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Rödström KEJ, Cloake A, Sörmann J, Baronina A, Smith KHM, Pike ACW, Ang J, Proks P, Schewe M, Holland-Kaye I, Bushell SR, Elliott J, Pardon E, Baukrowitz T, Owens RJ, Newstead S, Steyaert J, Carpenter EP, Tucker SJ. Extracellular modulation of TREK-2 activity with nanobodies provides insight into the mechanisms of K2P channel regulation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4173. [PMID: 38755204 PMCID: PMC11099193 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48536-2] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels of the Two-Pore Domain (K2P) subfamily, KCNK1-KCNK18, play crucial roles in controlling the electrical activity of many different cell types and represent attractive therapeutic targets. However, the identification of highly selective small molecule drugs against these channels has been challenging due to the high degree of structural and functional conservation that exists not only between K2P channels, but across the whole K+ channel superfamily. To address the issue of selectivity, here we generate camelid antibody fragments (nanobodies) against the TREK-2 (KCNK10) K2P K+ channel and identify selective binders including several that directly modulate channel activity. X-ray crystallography and CryoEM data of these nanobodies in complex with TREK-2 also reveal insights into their mechanisms of activation and inhibition via binding to the extracellular loops and Cap domain, as well as their suitability for immunodetection. These structures facilitate design of a biparatropic inhibitory nanobody with markedly improved sensitivity. Together, these results provide important insights into TREK channel gating and provide an alternative, more selective approach to modulation of K2P channel activity via their extracellular domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E J Rödström
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Cloake
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janina Sörmann
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Agnese Baronina
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathryn H M Smith
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ashley C W Pike
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jackie Ang
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Proks
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marcus Schewe
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Simon R Bushell
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jenna Elliott
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Els Pardon
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Baukrowitz
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Raymond J Owens
- The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Newstead
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jan Steyaert
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth P Carpenter
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Stephen J Tucker
- Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- OXION Initiative in Ion Channels and Disease, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Mondal S, Ghosh S. Liposome-Mediated Anti-Viral Drug Delivery Across Blood-Brain Barrier: Can Lipid Droplet Target Be Game Changers? Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 44:9. [PMID: 38123863 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01443-4] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are subcellular organelles secreted from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that play a major role in lipid homeostasis. Recent research elucidates additional roles of LDs in cellular bioenergetics and innate immunity. LDs activate signaling cascades for interferon response and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Since balanced lipid homeostasis is critical for neuronal health, LDs play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases. RNA viruses enhance the secretion of LDs to support various phases of their life cycle in neurons which further leads to neurodegeneration. Targeting the excess LD formation in the brain could give us a new arsenal of antiviral therapeutics against neuroviruses. Liposomes are a suitable drug delivery system that could be used for drug delivery in the brain by crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier. Utilizing this, various pharmacological inhibitors and non-coding RNAs can be delivered that could inhibit the biogenesis of LDs or reduce their sizes, reversing the excess lipid-related imbalance in neurons. Liposome-Mediated Antiviral Drug Delivery Across Blood-Brain Barrier. Developing effective antiviral drug is challenging and it doubles against neuroviruses that needs delivery across the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Lipid Droplets (LDs) are interesting targets for developing antivirals, hence targeting LD formation by drugs delivered using Liposomes can be game changers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Mondal
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India
| | - Sourish Ghosh
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700032, India.
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Neumaier EE, Rothhammer V, Linnerbauer M. The role of midkine in health and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1310094. [PMID: 38098484 PMCID: PMC10720637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1310094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Midkine (MDK) is a neurotrophic growth factor highly expressed during embryogenesis with important functions related to growth, proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, reproduction, and repair. Recent research has indicated that MDK functions as a key player in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of brain tumors, acute injuries, and other CNS disorders. This review summarizes the modes of action and immunological functions of MDK both in the peripheral immune compartment and in the CNS, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, we discuss the role of MDK as a central mediator of neuro-immune crosstalk, focusing on the interactions between CNS-infiltrating and -resident cells such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of MDK and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Kleandrova VV, Cordeiro MNDS, Speck-Planche A. Optimizing drug discovery using multitasking models for quantitative structure-biological effect relationships: an update of the literature. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1231-1243. [PMID: 37639708 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2251385] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug discovery has provided modern societies with the means to fight against many diseases. In this sense, computational methods have been at the forefront, playing an important role in rationalizing the search for novel drugs. Yet, tackling phenomena such as the multi-genic nature of diseases and drug resistance are limitations of the current computational methods. Multi-tasking models for quantitative structure-biological effect relationships (mtk-QSBER) have emerged to overcome such limitations. AREAS COVERED The present review describes an update on the fundamentals and applications of the mtk-QSBER models as tools to accelerate multiple stages/substages of the drug discovery process. EXPERT OPINION Computational approaches are extremely important for the rationalization of the search for novel and efficacious therapeutic agents. However, they need to focus more on the multi-target drug discovery paradigm. In this sense, mtk-QSBER models are particularly suited for multi-target drug discovery, offering encouraging opportunities across multiple therapeutic areas and scientific disciplines associated with drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria V Kleandrova
- Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research of Quality and Technology of Food Production, Russian Biotechnological University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - M Natália D S Cordeiro
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alejandro Speck-Planche
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Chałupnik P, Szymańska E. Kainate Receptor Antagonists: Recent Advances and Therapeutic Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1908. [PMID: 36768227 PMCID: PMC9916396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1990s, ionotropic glutamate receptors have served as an outstanding target for drug discovery research aimed at the discovery of new neurotherapeutic agents. With the recent approval of perampanel, the first marketed non-competitive antagonist of AMPA receptors, particular interest has been directed toward 'non-NMDA' (AMPA and kainate) receptor inhibitors. Although the role of AMPA receptors in the development of neurological or psychiatric disorders has been well recognized and characterized, progress in understanding the function of kainate receptors (KARs) has been hampered, mainly due to the lack of specific and selective pharmacological tools. The latest findings in the biology of KA receptors indicate that they are involved in neurophysiological activity and play an important role in both health and disease, including conditions such as anxiety, schizophrenia, epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and migraine. Therefore, we reviewed recent advances in the field of competitive and non-competitive kainate receptor antagonists and their potential therapeutic applications. Due to the high level of structural divergence among the compounds described here, we decided to divide them into seven groups according to their overall structure, presenting a total of 72 active compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Szymańska
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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Xiong B, Wang Y, Chen Y, Xing S, Liao Q, Chen Y, Li Q, Li W, Sun H. Strategies for Structural Modification of Small Molecules to Improve Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration: A Recent Perspective. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13152-13173. [PMID: 34505508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts many drugs from entering the brain to exert therapeutic effects. Although many novel delivery methods of large molecule drugs have been designed to assist transport, small molecule drugs account for the vast majority of the CNS drugs used clinically. From this perspective, we review studies from the past five years that have sought to modify small molecules to increase brain exposure. Medicinal chemists make it easier for small molecules to cross the BBB by improving diffusion, reducing efflux, and activating carrier transporters. On the basis of their excellent work, we summarize strategies for structural modification of small molecules to improve BBB penetration. These strategies are expected to provide a reference for the future development of small molecule CNS drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baichen Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Liao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
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Zhang H, Bramham CR. Bidirectional Dysregulation of AMPA Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity in Brain Disorders. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:26. [PMID: 32754026 PMCID: PMC7366028 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that mediate the majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the brain. Changes in the properties and postsynaptic abundance of AMPARs are pivotal mechanisms in synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission. A wide range of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, despite their extremely diverse etiology, pathogenesis and symptoms, exhibit brain region-specific and AMPAR subunit-specific aberrations in synaptic transmission or plasticity. These include abnormally enhanced or reduced AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission or plasticity. Bidirectional reversal of these changes by targeting AMPAR subunits or trafficking ameliorates drug-seeking behavior, chronic pain, epileptic seizures, or cognitive deficits. This indicates that bidirectional dysregulation of AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission or plasticity may contribute to the expression of many brain disorders and therefore serve as a therapeutic target. Here, we provide a synopsis of bidirectional AMPAR dysregulation in animal models of brain disorders and review the preclinical evidence on the therapeutic targeting of AMPARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Clive R Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Jaremko W, Huang Z, Karl N, Pierce VD, Lynch J, Niu L. A kainate receptor-selective RNA aptamer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6280-6288. [PMID: 32161119 PMCID: PMC7212664 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Kainate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors are two major, closely related receptor subtypes in the glutamate ion channel family. Excessive activities of these receptors have been implicated in a number of central nervous system diseases. Designing potent and selective antagonists of these receptors, especially of kainate receptors, is useful for developing potential treatment strategies for these neurological diseases. Here, we report on two RNA aptamers designed to individually inhibit kainate and AMPA receptors. To improve the biostability of these aptamers, we also chemically modified these aptamers by substituting their 2'-OH group with 2'-fluorine. These 2'-fluoro aptamers, FB9s-b and FB9s-r, were markedly resistant to RNase-catalyzed degradation, with a half-life of ∼5 days in rat cerebrospinal fluid or serum-containing medium. Furthermore, FB9s-r blocked AMPA receptor activity. Aptamer FB9s-b selectively inhibited GluK1 and GluK2 kainate receptor subunits, and also GluK1/GluK5 and GluK2/GluK5 heteromeric kainate receptors with equal potency. This inhibitory profile makes FB9s-b a powerful template for developing tool molecules and drug candidates for treatment of neurological diseases involving excessive activities of the GluK1 and GluK2 subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Jaremko
- Department of Chemistry, and Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222
| | - Zhen Huang
- Department of Chemistry, and Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222
| | - Nicholas Karl
- Department of Chemistry, and Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222
| | - Vincen D Pierce
- Department of Chemistry, and Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222
| | - Janet Lynch
- Department of Chemistry, and Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222
| | - Li Niu
- Department of Chemistry, and Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York 12222
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