaccines have been already developed to eradicate viral infections. Some non-viral carriers have been used for effective drug delivery to a target cell or tissue. Among them, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) attracted a special interest to enhance drug delivery into the cells with low toxicity. They were also applied to transfer peptide/protein-based and nucleic acids-based therapeutic vaccines against viral infections. CPPs-conjugated drugs or vaccines were investigated in several viral infections including poliovirus, Ebola, coronavirus, herpes simplex virus, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and influenza A virus. Some studies showed that the uptake of CPPs or CPPs-conjugated drugs can be performed through both non-endocytic and endocytic pathways. Despite high potential of CPPs for cargo delivery, there are some serious drawbacks such as non-tissue-specificity, instability, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics features that limit their clinical applications. At present, some solutions are utilized to improve the CPPs properties such as conjugation of CPPs with targeting moieties, the use of fusogenic lipids, generation of the proton sponge effect, etc. Up to now, no CPP or composition containing CPPs has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the lack of sufficient in vivo studies on stability, immunological assays, toxicity, and endosomal escape of CPPs. In this review, we briefly describe the properties, uptake mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, and improvement of intracellular delivery, and bioavailability of cell penetrating peptides. Moreover, we focus on their application as an effective drug carrier to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Khairkhah
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Namvar
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Deigin V, Linkova N, Volpina O. Advancement from Small Peptide Pharmaceuticals to Orally Active Piperazine-2,5-dion-Based Cyclopeptides. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13534. [PMID: 37686336 PMCID: PMC10487935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral delivery of peptide pharmaceuticals has long been a fundamental challenge in drug development. A new chemical platform was designed based on branched piperazine-2,5-diones for creating orally available biologically active peptidomimetics. The platform includes a bio-carrier with "built-in" functionally active peptide fragments or bioactive molecules that are covalently attached via linkers. The developed platform allows for a small peptide to be taken with a particular biological activity and to be transformed into an orally stable compound displaying the same activity. Based on this approach, various peptidomimetics exhibiting hemostimulating, hemosuppressing, and adjuvant activity were prepared. In addition, new examples of a rare phenomenon when enantiomeric molecules demonstrate reciprocal biological activity are presented. Finally, the review summarizes the evolutionary approach of the short peptide pharmaceutical development from the immunocompetent organ separation to orally active cyclopeptides and peptidomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Deigin
- The Laboratory of Synthetic Vaccines of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
| | - Natalia Linkova
- The Research Laboratory of the Development of Drug Delivery Systems, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Ligovskii Prospect, 2-4, St. Petersburg 191036, Russia;
| | - Olga Volpina
- The Laboratory of Synthetic Vaccines of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya St., 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
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25
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Krajcovicova S, Spring DR. Tryptophan in Multicomponent Petasis Reactions for Peptide Stapling and Late-Stage Functionalisation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307782. [PMID: 37389988 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Peptide stapling is a robust strategy for generating enzymatically stable, macrocyclic peptides. The incorporation of biologically relevant tags (such as cell-penetrating motifs or fluorescent dyes) into peptides, while preserving their binding interactions and enhancing their stability, is highly sought after. Despite the unique opportunities offered by tryptophan's indole scaffold for targeted functionalisation, its utilisation in peptide stapling has been limited as compared to other amino acids. Herein, we present an approach for peptide stapling using the tryptophan-mediated Petasis reaction. This method enables the synthesis of both stapled and labelled peptides and is applicable to both solution and solid-phase synthesis. Importantly, the use of the Petasis reaction in combination with tryptophan facilitates the formation of stapled peptides in a straightforward, multicomponent fashion, while circumventing the formation of undesired by-products. Furthermore, this approach allows for efficient and diverse late-stage peptide modifications, thereby enabling rapid production of numerous conjugates for biological and medicinal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Krajcovicova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Tr. 17. Listopadu 12, 77900, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
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26
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Morgan DC, McDougall L, Knuhtsen A, Jamieson AG. Development of Bifunctional, Raman Active Diyne-Girder Stapled α-Helical Peptides. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202300855. [PMID: 37130830 PMCID: PMC10946806 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300855] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Stapled peptides are a unique class of cyclic α-helical peptides that are conformationally constrained via their amino acid side-chains. They have been transformative to the field of chemical biology and peptide drug discovery through addressing many of the physicochemical limitations of linear peptides. However, there are several issues with current chemical strategies to produce stapled peptides. For example, two distinct unnatural amino acids are required to synthesize i, i+7 alkene stapled peptides, leading to high production costs. Furthermore, low purified yields are obtained due to cis/trans isomers produced during ring-closing metathesis macrocyclisation. Here we report the development of a new i, i+7 diyne-girder stapling strategy that addresses these issues. The asymmetric synthesis of nine unnatural Fmoc-protected alkyne-amino acids facilitated a systematic study to determine the optimal (S,S)-stereochemistry and 14-carbon diyne-girder bridge length. Diyne-girder stapled T-STAR peptide 29 was demonstrated to have excellent helicity, cell permeability and stability to protease degradation. Finally, we demonstrate that the diyne-girder constraint is a Raman chromophore with potential use in Raman cell microscopy. Development of this highly effective, bifunctional diyne-girder stapling strategy leads us to believe that it can be used to produce other stapled peptide probes and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle C. Morgan
- School of ChemistryAdvanced Research CentreUniversity of Glasgow11 Chapel LaneGlasgowG11 6EWUK
| | - Laura McDougall
- School of ChemistryAdvanced Research CentreUniversity of Glasgow11 Chapel LaneGlasgowG11 6EWUK
| | - Astrid Knuhtsen
- School of ChemistryAdvanced Research CentreUniversity of Glasgow11 Chapel LaneGlasgowG11 6EWUK
| | - Andrew G. Jamieson
- School of ChemistryAdvanced Research CentreUniversity of Glasgow11 Chapel LaneGlasgowG11 6EWUK
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27
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Kong X, Zhang N, Shen H, Wang N, Cong W, Liu C, Hu HG. Design, synthesis and antitumor activity of Ascaphin-8 derived stapled peptides based on halogen-sulfhydryl click chemical reactions. RSC Adv 2023; 13:19862-19868. [PMID: 37409042 PMCID: PMC10318414 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02743k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascaphin-8 (GFKDLLKGAAKALVKTVLF-NH2), isolated from the norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretion of the North American-tailed frog Ascaphus truei, is a C-terminal α-helical antimicrobial peptide with potential antitumor activity. However, linear peptides are difficult to be applied directly as drugs because of their inherent defects, such as low hydrolytic enzyme tolerance and poor structural stability. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of stapled peptides based on Ascaphin-8 via thiol-halogen click chemistry. Most of the stapled peptide derivatives showed enhanced antitumor activity. Among them, A8-2-o and A8-4-Dp had the most improved structural stability, stronger hydrolytic enzyme tolerance and highest biological activity. This research may provide a reference for the stapled modification of other similar natural antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University Weifang 261053 PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University Weifang 261053 PR China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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28
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Fischer S, Trinh VT, Simon C, Weber LM, Forné I, Nist A, Bange G, Abendroth F, Stiewe T, Steinchen W, Liefke R, Vázquez O. Peptide-mediated inhibition of the transcriptional regulator Elongin BC induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Cell Chem Biol 2023:S2451-9456(23)00155-1. [PMID: 37354906 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.05.012] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) via designed peptides is an effective strategy to perturb their biological functions. The Elongin BC heterodimer (ELOB/C) binds to a BC-box motif and is essential for cancer cell growth. Here, we report a peptide that mimics the high-affinity BC-box of the PRC2-associated protein EPOP. This peptide tightly binds to the ELOB/C dimer (kD = 0.46 ± 0.02 nM) and blocks the association of ELOB/C with its interaction partners, both in vitro and in the cellular environment. Cancer cells treated with our peptide inhibitor showed decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis, and perturbed gene expression. Therefore, our work proposes that blocking the BC-box-binding pocket of ELOB/C is a feasible strategy to impair its function and inhibit cancer cell growth. Our peptide inhibitor promises novel mechanistic insights into the biological function of the ELOB/C dimer and offers a starting point for therapeutics linked to ELOB/C dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Fischer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Van Tuan Trinh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Clara Simon
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lisa M Weber
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ignasi Forné
- Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrea Nist
- Genomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Gert Bange
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank Abendroth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Genomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wieland Steinchen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Liefke
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Immunology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Olalla Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), University of Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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29
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Jacobo-Delgado YM, Rodríguez-Carlos A, Serrano CJ, Rivas-Santiago B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell-wall and antimicrobial peptides: a mission impossible? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1194923. [PMID: 37266428 PMCID: PMC10230078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the most important infectious agents worldwide and causes more than 1.5 million deaths annually. To make matters worse, the drug resistance among Mtb strains has risen substantially in the last few decades. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find patients infected with Mtb strains that are virtually resistant to all antibiotics, which has led to the urgent search for new molecules and therapies. Over previous decades, several studies have demonstrated the efficiency of antimicrobial peptides to eliminate even multidrug-resistant bacteria, making them outstanding candidates to counterattack this growing health problem. Nevertheless, the complexity of the Mtb cell wall makes us wonder whether antimicrobial peptides can effectively kill this persistent Mycobacterium. In the present review, we explore the complexity of the Mtb cell wall and analyze the effectiveness of antimicrobial peptides to eliminate the bacilli.
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30
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Astrakhantseva IV, Ershova AE, Chuvpilo SA, Kruglova NA, Ishmukhametov AA, Drutskaya MS, Kozlovskaya LI, Nedospasov SA. SARS-CoV-2 Binding and Neutralization Properties of Peptides Derived from N-Terminus of Human ACE2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098269. [PMID: 37175976 PMCID: PMC10179272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding properties of synthetic and recombinant peptides derived from N-terminal part of ACE2, the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2, were evaluated. Additionally, the ability of these peptides to prevent virus entry in vitro was addressed using both pseudovirus particles decorated with the S protein, as well as through infection of Vero cells with live SARS-CoV-2 virus. Surprisingly, in spite of effective binding to S protein, all linear peptides of various lengths failed to neutralize the viral infection in vitro. However, the P1st peptide that was chemically "stapled" in order to stabilize its alpha-helical structure was able to interfere with virus entry into ACE2-expressing cells. Interestingly, this peptide also neutralized pseudovirus particles decorated with S protein derived from the Omicron BA.1 virus, in spite of variations in key amino acid residues contacting ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V Astrakhantseva
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, Krasnodarsky Krai, 354349 Sochi, Russia
| | - Alina E Ershova
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, Krasnodarsky Krai, 354349 Sochi, Russia
| | - Sergei A Chuvpilo
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, Krasnodarsky Krai, 354349 Sochi, Russia
| | - Natalia A Kruglova
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy of Socially Significant Diseases, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aydar A Ishmukhametov
- Department of Emerging and Reemerging Infections, Chumakov Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Poliomyelitis), 108819 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina S Drutskaya
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov I Kozlovskaya
- Department of Emerging and Reemerging Infections, Chumakov Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Russian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Poliomyelitis), 108819 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergei A Nedospasov
- Division of Immunobiology and Biomedicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius, Krasnodarsky Krai, 354349 Sochi, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Immunity, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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31
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Tyler TJ, Durek T, Craik DJ. Native and Engineered Cyclic Disulfide-Rich Peptides as Drug Leads. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073189. [PMID: 37049950 PMCID: PMC10096437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a highly abundant and diverse group of molecules that exhibit a wide range of structural and functional variation. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides have been traditionally perceived as poor drug candidates, largely due to intrinsic shortcomings that reflect their endogenous heritage, i.e., short biological half-lives and poor cell permeability. In this review, we examine the utility of molecular engineering to insert bioactive sequences into constrained scaffolds with desired pharmaceutical properties. Applying lessons learnt from nature, we focus on molecular grafting of cyclic disulfide-rich scaffolds (naturally derived or engineered), shown to be intrinsically stable and amenable to sequence modifications, and their utility as privileged frameworks in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J. Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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32
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Cataldi E, Raschig M, Gutmann M, Geppert PT, Ruopp M, Schock M, Gerwe H, Bertermann R, Meinel L, Finze M, Nowak-Król A, Decker M, Lühmann T. Amber Light Control of Peptide Secondary Structure by a Perfluoroaromatic Azobenzene Photoswitch. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200570. [PMID: 36567253 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The incorporation of photoswitches into the molecular structure of peptides and proteins enables their dynamic photocontrol in complex biological systems. Here, a perfluorinated azobenzene derivative triggered by amber light was site-specifically conjugated to cysteines in a helical peptide by perfluoroarylation chemistry. In response to the photoisomerization (trans→cis) of the conjugated azobenzene with amber light, the secondary structure of the peptide was modulated from a disorganized into an amphiphilic helical structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cataldi
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martina Raschig
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Gutmann
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick T Geppert
- Universität Würzburg, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Institute for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis with Boron, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Ruopp
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marvin Schock
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hubert Gerwe
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Bertermann
- Universität Würzburg, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Institute for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis with Boron, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Meinel
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for RNA-Based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI), 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maik Finze
- Universität Würzburg, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Institute for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis with Boron, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Nowak-Król
- Universität Würzburg, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry and Institute for Sustainable Chemistry and Catalysis with Boron, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Decker
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tessa Lühmann
- Universität Würzburg, Institute for Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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33
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Banerjee A, Gosavi S. Potential Self-Peptide Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:855-865. [PMID: 36689738 PMCID: PMC9883841 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c05917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) plays an essential role in viral replication, cleaving viral polyproteins into functional proteins. This makes Mpro an important drug target. Mpro consists of an N-terminal catalytic domain and a C-terminal α-helical domain (MproC). Previous studies have shown that peptides derived from a given protein sequence (self-peptides) can affect the folding and, in turn, the function of that protein. Since the SARS-CoV-1 MproC is known to stabilize its Mpro and regulate its function, we hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 MproC-derived self-peptides may modulate the folding and the function of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. To test this, we studied the folding of MproC in the presence of various self-peptides using coarse-grained structure-based models and molecular dynamics simulations. In these simulations of MproC and one self-peptide, we found that two self-peptides, the α1-helix and the loop between α4 and α5 (loop4), could replace the equivalent native sequences in the MproC structure. Replacement of either sequence in full-length Mpro should, in principle, be able to perturb Mpro function albeit through different mechanisms. Some general principles for the rational design of self-peptide inhibitors emerge: The simulations show that prefolded self-peptides are more likely to replace native sequences than those which do not possess structure. Additionally, the α1-helix self-peptide is kinetically stable and once inserted rarely exchanges with the native α1-helix, while the loop4 self-peptide is easily replaced by the native loop4, making it less useful for modulating function. In summary, a prefolded α1-derived peptide should be able to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadeep Banerjee
- Simons Centre for the Study
of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Shachi Gosavi
- Simons Centre for the Study
of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
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34
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D'costa M, Bothe A, Das S, Udhaya Kumar S, Gnanasambandan R, George Priya Doss C. CDK regulators—Cell cycle progression or apoptosis—Scenarios in normal cells and cancerous cells. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 135:125-177. [PMID: 37061330 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Serine/threonine kinases called cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) interact with cyclins and CDK inhibitors (CKIs) to control the catalytic activity. CDKs are essential controllers of RNA transcription and cell cycle advancement. The ubiquitous overactivity of the cell cycle CDKs is caused by a number of genetic and epigenetic processes in human cancer, and their suppression can result in both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This review focused on CDKs, describing their kinase activity, their role in phosphorylation inhibition, and CDK inhibitory proteins (CIP/KIP, INK 4, RPIC). We next compared the role of different CDKs, mainly p21, p27, p57, p16, p15, p18, and p19, in the cell cycle and apoptosis in cancer cells with respect to normal cells. The current work also draws attention to the use of CDKIs as therapeutics, overcoming the pharmacokinetic barriers of pan-CDK inhibitors, analyze new chemical classes that are effective at attacking the CDKs that control the cell cycle (cdk4/6 or cdk2). It also discusses CDKI's drawbacks and its combination therapy against cancer patients. These findings collectively demonstrate the complexity of cancer cell cycles and the need for targeted therapeutic intervention. In order to slow the progression of the disease or enhance clinical outcomes, new medicines may be discovered by researching the relationship between cell death and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D'costa
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anusha Bothe
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soumik Das
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Udhaya Kumar
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R Gnanasambandan
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - C George Priya Doss
- Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Chen Y, Duan C, Chen K, Sun S, Zhang D, Meng X. Screening technology of cyclic peptide library based on gene encoding. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2022.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Han Z, Rimal U, Khatiwada P, Brandman J, Zhou J, Hussain M, Viola RE, Shemshedini L. Dual-Acting Peptides Target EZH2 and AR: A New Paradigm for Effective Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6775160. [PMID: 36288553 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac180] [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: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer starts as a treatable hormone-dependent disease, but often ends in a drug-resistant form called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Despite the development of the antiandrogens enzalutamide and abiraterone for CRPC, which target the androgen receptor (AR), drug resistance usually develops within 6 months and metastatic CRPC (mCRPC) leads to lethality. EZH2, found with SUZ12, EED, and RbAP48 in Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), has emerged as an alternative target for the treatment of deadly mCRPC. Unfortunately, drugs targeting EZH2 have shown limited efficacy in mCRPC. To address these failures, we have developed novel, dual-acting peptide inhibitors of PRC2 that uniquely target the SUZ12 protein component, resulting in the inhibition of both PRC2 canonical and noncanonical functions in prostate cancer. These peptides were found to inhibit not only the EZH2 methylation activity, but also block its positive effect on AR gene expression in prostate cancer cells. Since the peptide effect on AR levels is transcriptional, the inhibitory peptides can block the expression of both full-length AR and its splicing variants including AR-V7, which plays a significant role in the development of drug resistance. This dual-mode action provides the peptides with the capability to kill enzalutamide-resistant CRPC cells. These peptides are also more cytotoxic to prostate cancer cells than the combination of enzalutamide and an EZH2 inhibitory drug, which was recently suggested to be an effective treatment of mCRPC disease. Our data show that such a dual-acting therapeutic approach can be more effective than the existing front-line drug therapies for treating deadly mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Han
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Ujjwal Rimal
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Prabesh Khatiwada
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Jacob Brandman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Muhammad Hussain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Ronald E Viola
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Lirim Shemshedini
- Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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Kang SJ, Nam SH, Lee BJ. Engineering Approaches for the Development of Antimicrobial Peptide-Based Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101338. [PMID: 36289996 PMCID: PMC9599025 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have received increasing attention as potential alternatives for future antibiotics because of the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. AMPs are small cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antibiotic activities and different action mechanisms to those of traditional antibiotics. Despite the desirable advantages of developing peptide-based antimicrobial agents, the clinical applications of AMPs are still limited because of their enzymatic degradation, toxicity, and selectivity. In this review, structural modifications, such as amino acid substitution, stapling, cyclization of peptides, and hybrid AMPs with conventional antibiotics or other peptides, will be presented. Additionally, nanodelivery systems using metals or lipids to deliver AMPs will be discussed based on the structural properties and action mechanisms of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Jin Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul 02748, Korea
| | - So Hee Nam
- College of Pharmacy, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul 02748, Korea
| | - Bong-Jin Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-7869
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Cui L, Li H, Xi Y, Hu Q, Liu H, Fan J, Xiang Y, Zhang X, Shui W, Lai Y. Vesicle trafficking and vesicle fusion: mechanisms, biological functions, and their implications for potential disease therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:29. [PMID: 36129576 PMCID: PMC9492833 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular vesicle trafficking is the fundamental process to maintain the homeostasis of membrane-enclosed organelles in eukaryotic cells. These organelles transport cargo from the donor membrane to the target membrane through the cargo containing vesicles. Vesicle trafficking pathway includes vesicle formation from the donor membrane, vesicle transport, and vesicle fusion with the target membrane. Coat protein mediated vesicle formation is a delicate membrane budding process for cargo molecules selection and package into vesicle carriers. Vesicle transport is a dynamic and specific process for the cargo containing vesicles translocation from the donor membrane to the target membrane. This process requires a group of conserved proteins such as Rab GTPases, motor adaptors, and motor proteins to ensure vesicle transport along cytoskeletal track. Soluble N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein receptors (SNARE)-mediated vesicle fusion is the final process for vesicle unloading the cargo molecules at the target membrane. To ensure vesicle fusion occurring at a defined position and time pattern in eukaryotic cell, multiple fusogenic proteins, such as synaptotagmin (Syt), complexin (Cpx), Munc13, Munc18 and other tethering factors, cooperate together to precisely regulate the process of vesicle fusion. Dysfunctions of the fusogenic proteins in SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion are closely related to many diseases. Recent studies have suggested that stimulated membrane fusion can be manipulated pharmacologically via disruption the interface between the SNARE complex and Ca2+ sensor protein. Here, we summarize recent insights into the molecular mechanisms of vesicle trafficking, and implications for the development of new therapeutics based on the manipulation of vesicle fusion.
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Majura JJ, Cao W, Chen Z, Htwe KK, Li W, Du R, Zhang P, Zheng H, Gao J. The current research status and strategies employed to modify food-derived bioactive peptides. Front Nutr 2022; 9:950823. [PMID: 36118740 PMCID: PMC9479208 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.950823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of bioactive peptides to exert biological functions has mainly contributed to their exploitation. The exploitation and utilization of these peptides have grown tremendously over the past two decades. Food-derived peptides from sources such as plant, animal, and marine proteins and their byproducts constitute a more significant portion of the naturally-occurring peptides that have been documented. Due to their high specificity and biocompatibility, these peptides serve as a suitable alternative to pharmacological drugs for treating non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and cancer). They are helpful as food preservatives, ingredients in functional foods, and dietary supplements in the food sector. Despite their unique features, the application of these peptides in the clinical and food sector is to some extent hindered by their inherent drawbacks such as toxicity, bitterness, instability, and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Several strategies have been employed to eliminate or reduce the disadvantages of peptides, thus enhancing the peptide bioactivity and broadening the opportunities for their applications. This review article focuses on the current research status of various bioactive peptides and the strategies that have been implemented to overcome their disadvantages. It will also highlight future perspectives regarding the possible improvements to be made for the development of bioactive peptides with practical uses and their commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieth Joram Majura
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Wenhong Cao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
- National Research and Development Branch Center for Shellfish Processing, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhongqin Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
- National Research and Development Branch Center for Shellfish Processing, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Kyi Kyi Htwe
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Wan Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ran Du
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Huina Zheng
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
- National Research and Development Branch Center for Shellfish Processing, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
| | - Jialong Gao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing and Safety, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Seafood, Zhanjiang, China
- National Research and Development Branch Center for Shellfish Processing, Zhanjiang, China
- Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Marine Biological Products, Key Laboratory of Advanced Processing of Aquatic Product of Guangdong Higher Education Institution, Zhanjiang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, China
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Multifunctional synthetic nano-chaperone for peptide folding and intracellular delivery. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4568. [PMID: 35931667 PMCID: PMC9356039 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial, synthetic chaperones have attracted much attention in biomedical research due to their ability to control the folding of proteins and peptides. Here, we report bio-inspired multifunctional porous nanoparticles to modulate proper folding and intracellular delivery of therapeutic α-helical peptide. The Synthetic Nano-Chaperone for Peptide (SNCP) based on porous nanoparticles provides an internal hydrophobic environment which contributes in stabilizing secondary structure of encapsulated α-helical peptides due to the hydrophobic internal environments. In addition, SNCP with optimized inner surface modification not only improves thermal stability for α-helical peptide but also supports the peptide stapling methods in situ, serving as a nanoreactor. Then, SNCP subsequently delivers the stabilized therapeutic α-helical peptides into cancer cells, resulting in high therapeutic efficacy. SNCP improves cellular uptake and bioavailability of the anti-cancer peptide, so the cancer growth is effectively inhibited in vivo. These data indicate that the bio-inspired SNCP system combining nanoreactor and delivery carrier could provide a strategy to expedite the development of peptide therapeutics by overcoming existing drawbacks of α-helical peptides as drug candidates. Molecular chaperones play an important part in protein folding and delivery in nature. Here, the authors report on the creation of a synthetic chaperone to control the folding of therapeutic peptides from random coil to alpha helix and demonstrate enhanced therapeutic potential in an in vivo tumour model.
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41
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Tang M, Cai JH, Luo ED, Diao HY, Huang Y, Xiong LL, Xing SS, Yang X. Landscape and progress of global peptide drugs in obstetrics and gynaecology. J Pept Sci 2022; 28:e3443. [PMID: 35802249 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3443] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Peptides have gained popularity in the global market during recent years and have been placed between small molecule drugs and biologics. However, little is known about the comprehensive landscape of peptide drugs in obstetrics and gynaecology. Herein, we analysed new peptide drug-related clinical trials in obstetrics and gynaecology registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The number and percentage were used for statistical analysis, and a time trend analysis was conducted by calculating the annual growth rate. We aimed to provide the first overview of the changing landscape and status of global peptide drugs in this prospective field, including exploring drug targets, the cutting-edge oncotherapy of peptide vaccines and peptide-drug conjugates, and unsolved challenges with oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tang
- GCP institution, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Jiang-Hui Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Er-Dan Luo
- GCP institution, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Yang Diao
- GCP institution, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- GCP institution, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Li-Ling Xiong
- Obstetrics department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Sha Sha Xing
- GCP institution, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Obstetrics department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Center Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
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Cornier PG, Delpiccolo CM, Martiren NL, Mata EG, Mendez L, Permingeat Squizatto C, Pizzio MG. Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions and Solid‐Phase Synthesis: A Convenient Blend. European J Org Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.202200526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia G. Cornier
- Instituto de Química Rosario: Instituto de Quimica Rosario Organic Chemistry Suipacha 531 2000 Rosario ARGENTINA
| | - Carina M.L. Delpiccolo
- Instituto de Química Rosario: Instituto de Quimica Rosario Organic Chemistry Suipacha 531 2000 Rosario ARGENTINA
| | - Nadia L. Martiren
- Instituto de Química Rosario: Instituto de Quimica Rosario Organic Chemistry Suipacha 531 S2000 Rosario ARGENTINA
| | - Ernesto G Mata
- Instituto de Química Rosario Chemistry Suipacha 531 2000 Rosario ARGENTINA
| | - Luciana Mendez
- Instituto de Química Rosario: Instituto de Quimica Rosario Organic Chemistry Suipacha 531 S2000 ROSARIO ARGENTINA
| | | | - Marianela G. Pizzio
- Instituto de Química Rosario: Instituto de Quimica Rosario Organic Chemistry Suipacha 531 S2000 Rosario ARGENTINA
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Erckes V, Steuer C. A story of peptides, lipophilicity and chromatography - back and forth in time. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:676-687. [PMID: 35800203 PMCID: PMC9215158 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00027j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides, as part of the beyond the rule of 5 (bRo5) chemical space, represent a unique class of pharmaceutical compounds. Because of their exceptional position in the chemical space between traditional small molecules (molecular weight (MW) < 500 Da) and large therapeutic proteins (MW > 5000 Da), peptides became promising candidates for targeting challenging binding sites, including even targets traditionally considered as undruggable - e.g. intracellular protein-protein interactions. However, basic knowledge about physicochemical properties that are important for a drug to be membrane permeable is missing but would enhance the drug discovery process of bRo5 molecules. Consequently, there is a demand for quick and simple lipophilicity determination methods for peptides. In comparison to the traditional lipophilicity determination methods via shake flask and in silico prediction, chromatography-based methods could have multiple benefits such as the requirement of low analyte amount, insensitivity to impurities and high throughput. Herein we elucidate the role of peptide lipophilicity and different lipophilicity values. Further, we summarize peptide analysis via common chromatographic techniques, in specific reversed phase liquid chromatography, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography and their role in drug discovery and development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Erckes
- Pharmaceutical Analytics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal Institute of Technology Zurich 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Pharmaceutical Analytics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal Institute of Technology Zurich 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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Hosseini Nasab N, Azimian F, Kruger HG, Kim SJ. 3‐Bromoacetylcoumarin, a Crucial Key for Facial Synthesis of Biological Active Compounds. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202201734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Narges Hosseini Nasab
- Department of Biological Sciences Kongju National University Gongju, Chungnam 32588, Republic of Korea
| | - Fereshteh Azimian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Hendrik G. Kruger
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit School of Health Sciences University of KwaZulu-Natal Durban 4001 South Africa
| | - Song Ja Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences Kongju National University Gongju, Chungnam 32588, Republic of Korea
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45
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Jin Q, Peng D, Zheng Z. Advances in extracting and understanding the bioactivities of marine organism peptides: A review. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.15602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qing‐Hao Jin
- Donghai Science and Technology College Zhejiang Ocean University Zhoushan P.R. China
| | - Ding‐Xin Peng
- Food and Pharmacy College Zhejiang Ocean University Zhoushan P.R. China
| | - Zhou‐Jun Zheng
- Donghai Science and Technology College Zhejiang Ocean University Zhoushan P.R. China
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Tian Y, Tirrell MV, LaBelle JL. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Biomacromolecules through Intracellular Delivery of Nucleic Acids, Peptides, and Proteins. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102600. [PMID: 35285167 PMCID: PMC9232950 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biomacromolecules have long been at the leading edge of academic and pharmaceutical drug development and clinical translation. With the clinical advances of new therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies and nucleic acids, the array of medical applications of biomacromolecules has broadened considerably. A major on-going effort is to expand therapeutic targets within intracellular locations. Owing to their large sizes, abundant charges, and hydrogen-bond donors and acceptors, advanced delivery technologies are required to deliver biomacromolecules effectively inside cells. In this review, strategies used for the intracellular delivery of three major forms of biomacromolecules: nucleic acids, proteins, and peptides, are highlighted. An emphasis is placed on synthetic delivery approaches and the major hurdles needed to be overcome for their ultimate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tian
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Matthew V Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, 5640 S Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - James L LaBelle
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, 900 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Humanizing plant-derived snakins and their encrypted antimicrobial peptides. Biochimie 2022; 199:92-111. [PMID: 35472564 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Due to safety restrictions, plant-derived antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) need optimization to be consumed beyond preservatives. Herein, 175 GASA-domain-containing snakins were analyzed. Factors including charge, hydrophobicity, helicity, hydrophobic moment (μH), folding enthalpy, folding heat capacity, folding free energy, therapeutic index, allergenicity, and bitterness were considered. The most optimal snakins for oral consumption as preservatives were from Cajanus cajan, Cucumis melo, Durio zibethinus, Glycine soja, Herrania umbratica, and Ziziphus jujuba. Virtual digestion of snakins predicted ACE1 and DPPIV inhibitory as dominant effects upon oral use with antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties. To be applied as a therapeutic in parenteral administration, snakins were browsed for short 20-mer encrypted fragments that were non-toxic or with eliminated toxicity using directed mutagenesis yet retaining the AMP property. The most promising 20-mer AMPs were Mr-SNK2-1a in Morella rubra with BBB permeation, Na-SNK2-2a(C18W), and Na-SNK2-2b(C16F) from Nicotiana attenuata. These AMPs were cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), with a charge of +6, a μH of about 0.40, and a Boman-index higher than 2.48 Kcalmol-1. Na-SNK2-2a(C18W) had putative activity against gram-negative bacteria with MIC lower than 25 μgml-1, and Na-SNK2-2b(C16F) was a potential anti-HIV with an IC50 of 3.04 μM. Other 20-mer AMPs, such as Cc-SNK1-2a from Cajanus cajan displayed an anti-HCV property with an IC50 of 13.91 μM. While Si-SNK2-3a(C17P) from Sesamum indicum was a cationic anti-angiogenic CPP targeting the acidic microenvironment of tumors, Cme-SNK2-1a(C11F) from Cucumis melo was an immunomodulator CPP applicable as a vaccine adjuvant. Because of combined mechanisms, investigating cysteine-rich peptides can nominate effective biotherapeutics.
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48
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Gupta S, Azadvari N, Hosseinzadeh P. Design of Protein Segments and Peptides for Binding to Protein Targets. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9783197. [PMID: 37850124 PMCID: PMC10521657 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9783197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a rise in methods for accurate prediction of structure and design of novel functional proteins. Design of functional protein fragments and peptides occupy a small, albeit unique, space within the general field of protein design. While the smaller size of these peptides allows for more exhaustive computational methods, flexibility in their structure and sparsity of data compared to proteins, as well as presence of noncanonical building blocks, add additional challenges to their design. This review summarizes the current advances in the design of protein fragments and peptides for binding to targets and discusses the challenges in the field, with an eye toward future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchetana Gupta
- Knight Campus Center for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403, USA
| | - Noora Azadvari
- Knight Campus Center for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403, USA
| | - Parisa Hosseinzadeh
- Knight Campus Center for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, Eugene OR 97403, USA
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La Manna S, Leone M, Mercurio FA, Florio D, Marasco D. Structure-Activity Relationship Investigations of Novel Constrained Chimeric Peptidomimetics of SOCS3 Protein Targeting JAK2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040458. [PMID: 35455455 PMCID: PMC9031227 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3) protein suppresses cytokine-induced inflammation and its deletion in neurons or immune cells increases the pathological growth of blood vessels. Recently, we designed several SOCS3 peptidomimetics by assuming as template structures the interfacing regions of the ternary complex constituted by SOCS3, JAK2 (Janus Kinase 2) and gp130 (glycoprotein 130) proteins. A chimeric peptide named KIRCONG chim, including non-contiguous regions demonstrated able to bind to JAK2 and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells). With the aim to improve drug-like features of KIRCONG, herein we reported novel cyclic analogues bearing different linkages. In detail, in two of them hydrocarbon cycles of different lengths were inserted at positions i/i+5 and i/i+7 to improve helical conformations of mimetics. Structural features of cyclic compounds were investigated by CD (Circular Dichroism) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopies while their ability to bind to catalytic domain of JAK2 was assessed through MST (MicroScale Thermophoresis) assay as well as their stability in biological serum. Overall data indicate a crucial role exerted by the length and the position of the cycle within the chimeric structure and could pave the way to the miniaturization of SOCS3 protein for therapeutic aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara La Manna
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Center on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (F.A.M.)
| | - Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (M.L.); (F.A.M.)
| | - Daniele Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Center on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Center on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.L.M.); (D.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0812534607
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Chen H, Zhou J, Chen H, Liang J, Xie C, Gu X, Wang R, Mao Z, Zhang Y, Li Q, Zuo G, Miao D, Jin J. Bmi-1-RING1B prevents GATA4-dependent senescence-associated pathological cardiac hypertrophy by promoting autophagic degradation of GATA4. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e574. [PMID: 35390228 PMCID: PMC8989148 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Senescence-associated pathological cardiac hypertrophy (SA-PCH) is associated with upregulation of foetal genes, fibrosis, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), cardiac dysfunction and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we conducted experiments to investigate whether GATA4 accumulation induces SA-PCH, and whether Bmi-1-RING1B promotes GATA4 ubiquitination and its selective autophagic degradation to prevent SA-PCH. METHODS AND RESULTS Bmi-1-deficient (Bmi-1-/- ), transgenic Bmi-1 overexpressing (Bmi-1Tg ) and wild-type (WT) mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) to stimulate the development of SA-PCH. Through bioinformatics analysis with RNA sequencing data from cardiac tissues, we found that Bmi-1-RING1B and autophagy are negatively related to SA-PCH. Bmi-1 deficiency promoted GATA4-dependent SA-PCH by increasing GATA4 protein and hypertrophy-related molecules transcribed by GATA4 such as ANP and BNP. Bmi-1 deficiency stimulated NF-κB-p65-dependent SASP, leading to cardiac dysfunction, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and senescence. Bmi-1 overexpression repressed GATA4-dependent SA-PCH. GATA4 degraded by Bmi-1 was mainly dependent on autophagy rather than proteasome. In human myocardium, p16 positively correlated with ANP and GATA4 and negatively correlated with LC3B, Bmi-1 and RING1B; GATA4 positively correlated with p62 and negatively correlated with Bmi-1 and LC3B. With increased p16 protein levels, ANP-, BNP- and GATA4-positive cells or areas increased; however, LC3B-positive cells or areas decreased in human myocardium. GATA4 is ubiquitinated after combining with Bmi-1-RING1B, which is then recognised by p62, is translocated to autophagosomes to form autophagolysosomes and degraded. Downregulated GATA4 ameliorated SA-PCH and cardiac dysfunction by reducing GATA4-dependent hypertrophy and SASP-related molecules. Bmi-1 combined with RING1B (residues 1-179) and C-terminus of GATA4 (residues 206-443 including zinc finger domains) through residues 1-95, including a RING-HC-finger. RING1B combined with C-terminus of GATA4 through the C-terminus (residues 180-336). Adeno-associated viral vector serotype 9 (AAV9)-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-Bmi-1-RING1B treatment significantly attenuated GATA4-dependent SA-PCH through promoting GATA4 autophagic degradation. CONCLUSIONS Bmi-1-RING1B maintained cardiac function and prevented SA-PCH by promoting selective autophagy for degrading GATA4. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE AAV9-CMV-Bmi-1-RING1B could be used for translational gene therapy to ubiquitinate GATA4 and prevent GATA4-dependent SA-PCH. Also, the combined domains between Bmi-1-RING1B and GATA4 in aging cardiomyocytes could be therapeutic targets for identifying stapled peptides in clinical applications to promote the combination of Bmi-1-RING1B with GATA4 and the ubiquitination of GATA4 to prevent SA-PCH and heart failure. We found that degradation of cardiac GATA4 by Bmi-1 was mainly dependent on autophagy rather than proteasome, and autophagy agonists metformin and rapamycin could ameliorate the SA-PCH, suggesting that activation of autophagy with metformin or rapamycin could also be a promising method to prevent SA-PCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Chen
- The Research Center for AgingAffiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu210029China
| | - Jiawen Zhou
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Hongjie Chen
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Jialong Liang
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Chunfeng Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food SafetySchool of Public HealthNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Zhiyuan Mao
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Science and TechnologyJiangsu Jiankang Vocational CollegeNanjingJiangsu210029China
| | - Guoping Zuo
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
| | - Dengshun Miao
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
- The Research Center for AgingAffiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu210029China
| | - Jianliang Jin
- Department of Human AnatomyResearch Centre for Bone and Stem CellsKey Laboratory for Aging & DiseaseThe State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingJiangsu211166China
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