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Lu X, Huang J. Molecular mechanisms of Na +-driven bile acid transport in human NTCP. Biophys J 2024; 123:1195-1210. [PMID: 38544409 PMCID: PMC11140467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human Na+ taurocholate co-transporting protein (hNTCP) is a key bile salt transporter to maintain enterohepatic circulation and is responsible for the recognition of hepatitis B and D viruses. Despite landmark cryoelectron microscopy studies revealing open-pore and inward-facing states of hNTCP stabilized by antibodies, the transport mechanism remains largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we used molecular dynamics and enhanced sampling metadynamics simulations to elucidate the intrinsic mechanism of hNTCP-mediated taurocholate acid (TCA) transport driven by Na+ binding. We uncovered three TCA-binding modes, including one that closely matched the limited cryoelectron microscopy density observed in the open-pore hNTCP. We also captured several key hNTCP conformations in the substrate transport cycle, particularly including an outward-facing, substrate-bound state. Furthermore, we provided thermodynamic evidence supporting that changes in the Na+-binding state drive the TCA transport by exploiting the amphiphilic nature of the substrate and modulating the protein environment, thereby enabling the TCA molecule to flip through. Understanding these mechanistic details of Na+-driven bile acid transport may aid in the development of hNTCP-targeted therapies for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Lu
- Westlake AI Therapeutics Laboratory, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Westlake AI Therapeutics Laboratory, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Lou Y, Ge L, Zhang W, Zhang W, Song F, Huang P. Role of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) in HBV-induced hepatitis: Opportunities for developing novel therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115956. [PMID: 38049009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115956] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the HBV virus. It presents a significant challenge for treatment due to its chronic nature and the potential for developing severe complications, including hepatocirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These complications not only cause physical and psychological distress to patients but also impose substantial economic and social burdens on both individuals and society as a whole. The internalization of HBV relies on endocytosis and necessitates the involvement of various proteins, including heparin sulfate proteoglycans, epidermal growth factor receptors, and NTCP. Among these proteins, NTCP is pivotal in HBV internalization and is primarily located in the liver's basement membrane. As a transporter of bile acids, NTCP also serves as a receptor facilitating HBV entry into cells. Numerous molecules have been identified to thwart HBV infection by stifling NTCP activity, although only a handful exhibit low IC50 values. In this systematic review, our primary focus dwells on the structure and regulation of NTCP, as well as the mechanism involved in HBV internalization. We underscore recent drug breakthroughs that specifically target NTCP to combat HBV infection. By shedding light on these advances, this review contributes novel insights into developing effective anti-HBV medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yutao Lou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luqi Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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Zakrzewicz D, Geyer J. Interactions of Na +/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide with host cellular proteins upon hepatitis B and D virus infection: novel potential targets for antiviral therapy. Biol Chem 2023:hsz-2022-0345. [PMID: 37103224 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a member of the solute carrier (SLC) family 10 transporters (gene symbol SLC10A1) and is responsible for the sodium-dependent uptake of bile salts across the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes. In addition to its primary transporter function, NTCP is the high-affinity hepatic receptor for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV) viruses and, therefore, is a prerequisite for HBV/HDV virus entry into hepatocytes. The inhibition of HBV/HDV binding to NTCP and internalization of the virus/NTCP receptor complex has become a major concept in the development of new antiviral drugs called HBV/HDV entry inhibitors. Hence, NTCP has emerged as a promising target for therapeutic interventions against HBV/HDV infections in the last decade. In this review, recent findings on protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between NTCP and cofactors relevant for entry of the virus/NTCP receptor complex are summarized. In addition, strategies aiming to block PPIs with NTCP to dampen virus tropism and HBV/HDV infection rates are discussed. Finally, this article suggests novel directions for future investigations evaluating the functional contribution of NTCP-mediated PPIs in the development and progression of HBV/HDV infection and subsequent chronic liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Zakrzewicz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Joachim Geyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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Bhat S, Ahanger IA, Kazim SN. Forthcoming Developments in Models to Study the Hepatitis B Virus Replication Cycle, Pathogenesis, and Pharmacological Advancements. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:14273-14289. [PMID: 37125123 PMCID: PMC10134252 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are all manifestations of chronic hepatitis B. Its pathogenesis and molecular mechanism remain mysterious. As medical science progresses, different models are being used to study the disease from the physiological and molecular levels. Animal models have played an unprecedented role in achieving in-depth knowledge of the disease while posing no risk of harming humans throughout the study. The scarcity of acceptable animal models has slowed progress in hepatitis B virus (HBV) research and preclinical testing of antiviral medicines since HBV has a narrow species tropism and exclusively infects humans and higher primates. The development of human chimeric mice was supported by a better understanding of the obstacles to interspecies transmission, which has substantially opened the way for HBV research in vivo and the evaluation of possible chronic hepatitis B therapeutics. Animal models are cumbersome to handle, not accessible, and expensive. Hence, it is herculean to investigate the HBV replication cycle in animal models. Therefore, it becomes essential to build a splendid in vitro cell culture system to demonstrate the mechanisms attained by the HBV for its multiplication and sustenance. We also addressed the advantages and caveats associated with different models in examining HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad
Ahmad Bhat
- Centre
for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ishfaq Ahmad Ahanger
- Centre
for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Clinical
Biochemistry University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Syed Naqui Kazim
- Centre
for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Phone: +91 9953621758.
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Chen S, Zhang L, Chen Y, Fu L. Inhibiting Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide in HBV-Related Diseases: From Biological Function to Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12546-12561. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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Multitasking Na+/Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide (NTCP) as a Drug Target for HBV Infection: From Protein Engineering to Drug Discovery. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010196. [PMID: 35052874 PMCID: PMC8773476 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are among the major public health concerns worldwide with more than 250 million of chronically ill individuals. Many of them are additionally infected with the Hepatitis D virus, a satellite virus to HBV. Chronic infection frequently leads to serious liver diseases including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. Although current antiviral therapies can control HBV replication and slow down disease progress, there is an unmet medical need to identify therapies to cure this chronic infectious disease. Lately, a noteworthy progress in fighting against HBV has been made by identification of the high-affinity hepatic host receptor for HBV and HDV, namely Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, gene symbol SLC10A1). Next to its primary function as hepatic uptake transporter for bile acids, NTCP is essential for the cellular entry of HBV and HDV into hepatocytes. Due to this high-ranking discovery, NTCP has become a valuable target for drug development strategies for HBV/HDV-infected patients. In this review, we will focus on a newly predicted three-dimensional NTCP model that was generated using computational approaches and discuss its value in understanding the NTCP’s membrane topology, substrate and virus binding taking place in plasma membranes. We will review existing data on structural, functional, and biological consequences of amino acid residue changes and mutations that lead to loss of NTCP’s transport and virus receptor functions. Finally, we will discuss new directions for future investigations aiming at development of new NTCP-based HBV entry blockers that inhibit HBV tropism in human hepatocytes.
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Kirstgen M, Müller SF, Lowjaga KAAT, Goldmann N, Lehmann F, Alakurtti S, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Baringhaus KH, Krieg R, Glebe D, Geyer J. Identification of Novel HBV/HDV Entry Inhibitors by Pharmacophore- and QSAR-Guided Virtual Screening. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081489. [PMID: 34452354 PMCID: PMC8402622 DOI: 10.3390/v13081489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatic bile acid transporter Na+/taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) was identified in 2012 as the high-affinity hepatic receptor for the hepatitis B and D viruses (HBV/HDV). Since then, this carrier has emerged as promising drug target for HBV/HDV virus entry inhibitors, but the synthetic peptide Hepcludex® of high molecular weight is the only approved HDV entry inhibitor so far. The present study aimed to identify small molecules as novel NTCP inhibitors with anti-viral activity. A ligand-based bioinformatic approach was used to generate and validate appropriate pharmacophore and QSAR (quantitative structure–activity relationship) models. Half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for binding inhibition of the HBV/HDV-derived preS1 peptide (as surrogate parameter for virus binding to NTCP) were determined in NTCP-expressing HEK293 cells for 150 compounds of different chemical classes. IC50 values ranged from 2 µM up to >1000 µM. The generated pharmacophore and QSAR models were used for virtual screening of drug-like chemicals from the ZINC15 database (~11 million compounds). The 20 best-performing compounds were then experimentally tested for preS1-peptide binding inhibition in NTCP-HEK293 cells. Among them, four compounds were active and revealed experimental IC50 values for preS1-peptide binding inhibition of 9, 19, 20, and 35 µM, which were comparable to the QSAR-based predictions. All these compounds also significantly inhibited in vitro HDV infection of NTCP-HepG2 cells, without showing any cytotoxicity. The best-performing compound in all assays was ZINC000253533654. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that virtual compound screening based on NTCP-specific pharmacophore and QSAR models can predict novel active hit compounds for the development of HBV/HDV entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kirstgen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.K.); (S.F.M.); (K.A.A.T.L.)
| | - Simon Franz Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.K.); (S.F.M.); (K.A.A.T.L.)
| | - Kira Alessandra Alicia Theresa Lowjaga
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.K.); (S.F.M.); (K.A.A.T.L.)
| | - Nora Goldmann
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (N.G.); (F.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Felix Lehmann
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (N.G.); (F.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Sami Alakurtti
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (J.Y.-K.)
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Biologinkuja 7, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.A.); (J.Y.-K.)
| | | | - Reimar Krieg
- Institute of Anatomy II, University Hospital Jena, Teichgraben 7, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (N.G.); (F.L.); (D.G.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Joachim Geyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.K.); (S.F.M.); (K.A.A.T.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-641-99-38404; Fax: +49-641-99-38409
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