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Huang F, Gonçalves C, Bartish M, Rémy-Sarrazin J, Issa ME, Cordeiro B, Guo Q, Emond A, Attias M, Yang W, Plourde D, Su J, Gimeno MG, Zhan Y, Galán A, Rzymski T, Mazan M, Masiejczyk M, Faber J, Khoury E, Benoit A, Gagnon N, Dankort D, Journe F, Ghanem GE, Krawczyk CM, Saragovi HU, Piccirillo CA, Sonenberg N, Topisirovic I, Rudd CE, Miller WH, del Rincón SV. Inhibiting the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis impairs melanoma phenotype switching and potentiates antitumor immune responses. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e181575. [PMID: 38690739 PMCID: PMC11060722 DOI: 10.1172/jci181575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
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Jourdi G, Boukhatem I, Barcelona PF, Fleury S, Welman M, Saragovi HU, Pasquali S, Lordkipanidzé M. Alpha-2-macroglobulin prevents platelet aggregation induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115701. [PMID: 37487878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been recently shown to have activating effects in isolated platelets. However, BDNF circulates in plasma and a mechanism to preclude constant activation of platelets appears necessary. Hence, we investigated the mechanism regulating BDNF bioavailability in blood. Protein-protein interactions were predicted by molecular docking and validated through immunoprecipitation. Platelet aggregation was assessed using light transmission aggregometry with washed platelets in response to classical agonists or BDNF, in the absence or presence of alpha-2-macroglobulin (α2M), and in platelet-rich plasma. BDNF signaling was assessed with phospho-blots. As little as 25% autologous plasma was sufficient to completely abolish platelet aggregation in response to BDNF. Docking predicted two forms of BDNF binding to native or activated α2M, in parallel and perpendicular arrangements, and the model suggested that the BDNF-α2M complex cannot bind to the high-affinity BDNF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). Experimentally, native and activated α2M formed stable complexes with BDNF preventing BDNF-induced TrkB activation and signal transduction. Both native and activated α2M inhibited BDNF induced-platelet aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner with comparable half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50≈ 125-150 nM). Our study implicates α2M as a physiological regulator of BDNF bioavailability, and as an inhibitor of BDNF-induced platelet activation in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Jourdi
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Innovative Therapies in Haemostasis, F-75006 Paris, France; Service d'Hématologie Biologique, AP-HP, Hôpital Lariboisière, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Imane Boukhatem
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e, Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5016, Argentina
| | - Samuel Fleury
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Melanie Welman
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Samuela Pasquali
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8038, Laboratoire Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments, F-75006 Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251, Laboratoire Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Marie Lordkipanidzé
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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Galan A, Papaluca A, Nejatie A, Matanes E, Brahimi F, Tong W, Hachim IY, Yasmeen A, Carmona E, Klein KO, Billes S, Dawod AE, Gawande P, Jeter AM, Mes-Masson AM, Greenwood CMT, Gotlieb WH, Saragovi HU. GD2 and GD3 gangliosides as diagnostic biomarkers for all stages and subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1134763. [PMID: 37124505 PMCID: PMC10145910 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1134763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages. A fast and accurate diagnostic method for early-stage OC is needed. The tumor marker gangliosides, GD2 and GD3, exhibit properties that make them ideal potential diagnostic biomarkers, but they have never before been quantified in OC. We investigated the diagnostic utility of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of all subtypes and stages of OC. Methods This retrospective study evaluated GD2 and GD3 expression in biobanked tissue and serum samples from patients with invasive epithelial OC, healthy donors, non-malignant gynecological conditions, and other cancers. GD2 and GD3 levels were evaluated in tissue samples by immunohistochemistry (n=299) and in two cohorts of serum samples by quantitative ELISA. A discovery cohort (n=379) showed feasibility of GD2 and GD3 quantitative ELISA for diagnosing OC, and a subsequent model cohort (n=200) was used to train and cross-validate a diagnostic model. Results GD2 and GD3 were expressed in tissues of all OC subtypes and FIGO stages but not in surrounding healthy tissue or other controls. In serum, GD2 and GD3 were elevated in patients with OC. A diagnostic model that included serum levels of GD2+GD3+age was superior to the standard of care (CA125, p<0.001) in diagnosing OC and early-stage (I/II) OC. Conclusion GD2 and GD3 expression was associated with high rates of selectivity and specificity for OC. A diagnostic model combining GD2 and GD3 quantification in serum had diagnostic power for all subtypes and all stages of OC, including early stage. Further research exploring the utility of GD2 and GD3 for diagnosis of OC is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Galan
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Arturo Papaluca
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ali Nejatie
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emad Matanes
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ob-Gyn, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University and Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fouad Brahimi
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wenyong Tong
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Yaseen Hachim
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amber Yasmeen
- Department of Ob-Gyn, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University and Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Euridice Carmona
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kathleen Oros Klein
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, and Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonja Billes
- R&D Department, AOA Dx Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ahmed E. Dawod
- R&D Department, AOA Dx Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Prasad Gawande
- R&D Department, AOA Dx Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Anne-Marie Mes-Masson
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Celia M. T. Greenwood
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, and Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Walter H. Gotlieb
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ob-Gyn, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University and Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute of Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Translational Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science. McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: H. Uri Saragovi,
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Luu BE, Mossa AH, Cammisotto PG, Uri Saragovi H, Campeau L. Modulation of diabetic kidney disease markers by an antagonist of p75 NTR in streptozotocin-treated mice. Gene 2022; 838:146729. [PMID: 35835402 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Two therapeutic agents targeting p75NTR pathways have been recently developed to alleviate retinopathy and bladder dysfunction in diabetes mellitus (DM), namely the small molecule p75NTR antagonist THX-B and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that neutralizes the receptor ligand proNGF. We herein explore these two components in the context of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Streptozotocin-injected mice were treated for 4 weeks with THX-B or anti-proNGF mAb. Kidneys were taken for quantification of microRNAs and mRNAs by RT-qPCR and for detection of proteins by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and ELISA. Blood was sampled to measure plasma levels of urea, creatinine, and albumin. DM led to increases in plasma concentrations of urea and creatinine and decreases in plasma albumin. Receptor p75NTR was expressed in kidneys and its expression was decreased by DM. All these changes were reversed by THX-B treatment while the effect of mAb was less pronounced. MicroRNAs tightly linked to DKD (miR-21-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-342-3p) were highly expressed in diabetic kidneys compared to healthy ones. Also, miR-146a, a marker of kidney inflammation, and mRNA levels of Fn-1 and Nphs, two markers of fibrosis and inflammation, were elevated in DM. Treatments with THX-B or mAb partially or completely reduced the expression of the aforementioned microRNAs and mRNAs. P75NTR antagonism and proNGF mAb might constitute new therapeutic tools to treat or slow down the progression of kidney disease in DM, along with other diabetic related complications. The translational potential of these strategies is currently being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan E Luu
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Abubakr H Mossa
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Canada; Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Lysanne Campeau
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Xhima K, Markham-Coultes K, Kofoed RH, Saragovi HU, Hynynen K, Aubert I. Ultrasound delivery of a TrkA agonist confers neuroprotection to Alzheimer-associated pathologies. Brain 2021; 145:2806-2822. [PMID: 34919633 PMCID: PMC9420023 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Early degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) contributes substantially to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence from preclinical models of neuronal injury and aging support a pivotal role for nerve growth factor (NGF) in neuroprotection, resilience, and cognitive function. However, whether NGF can provide therapeutic benefit in the presence of AD-related pathologies remains unresolved. Perturbations in the NGF signaling system in AD may render neurons unable to benefit from NGF administration. Additionally, challenges related to brain delivery remain for clinical translation of NGF-based therapies in AD. To be safe and efficient, NGF-related agents should stimulate the NGF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA), avoid activation through the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), and be delivered non-invasively to targeted brain areas using real-time monitoring. We addressed these limitations using MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRIgFUS) to increase blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability locally and transiently, allowing an intravenously administered TrkA agonist that does not activate p75NTR, termed D3, to enter targeted brain areas. Here, we report the therapeutic potential of selective TrkA activation in a transgenic mouse model that recapitulates numerous AD-associated pathologies. Repeated MRIgFUS-mediated delivery of D3 (D3/FUS) improved cognitive function in the TgCRND8 model of AD. Mechanistically, D3/FUS treatment effectively attenuated cholinergic degeneration and promoted functional recovery. D3/FUS treatment also resulted in widespread reduction of brain amyloid pathology and dystrophic neurites surrounding amyloid plaques. Furthermore, D3/FUS markedly enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis in TgCRND8 mice, implicating TrkA agonism as a novel therapeutic target to promote neurogenesis in the context of AD-related pathology. Thus, this study provides evidence that selective TrkA agonism confers neuroprotection to effectively counteract AD-related vulnerability. Recent clinical trials demonstrate that non-invasive BBB modulation using MRIgFUS is safe, feasible and reversible in AD patients. TrkA receptor agonists coupled with MRIgFUS delivery constitute a promising disease-modifying strategy to foster brain health and counteract cognitive decline in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiana Xhima
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kelly Markham-Coultes
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Rikke Hahn Kofoed
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - Kullervo Hynynen
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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García-Silva S, Benito-Martín A, Nogués L, Hernández-Barranco A, Mazariegos MS, Santos V, Hergueta-Redondo M, Ximénez-Embún P, Kataru RP, Lopez AA, Merino C, Sánchez-Redondo S, Graña-Castro O, Matei I, Nicolás-Avila JÁ, Torres-Ruiz R, Rodríguez-Perales S, Martínez L, Pérez-Martínez M, Mata G, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Kalinowska I, Saltari A, Martínez-Gómez JM, Hogan SA, Saragovi HU, Ortega S, Garcia-Martin C, Boskovic J, Levesque MP, Rutkowski P, Hidalgo A, Muñoz J, Megías D, Mehrara BJ, Lyden D, Peinado H. Melanoma-derived small extracellular vesicles induce lymphangiogenesis and metastasis through an NGFR-dependent mechanism. Nat Cancer 2021; 2:1387-1405. [PMID: 34957415 PMCID: PMC8697753 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) influence the tumor microenvironment and promote distal metastasis. Here, we analyzed the involvement of melanoma-secreted EVs in lymph node pre-metastatic niche formation in murine models. We found that small EVs (sEVs) derived from metastatic melanoma cell lines were enriched in nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR, p75NTR), spread through the lymphatic system and were taken up by lymphatic endothelial cells, reinforcing lymph node metastasis. Remarkably, sEVs enhanced lymphangiogenesis and tumor cell adhesion by inducing ERK kinase, nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. Importantly, ablation or inhibition of NGFR in sEVs reversed the lymphangiogenic phenotype, decreased lymph node metastasis and extended survival in pre-clinical models. Furthermore, NGFR expression was augmented in human lymph node metastases relative to that in matched primary tumors, and the frequency of NGFR+ metastatic melanoma cells in lymph nodes correlated with patient survival. In summary, we found that NGFR is secreted in melanoma-derived sEVs, reinforcing lymph node pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana García-Silva
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Benito-Martín
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Nogués
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Hernández-Barranco
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina S Mazariegos
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Santos
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Hergueta-Redondo
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Ximénez-Embún
- Proteomics Unit, ProteoRed-ISCIII, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raghu P Kataru
- Department of Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ana Amor Lopez
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Merino
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Redondo
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Osvaldo Graña-Castro
- Bioinformatics Unit, Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irina Matei
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - José Ángel Nicolás-Avila
- Area of Developmental and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Torres-Ruiz
- Molecular Cytogenetics Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rodríguez-Perales
- Molecular Cytogenetics Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lola Martínez
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Pérez-Martínez
- Cofocal Microscopy Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gadea Mata
- Cofocal Microscopy Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- Diagnostic Hematology Department, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Kalinowska
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Annalisa Saltari
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia M Martínez-Gómez
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina A Hogan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sagrario Ortega
- Transgenic Mice Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcia-Martin
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jasminka Boskovic
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mitchell P Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrés Hidalgo
- Area of Developmental and Cell Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Muñoz
- Proteomics Unit, ProteoRed-ISCIII, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Megías
- Cofocal Microscopy Unit, Biotechnology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Babak J Mehrara
- Department of Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - David Lyden
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment and Metastasis Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
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Guo X, Kazanova A, Thurmond S, Saragovi HU, Rudd CE. Effective chimeric antigen receptor T cells against SARS-CoV-2. iScience 2021; 24:103295. [PMID: 34693218 PMCID: PMC8520176 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapies to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involve vaccines against the spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we outline an alternative approach involving chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in T cells (CAR-Ts). CAR-T recognition of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) peptide induced ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation, the increased expression of activation antigen, CD69 and effectors, interferon-γ, granzyme B, perforin, and Fas-ligand on overlapping subsets of CAR-Ts. CAR-Ts further showed potent in vitro killing of target cells loaded with RBD, S1 peptide, or expressing the S1 protein. The efficacy of killing varied with different sized hinge regions, whereas time-lapse microscopy showed CAR-T cluster formation around RBD-expressing targets. Cytolysis of targets was mediated primarily by the GZMB/perforin pathway. Lastly, we showed in vivo killing of S1-expressing cells by our SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts in mice. The successful generation of SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts represents a living vaccine approach for the treatment of COVID-19. Cytolytic CAR-Ts can be successfully developed against SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts binding to RBD peptide induced effectors IFN-γ, GZMB, Perforin and FasL CAR-Ts with different hinge regions showed differences in target killing SARS-CoV-2 CAR-Ts show successful in vivo killing of S1-expressing cells in mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Guo
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Alexandra Kazanova
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie Thurmond
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher E. Rudd
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunology, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Division of Immunology-Oncology, Centre de Researche-Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (CR-HMR), Montreal, QC H1T 2M4, Canada
- Division of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Corresponding author
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Brahimi F, Galan A, Siegel S, Szobota S, Sarunic MV, Foster AC, Saragovi HU. Therapeutic Neuroprotection by an Engineered Neurotrophin that Selectively Activates Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase (Trk) Family Neurotrophin Receptors but Not the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:491-501. [PMID: 34470776 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin growth factors bind and activate two types of cell surface receptors: the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family and p75. TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC are bound preferentially by nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin 3 (NT3), respectively, to activate neuroprotective signals. The p75 receptors are activated by all neurotrophins, and paradoxically in neurodegenerative disease p75 is upregulated and mediates neurotoxic signals. To test neuroprotection strategies, we engineered NT3 to broadly activate Trk receptors (mutant D) or to reduce p75 binding (mutant RK). We also combined these features in a molecule that activates TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC but has reduced p75 binding (mutant DRK). In neurodegenerative disease mouse models in vivo, the DRK protein is a superior therapeutic agent compared with mutant D, mutant RK, and wild-type neurotrophins and protects a broader range of stressed neurons. This work rationalizes a therapeutic strategy based on the biology of each type of receptor, avoiding activation of p75 toxicity while broadly activating neuroprotection in stressed neuronal populations expressing different Trk receptors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The neurotrophins nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin 3 each can activate a tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, TrkB, or TrkC receptor, respectively, and all can activate a p75 receptor. Trks and p75 mediate opposite signals. We report the engineering of a protein that activates all Trks, combined with low p75 binding, as an effective therapeutic agent in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Sairey Siegel
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Stephanie Szobota
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - Alan C Foster
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (F.B., A.G., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (H.U.S.), and Ophthalmology and Vision Science (H.U.S.), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California (S.Si., S.Sz., A.C.F.); and School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada (M.V.S.)
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9
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Huang F, Gonçalves C, Bartish M, Rémy-Sarrazin J, Issa ME, Cordeiro B, Guo Q, Emond A, Attias M, Yang W, Plourde D, Su J, Gimeno MG, Zhan Y, Galán A, Rzymski T, Mazan M, Masiejczyk M, Faber J, Khoury E, Benoit A, Gagnon N, Dankort D, Journe F, Ghanem GE, Krawczyk CM, Saragovi HU, Piccirillo CA, Sonenberg N, Topisirovic I, Rudd CE, Miller WH, del Rincón SV. Inhibiting the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis impairs melanoma phenotype switching and potentiates antitumor immune responses. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:140752. [PMID: 33690225 PMCID: PMC8262472 DOI: 10.1172/jci140752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas commonly undergo a phenotype switch, from a proliferative to an invasive state. Such tumor cell plasticity contributes to immunotherapy resistance; however, the mechanisms are not completely understood and thus are therapeutically unexploited. Using melanoma mouse models, we demonstrated that blocking the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis inhibited melanoma phenotype switching and sensitized melanoma to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. We showed that phospho-eIF4E-deficient murine melanomas expressed high levels of melanocytic antigens, with similar results verified in patient melanomas. Mechanistically, we identified phospho-eIF4E-mediated translational control of NGFR, a critical effector of phenotype switching. Genetic ablation of phospho-eIF4E reprogrammed the immunosuppressive microenvironment, exemplified by lowered production of inflammatory factors, decreased PD-L1 expression on dendritic cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and increased CD8+ T cell infiltrates. Finally, dual blockade of the MNK1/2-eIF4E axis and the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint demonstrated efficacy in multiple melanoma models regardless of their genomic classification. An increase in the presence of intratumoral stem-like TCF1+PD-1+CD8+ T cells, a characteristic essential for durable antitumor immunity, was detected in mice given a MNK1/2 inhibitor and anti-PD-1 therapy. Using MNK1/2 inhibitors to repress phospho-eIF4E thus offers a strategy to inhibit melanoma plasticity and improve response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Huang
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Margarita Bartish
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mark E. Issa
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Qianyu Guo
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Audrey Emond
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mikhael Attias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Yang
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dany Plourde
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jie Su
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marina Godoy Gimeno
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yao Zhan
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alba Galán
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Elie Khoury
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Benoit
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Natascha Gagnon
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Dankort
- Department of Biology and
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Laboratory of Oncology and Experimental Surgery, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ghanem E. Ghanem
- Laboratory of Oncology and Experimental Surgery, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
| | - Ciriaco A. Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Goodman Cancer Research Center, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, and
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christopher E. Rudd
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wilson H. Miller
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sonia V. del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Bartish M, Del Rincón SV, Rudd CE, Saragovi HU. Aiming for the Sweet Spot: Glyco-Immune Checkpoints and γδ T Cells in Targeted Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:564499. [PMID: 33133075 PMCID: PMC7550643 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.564499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Though a healthy immune system is capable of recognizing and eliminating emergent cancerous cells, an established tumor is adept at escaping immune surveillance. Altered and tumor-specific expression of immunosuppressive cell surface carbohydrates, also termed the “tumor glycocode,” is a prominent mechanism by which tumors can escape anti-tumor immunity. Given their persistent and homogeneous expression, tumor-associated glycans are promising targets to be exploited as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However, the exploitation of these glycans has been a challenge due to their low immunogenicity, immunosuppressive properties, and the inefficient presentation of glycolipids in a conventional major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted manner. Despite this, a subset of T-cells expressing the gamma and delta chains of the T-cell receptor (γδ T cells) exist with a capacity for MHC-unrestricted antigen recognition and potent inherent anti-tumor properties. In this review, we discuss the role of tumor-associated glycans in anti-tumor immunity, with an emphasis on the potential of γδ T cells to target the tumor glycocode. Understanding the many facets of this interaction holds the potential to unlock new ways to use both tumor-associated glycans and γδ T cells in novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Bartish
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia V Del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rudd
- Division of Immuno-Oncology, Research Center Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center for Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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11
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Brahimi F, Galan A, Jmaeff S, Barcelona PF, De Jay N, Dejgaard K, Young JC, Kleinman CL, Thomas DY, Saragovi HU. Alternative Splicing of a Receptor Intracellular Domain Yields Different Ectodomain Conformations, Enabling Isoform-Selective Functional Ligands. iScience 2020; 23:101447. [PMID: 32829283 PMCID: PMC7452315 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Events at a receptor ectodomain affect the intracellular domain conformation, activating signal transduction (out-to-in conformational effects). We investigated the reverse direction (in-to-out) where the intracellular domain may impact on ectodomain conformation. The primary sequences of naturally occurring TrkC receptor isoforms (TrkC-FL and TrkC.T1) only differ at the intracellular domain. However, owing to their differential association with Protein Disulfide Isomerase the isoforms have different disulfide bonding and conformations at the ectodomain. Conformations were exploited to develop artificial ligands, mAbs, and small molecules, with isoform-specific binding and biased activation. Consistent, the physiological ligands NT-3 and PTP-sigma bind both isoforms, but NT-3 activates all signaling pathways, whereas PTP-sigma activates biased signals. Our data support an "in-to-out" model controlling receptor ectodomain conformation, a strategy that enables heterogeneity in receptors, ligands, and bioactivity. These concepts may be extended to the many wild-type or oncogenic receptors with known isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo F. Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Nicolas De Jay
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kurt Dejgaard
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jason C. Young
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia L. Kleinman
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Y. Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Côte St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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12
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Mossa AH, Galan A, Cammisotto PG, Velasquez Flores M, Shamout S, Barcelona P, Saragovi HU, Campeau L. Antagonism of proNGF or its receptor p75 NTR reverses remodelling and improves bladder function in a mouse model of diabetic voiding dysfunction. Diabetologia 2020; 63:1932-1946. [PMID: 32699962 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Although 80% of diabetic patients will suffer from voiding difficulties and urinary symptoms, defined as diabetic voiding dysfunction (DVD), therapeutic targets and treatment options are limited. We hypothesise that the blockade of the pro-nerve growth factor (NGF)/p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) axis by an anti-proNGF monoclonal antibody or by a small molecule p75NTR antagonist (THX-B) can restore bladder remodelling (represented by bladder weight) in an animal model of DVD. Secondary outcomes of the study include improvements in bladder compliance, contractility and morphology, as well as in voiding behaviour, proNGF/NGF balance and TNF-α expression. METHODS In a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes, diabetic mice received either a blocking anti-proNGF monoclonal antibody or a p75NTR antagonist small molecule as weekly systemic injections for 4 weeks. Animals were tested at baseline (at 2 weeks of diabetes induction), and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Outcomes measured were voiding function with voiding spot assays and cystometry. Bladders were assessed by histological, contractility and protein expression assays. RESULTS Diabetic mice showed features of DVD as early as 2 weeks after diabetes diagnosis (baseline) presented by hypertrophy, reduced contractility and abnormal cystometric parameters. Following treatment initiation, a twofold increase (p < 0.05) in untreated diabetic mouse bladder weight and thickness compared with non-diabetic controls was observed, and this change was reversed by p75NTR antagonism (37% reduction in bladder weight compared with untreated diabetic mice [95% CI 14%, 60%]) after 4 weeks of treatment. However, blocking proNGF did not help to reverse bladder hypertrophy. While diabetic mice had significantly worse cystometric parameters and contractile responses than non-diabetic controls, proNGF antagonism normalised bladder compliance (0.007 [Q1-Q3; 0.006-0.009] vs 0.015 [Q1-Q3; 0.014-0.029] ml/cmH2O in untreated diabetic mice, representing 62% reduction [95% CI 8%, 110%], p < 0.05) and contractility to KCl, carbachol and electrical field stimulation (p < 0.05 compared with the diabetic group) after 2 weeks of treatment. These effects were not observed after 4 weeks of treatment with proNGF antagonist. p75NTR antagonism did not show important improvements in cystometric parameters after 2 weeks of treatment. Slightly improved bladder compliance (0.01 [Q1-Q3; 0.009-0.012] vs 0.013 [Q1-Q3; 0.011-0.016] ml/cmH2O for untreated diabetic mice) was seen in the p75NTR antagonist-treated group after 4 weeks of treatment with significantly stabilised contractile responses to KCl, carbachol and electric field stimulation (p < 0.05 for each) compared with diabetic mice. Bladder dysfunction observed in diabetic mice was associated with a significant increase in bladder proNGF/NGF ratio (3.1 [±1.2] vs 0.26 [±0.04] ng/pg in control group, p < 0.05 at week 2 of treatment) and TNF-α (p < 0.05). The proNGF/NGF ratio was partially reduced (about 60% reduction) with both treatments (1.03 [±0.6] ng/pg for proNGF antibody-treated group and 1.4 [±0.76] ng/pg for p75NTR blocker-treated group after 2 weeks of treatment), concomitant with a significant decrease in the bladder levels of TNF-α (p < 0.05), despite persistent hyperglycaemia. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our findings indicate that blockade of proNGF and the p75NTR receptor in diabetes can impede the development and progression of DVD. The reported improvements in morphological and functional features in our DVD model validates the proNGF/p75NTR axis as a potential therapeutic target in this pathology. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abubakr H Mossa
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Philippe G Cammisotto
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Monica Velasquez Flores
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Samer Shamout
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department, of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo Barcelona
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lysanne Campeau
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Cote-Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Division of Urology, Department, of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Jmaeff S, Sidorova Y, Lippiatt H, Barcelona PF, Nedev H, Saragovi LM, Hancock MA, Saarma M, Saragovi HU. Small-Molecule Ligands that Bind the RET Receptor Activate Neuroprotective Signals Independent of but Modulated by Coreceptor GFR α1. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:1-12. [PMID: 32362584 DOI: 10.1124/mol.119.118950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) binds the GFRα1 receptor, and the GDNF-GFRα1 complex binds to and activates the transmembrane RET tyrosine kinase to signal through intracellular Akt/Erk pathways. To dissect the GDNF-GFRα1-RET signaling complex, agents that bind and activate RET directly and independently of GFRα1 expression are valuable tools. In a focused naphthalenesulfonic acid library from the National Cancer Institute database, we identified small molecules that are genuine ligands binding to the RET extracellular domain. These ligands activate RET tyrosine kinase and afford trophic signals irrespective of GFRα1 coexpression. However, RET activation by these ligands is constrained by GFRα1, likely via an allosteric mechanism that can be overcome by increasing RET ligand concentration. In a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa, monotherapy with a small-molecule RET agonist activates survival signals and reduces neuronal death significantly better than GDNF, suggesting therapeutic potential. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A genuine ligand of RET receptor ectodomain was identified, which acts as an agonist. Binding and agonism are independent of a coreceptor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α, which is required by the natural growth factor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and are selective for cells expressing RET. The lead agent protects neurons from death in vivo. This work validates RET receptor as a druggable therapeutic target and provides for potential leads to evaluate in neurodegenerative states. We also report problems that arise when screening chemical libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Hayley Lippiatt
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Hinyu Nedev
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Lucia M Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Mark A Hancock
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - Mart Saarma
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital (S.J., H.L., P.F.B., H.N., L.M.S., H.U.S.), Pharmacology and Therapeutics (S.J., H.U.S.), and SPR-MS Facility (M.H.), McGill University, Montreal, Canada; and Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland (Y.S., M.S.)
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Jmaeff S, Sidorova Y, Nedev H, Saarma M, Saragovi HU. Small-molecule agonists of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase activate biased trophic signals that are influenced by the presence of GFRa1 co-receptors. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6532-6542. [PMID: 32245892 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a growth factor that regulates the health and function of neurons and other cells. GDNF binds to GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRa1), and the resulting complex activates the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and subsequent downstream signals. This feature restricts GDNF activity to systems in which GFRa1 and RET are both present, a scenario that may constrain GDNF breadth of action. Furthermore, this co-dependence precludes the use of GDNF as a tool to study a putative functional cross-talk between GFRa1 and RET. Here, using biochemical techniques, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, and immunohistochemistry in murine cells, tissues, or retinal organotypic cultures, we report that a naphthoquinone/quinolinedione family of small molecules (Q compounds) acts as RET agonists. We found that, like GDNF, signaling through the parental compound Q121 is GFRa1-dependent. Structural modifications of Q121 generated analogs that activated RET irrespective of GFRa1 expression. We used these analogs to examine RET-GFRa1 interactions and show that GFRa1 can influence RET-mediated signaling and enhance or diminish AKT Ser/Thr kinase or extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in a biased manner. In a genetic mutant model of retinitis pigmentosa, a lead compound, Q525, afforded sustained RET activation and prevented photoreceptor neuron loss in the retina. This work uncovers key components of the dynamic relationships between RET and its GFRa co-receptor and provides RET agonist scaffolds for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hinyu Nedev
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Mart Saarma
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada .,Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
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15
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Szobota S, Mathur PD, Siegel S, Black K, Saragovi HU, Foster AC. BDNF, NT-3 and Trk receptor agonist monoclonal antibodies promote neuron survival, neurite extension, and synapse restoration in rat cochlea ex vivo models relevant for hidden hearing loss. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224022. [PMID: 31671109 PMCID: PMC6822712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins and their mimetics are potential treatments for hearing disorders because of their trophic effects on spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) whose connections to hair cells may be compromised in many forms of hearing loss. Studies in noise or ototoxin-exposed animals have shown that local delivery of NT-3 or BDNF has beneficial effects on SGNs and hearing. We evaluated several TrkB or TrkC monoclonal antibody agonists and small molecules, along with BDNF and NT-3, in rat cochlea ex vivo models. The TrkB agonists BDNF and a monoclonal antibody, M3, had the greatest effects on SGN survival, neurite outgrowth and branching. In organotypic cochlear explants, BDNF and M3 enhanced synapse formation between SGNs and inner hair cells and restored these connections after excitotoxin-induced synaptopathy. Loss of these synapses has recently been implicated in hidden hearing loss, a condition characterized by difficulty hearing speech in the presence of background noise. The unique profile of M3 revealed here warrants further investigation, and the broad activity profile of BDNF observed underpins its continued development as a hearing loss therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Szobota
- Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sairey Siegel
- Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alan C. Foster
- Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
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16
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Tong W, Maira M, Roychoudhury R, Galan A, Brahimi F, Gilbert M, Cunningham AM, Josephy S, Pirvulescu I, Moffett S, Saragovi HU. Vaccination with Tumor-Ganglioside Glycomimetics Activates a Selective Immunity that Affords Cancer Therapy. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1013-1026.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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17
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Josephy-Hernandez S, Pirvulescu I, Maira M, Aboulkassim T, Wong TP, McKinney RA, Saragovi HU. Pharmacological interrogation of TrkA-mediated mechanisms in hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218036. [PMID: 31233568 PMCID: PMC6590805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the brain, the TrkA receptor for Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is expressed primarily in the cholinergic system. TrkA/NGF support neuronal health and function, and deficiencies in this axis are associated with progressive cholinergic neuron atrophy and death, and with cognitive deficit in disorders such as Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. These observations led to the hypothesis that TrkA agonists may rescue atrophic cholinergic neurons and benefit cognition. Indeed, a small molecule TrkA partial agonist called D3 normalized TrkA signals and improved memory in cognitive impairment models of ageing and an APP mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Paradoxically, in young healthy mice chronic delivery of D3 caused impaired memory without impairing learning, a form of anterograde amnesia. Here, we use this as a model to study the mechanisms of impaired memory. In young healthy mice acute or chronic treatment with D3 induces hyperactivation of TrkA-mediated signals in hippocampus, and causes a deficit in hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation proximal to drug exposure, without affecting learning or memory retrieval. The impairment after acute drug exposure is reversible. The impairment after long-term drug exposure is irreversible, likely due to a decrease in hippocampal CA1 neuron basal arborization. These findings support the notion of a homeostatic role for TrkA in memory, and demonstrate the differential outcomes of TrkA (hyper)activation in healthy versus disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Josephy-Hernandez
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Iulia Pirvulescu
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mario Maira
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tak Pan Wong
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - R. Anne McKinney
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Papaluca A, Wagner JR, Saragovi HU, Ramotar D. UNG-1 and APN-1 are the major enzymes to efficiently repair 5-hydroxymethyluracil DNA lesions in C. elegans. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6860. [PMID: 29717169 PMCID: PMC5931555 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25124-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In Caenorhabditis elegans, two DNA glycosylases, UNG-1 and NTH-1, and two AP endonucleases, APN-1 and EXO-3, have been characterized from the base-excision repair (BER) pathway that repairs oxidatively modified DNA bases. UNG-1 removes uracil, while NTH-1 can remove 5-hydroxymethyluracil (5-hmU), an oxidation product of thymine, as well as other lesions. Both APN-1 and EXO-3 can incise AP sites and remove 3′-blocking lesions at DNA single strand breaks, and only APN-1 possesses 3′- to 5′-exonulease and nucleotide incision repair activities. We used C. elegans mutants to study the role of the BER pathway in processing 5-hmU. We observe that ung-1 mutants exhibited a decrease in brood size and lifespan, and an elevated level of germ cell apoptosis when challenged with 5-hmU. These phenotypes were exacerbated by RNAi downregulation of apn-1 in the ung-1 mutant. The nth-1 or exo-3 mutants displayed wild type phenotypes towards 5-hmU. We show that partially purified UNG-1 can act on 5-hmU lesion in vitro. We propose that UNG-1 removes 5-hmU incorporated into the genome and the resulting AP site is cleaved by APN-1 or EXO-3. In the absence of UNG-1, the 5-hmU is removed by NTH-1 creating a genotoxic 3′-blocking lesion that requires the action of APN-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Papaluca
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Research Center, Université de Montréal, Department of Medicine, 5415 Boul. de l'Assomption, Montréal, Québec, H1T2M4, Canada.,Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 3755 Chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, Québec, Montréal, H3T1E2, Canada
| | - J Richard Wagner
- Département de Médecine Nucléaire et Radiobiologie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1H5N4, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 3755 Chemin de la Côte Sainte-Catherine, Québec, Montréal, H3T1E2, Canada
| | - Dindial Ramotar
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Research Center, Université de Montréal, Department of Medicine, 5415 Boul. de l'Assomption, Montréal, Québec, H1T2M4, Canada.
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19
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Perron M, Saragovi HU. Inhibition of CD45 Phosphatase Activity Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of CD45 + Lymphoid Tumors Ex Vivo and In Vivo. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 93:575-580. [PMID: 29555821 DOI: 10.1124/mol.117.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Src-family kinases (SFK) govern cellular proliferation of bone marrow-derived cells. SFKs are regulated by the protein tyrosine phosphatase enzymatic activity of CD45. All lymphoid cells express CD45, but only proliferating cells are dependent on CD45 activity. We postulated that compound 211 (2-[(4-acetylphenyl)amino]-3-chloronaphthoquinone), a selective inhibitor of CD45 phosphatase activity, could preferentially affect actively proliferating cells but spare resting lymphoid cells. Compound 211 inhibited CD45 and induced inappropriate SFK signaling, leading to a G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. CD45+ cell lines were sensitive to compound 211 cytotoxicity at low micromolar LD50 while control CD45- cell lines and CD45+ resting primary T cells were spared any toxicity. In two syngeneic tumor models in vivo, compound 211 delayed the growth of established primary tumors and reduced tumor metastasis without causing depletion of resting T cells. This work validates targeting CD45 phosphatase enzymatic activity, which may be a druggable target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Perron
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital and Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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20
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Galán A, Jmaeff S, Barcelona PF, Brahimi F, Sarunic MV, Saragovi HU. In retinitis pigmentosa TrkC.T1-dependent vectorial Erk activity upregulates glial TNF-α, causing selective neuronal death. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:3222. [PMID: 29242588 PMCID: PMC5870594 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In some diseases the TrkC.T1 isoform is upregulated in glia, associated with glial TNF-α production and neuronal death. What remains unknown are the activating signals in glia, and how paracrine signals may be selective for a targeted neuron while sparing other proximate neurons. We studied these questions in the retina, where Müller glia contacts photoreceptors on one side and retinal ganglion cells on the other. In a mutant Rhodopsin mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causing progressive photoreceptor death—but sparing retinal ganglion cells—TrkC.T1 and NT-3 ligand are upregulated in Müller glia. TrkC.T1 activity generates p-Erk, which causes increased TNF-α. These sequential events take place predominantly in Müller fibers contacting stressed photoreceptors, and culminate in selective death. Each event and photoreceptor death can be prevented by reduction of TrkC.T1 expression, by pharmacological antagonism of TrkC or by pharmacological inhibition Erk. Unmasking the sequence of non-cell autologous events and mechanisms causing selective neuronal death may help rationalize therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Galán
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada. .,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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21
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Galan A, Barcelona PF, Nedev H, Sarunic MV, Jian Y, Saragovi HU. Subconjunctival Delivery of p75NTR Antagonists Reduces the Inflammatory, Vascular, and Neurodegenerative Pathologies of Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:2852-2862. [PMID: 28570737 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The p75NTR is a novel therapeutic target validated in a streptozotocin mouse model of diabetic retinopathy. Intravitreal (IVT) injection of small molecule p75NTR antagonist THX-B was therapeutic and resolved the inflammatory, vascular, and neurodegenerative phases of the retinal pathology. To simplify clinical translation, we sought a superior drug delivery method that circumvents risks associated with IVT injections. Methods We compared the pharmacokinetics of a single 40 μg subconjunctival (SCJ) depot to the reported effective 5 μg IVT injections of THX-B. We quantified therapeutic efficacy, with endpoints of inflammation, edema, and neuronal death. Results The subconjunctival depot affords retinal exposure equal to IVT injection, without resulting in detectable drug in circulation. At week 2 of diabetic retinopathy, the SCJ depot provided therapeutic efficacy similar to IVT injections, with reduced inflammation, reduced edema, reduced neuronal death, and a long-lasting protection of the retinal structure. Conclusions Subconjunctival injections are a safe and effective route for retinal delivery of p75NTR antagonists. The subconjunctival route offers an advantageous, less-invasive, more compliant, and nonsystemic method to deliver p75NTR antagonists for the treatment of retinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hinyu Nedev
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yifan Jian
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute - Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 2Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada 4McGill Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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22
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Platón-Corchado M, Barcelona PF, Jmaeff S, Marchena M, Hernández-Pinto AM, Hernández-Sánchez C, Saragovi HU, de la Rosa EJ. p75 NTR antagonists attenuate photoreceptor cell loss in murine models of retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2922. [PMID: 28703796 PMCID: PMC5550853 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ProNGF signaling through p75NTR has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of inherited retinal dystrophies that causes progressive photoreceptor cell degeneration and death, at a rate dependent on the genetic mutation. There are more than 300 mutations causing RP, and this is a challenge to therapy. Our study was designed to explore a common mechanism for p75NTR in the progression of RP, and assess its potential value as a therapeutic target. The proNGF/p75NTR system is present in the dystrophic retina of the rd10 RP mouse model. Compared with wild-type (WT) retina, the levels of unprocessed proNGF were increased in the rd10 retina at early degenerative stages, before the peak of photoreceptor cell death. Conversely, processed NGF levels were similar in rd10 and WT retinas. ProNGF remained elevated throughout the period of photoreceptor cell loss, correlating with increased expression of α2-macroglobulin, an inhibitor of proNGF processing. The neuroprotective effect of blocking p75NTR was assessed in organotypic retinal cultures from rd10 and RhoP mouse models. Retinal explants treated with p75NTR antagonists showed significantly reduced photoreceptor cell death, as determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and by preservation of the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), where photoreceptor nuclei are located. This effect was accompanied by decreased retinal-reactive gliosis and reduced TNFα secretion. Use of p75NTR antagonist THX-B (1,3-diisopropyl-1-[2-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-purin-7-yl)-acetyl]-urea) in vivo in the rd10 and RhoP mouse models, by a single intravitreal or subconjunctival injection, afforded neuroprotection to photoreceptor cells, with preservation of the ONL. This study demonstrates a role of the p75NTR/proNGF axis in the progression of RP, and validates these proteins as therapeutic targets in two different RP models, suggesting utility irrespective of etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo F Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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23
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Brahimi F, Maira M, Barcelona PF, Galan A, Aboulkassim T, Teske K, Rogers ML, Bertram L, Wang J, Yousefi M, Rush R, Fabian M, Cashman N, Saragovi HU. The Paradoxical Signals of Two TrkC Receptor Isoforms Supports a Rationale for Novel Therapeutic Strategies in ALS. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162307. [PMID: 27695040 PMCID: PMC5047590 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Full length TrkC (TrkC-FL) is a receptor tyrosine kinase whose mRNA can be spliced to a truncated TrkC.T1 isoform lacking the kinase domain. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) activates TrkC-FL to maintain motor neuron health and function and TrkC.T1 to produce neurotoxic TNF-α; hence resulting in opposing pathways. In mouse and human ALS spinal cord, the reduction of miR-128 that destabilizes TrkC.T1 mRNA results in up-regulated TrkC.T1 and TNF-α in astrocytes. We exploited conformational differences to develop an agonistic mAb 2B7 that selectively activates TrkC-FL, to circumvent TrkC.T1 activation. In mouse ALS, 2B7 activates spinal cord TrkC-FL signals, improves spinal cord motor neuron phenotype and function, and significantly prolongs life-span. Our results elucidate biological paradoxes of receptor isoforms and their role in disease progression, validate the concept of selectively targeting conformational epitopes in naturally occurring isoforms, and may guide the development of pro-neuroprotective (TrkC-FL) and anti-neurotoxic (TrkC.T1) therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mario Maira
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pablo F. Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Katrina Teske
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- Flinders University, Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa Bertram
- University of British Columbia. Brain Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jing Wang
- University of British Columbia. Brain Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Masoud Yousefi
- University of British Columbia. Brain Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert Rush
- Flinders University, Department of Human Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marc Fabian
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry. McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Neil Cashman
- University of British Columbia. Brain Research Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Translational Center, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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24
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Barcelona PF, Sitaras N, Galan A, Esquiva G, Jmaeff S, Jian Y, Sarunic MV, Cuenca N, Sapieha P, Saragovi HU. p75NTR and Its Ligand ProNGF Activate Paracrine Mechanisms Etiological to the Vascular, Inflammatory, and Neurodegenerative Pathologies of Diabetic Retinopathy. J Neurosci 2016; 36:8826-41. [PMID: 27559166 PMCID: PMC6601903 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4278-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED In many diseases, expression and ligand-dependent activity of the p75(NTR) receptor can promote pericyte and vascular dysfunction, inflammation, glial activation, and neurodegeneration. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by all of these pathological events. However, the mechanisms by which p75(NTR) may be implicated at each stage of DR pathology remain poorly understood. Using a streptozotocin mouse model of diabetic retinopathy, we report that p75(NTR) is upregulated very early in glia and in pericytes to mediate ligand-dependent induction of inflammatory cytokines, disruption of the neuro-glia-vascular unit, promotion of blood-retina barrier breakdown, edema, and neuronal death. In a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, mimicking proliferative DR, p75(NTR)-dependent inflammation leads to ischemia and pathological angiogenesis through Semaphorin 3A. The acute use of antagonists of p75(NTR) or antagonists of the ligand proNGF suppresses each distinct phase of pathology, ameliorate disease, and prevent disease progression. Thus, our study documents novel disease mechanisms and validates druggable targets for diabetic retinopathy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects an estimated 250 million people and has no effective treatment. Stages of progression comprise pericyte/vascular dysfunction, inflammation, glial activation, and neurodegeneration. The pathophysiology of each stage remains unclear. We postulated that the activity of p75NTR may be implicated. We show that p75NTR in glia and in pericytes mediate ligand-dependent induction of inflammatory cytokines, disruption of the neuro-glia-vascular unit, promotion of blood-retina barrier breakdown, edema, and neuronal death. p75NTR-promoted inflammation leads to ischemia and angiogenesis through Semaphorin 3A. Antagonists of p75NTR or antagonists of proNGF suppress each distinct phase of pathology, ameliorate disease, and prevent disease progression. Our study documents novel mechanisms in a pervasive disease and validates druggable targets for treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Antibodies/pharmacology
- Astrocytes/chemistry
- Cells, Cultured
- Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology
- Cytokines/genetics
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Diabetic Retinopathy/chemically induced
- Diabetic Retinopathy/complications
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/physiology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/physiology
- In Situ Nick-End Labeling
- Inflammation/etiology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nerve Growth Factor/immunology
- Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/etiology
- Protein Precursors/immunology
- Protein Precursors/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/immunology
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Retina/pathology
- Streptozocin/toxicity
- Tomography, Optical Coherence
- Vascular Diseases/etiology
- Visual Pathways/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo F Barcelona
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Nicholas Sitaras
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Gema Esquiva
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante CP 03690, Spain
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Yifan Jian
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, Alicante CP 03690, Spain
| | - Przemyslaw Sapieha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada, Department of Biochemistry, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada, Department of Neurology-Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada, and
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Center for Translational Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada, McGill Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A3, Canada
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Josephy-Hernandez S, Jmaeff S, Pirvulescu I, Aboulkassim T, Saragovi HU. Neurotrophin receptor agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents: An evolving paradigm. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 97:139-155. [PMID: 27546056 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are prevalent, complex and devastating conditions, with very limited treatment options currently available. While they manifest in many forms, there are commonalities that link them together. In this review, we will focus on neurotrophins - a family of related factors involved in neuronal development and maintenance. Neurodegenerative diseases often present with a neurotrophin imbalance, in which there may be decreases in trophic signaling through Trk receptors for example, and/or increases in pro-apoptotic activity through p75. Clinical trials with neurotrophins have continuously failed due to their poor pharmacological properties as well as the unavoidable activation of p75. Thus, there is a need for drugs without such setbacks. Small molecule neurotrophin mimetics are favorable options since they can selectively activate Trks or inactivate p75. In this review, we will initially present a brief outline of how these molecules are synthesized and their mechanisms of action; followed by an update in the current state of neurotrophins and small molecules in major neurodegenerative diseases. Although there has been significant progress in the development of potential therapeutics, more studies are needed to establish clear mechanisms of action and target specificity in order to transition from animal models to the assessment of safety and use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Josephy-Hernandez
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sean Jmaeff
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Iulia Pirvulescu
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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26
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Tong W, Maira M, Gagnon M, Saragovi HU. Ligands Binding to Cell Surface Ganglioside GD2 Cause Src-Dependent Activation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Signaling and Changes in Cellular Morphology. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134255. [PMID: 26252487 PMCID: PMC4529173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ganglioside GD2 is a plasma membrane glycosphinogolipid. In healthy adults it is expressed at low levels, but it is over-expressed in many cancers. For cancer therapy, GD2 is targeted with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and one adverse side effect is severe visceral pain. Pain is not neuropathic, cannot be blocked with morphine, and stops on discontinuation of mAb therapy. Here, we provide evidence that ligand binding to cell surface GD2 induces rapid and transient activation of Src-family kinases, followed by Src-dependent phosphorylation of NMDA-receptor NR2B subunits selectively, activation of Ca++ fluxes, production of cAMP, and changes in cellular morphology. These GD2-ligand activated signals differ in kinetics and in pharmacology from activation of the same signals in the same cells by BDNF, the growth factor agonist of the TrkB receptor, suggesting biological specificity. Hence, cell surface GD2 regulates pathways that can be associated with neoplasia and with morphine-intractable pain; and this can explain why expression of GD2 correlates with these two pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Tong
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mario Maira
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Gagnon
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Segal Center for Translational Research, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Segal Center for Translational Research, McGill University, 3755 Cote St., Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Mysona BA, Al-Gayyar MMH, Matragoon S, Abdelsaid MA, El-Azab MF, Saragovi HU, El-Remessy AB. Erratum to: Modulation of p75(NTR) prevents diabetes- and proNGF-induced retinal inflammation and blood-retina barrier breakdown in mice and rats. Diabetologia 2015; 58:644. [PMID: 25527000 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Mysona
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 1120 15th Street, HM-1200, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
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Goupil E, Fillion D, Clément S, Luo X, Devost D, Sleno R, Pétrin D, Saragovi HU, Thorin É, Laporte SA, Hébert TE. Angiotensin II type I and prostaglandin F2α receptors cooperatively modulate signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells. J Biol Chem 2014; 290:3137-48. [PMID: 25512374 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.631119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin II type I (AT1R) and the prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) F prostanoid (FP) receptors are both potent regulators of blood pressure. Physiological interplay between AT1R and FP has been described. Abdominal aortic ring contraction experiments revealed that PGF2α-dependent activation of FP potentiated angiotensin II-induced contraction, whereas FP antagonists had the opposite effect. Similarly, PGF2α-mediated vasoconstriction was symmetrically regulated by co-treatment with AT1R agonist and antagonist. The underlying canonical Gαq signaling via production of inositol phosphates mediated by each receptor was also regulated by antagonists for the other receptor. However, binding to their respective agonists, regulation of receptor-mediated MAPK activation and vascular smooth muscle cell growth were differentially or asymmetrically regulated depending on how each of the two receptors were occupied by either agonist or antagonist. Physical interactions between these receptors have never been reported, and here we show that AT1R and FP form heterodimeric complexes in both HEK 293 and vascular smooth muscle cells. These findings imply that formation of the AT1R/FP dimer creates a novel allosteric signaling unit that shows symmetrical and asymmetrical signaling behavior, depending on the outcome measured. AT1R/FP dimers may thus be important in the regulation of blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugénie Goupil
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6
| | - Dany Fillion
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6
| | - Stéphanie Clément
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6
| | - Xiaoyan Luo
- the Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - Dominic Devost
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6
| | - Rory Sleno
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6
| | - Darlaine Pétrin
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6
| | - H Uri Saragovi
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, the Lady Davis Institute, Montréal Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec H3T 1E2, and
| | - Éric Thorin
- the Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - Stéphane A Laporte
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, the Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montréal, Québec H3A 2B2, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0CT,
| | - Terence E Hébert
- From the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6,
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Galan A, Dergham P, Escoll P, de-la-Hera A, D'Onofrio PM, Magharious MM, Koeberle PD, Frade JM, Saragovi HU. Neuronal injury external to the retina rapidly activates retinal glia, followed by elevation of markers for cell cycle re-entry and death in retinal ganglion cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101349. [PMID: 24983470 PMCID: PMC4077807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are neurons that relay visual signals from the retina to the brain. The RGC cell bodies reside in the retina and their fibers form the optic nerve. Full transection (axotomy) of the optic nerve is an extra-retinal injury model of RGC degeneration. Optic nerve transection permits time-kinetic studies of neurodegenerative mechanisms in neurons and resident glia of the retina, the early events of which are reported here. One day after injury, and before atrophy of RGC cell bodies was apparent, glia had increased levels of phospho-Akt, phospho-S6, and phospho-ERK1/2; however, these signals were not detected in injured RGCs. Three days after injury there were increased levels of phospho-Rb and cyclin A proteins detected in RGCs, whereas these signals were not detected in glia. DNA hyperploidy was also detected in RGCs, indicative of cell cycle re-entry by these post-mitotic neurons. These events culminated in RGC death, which is delayed by pharmacological inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway. Our data show that a remote injury to RGC axons rapidly conveys a signal that activates retinal glia, followed by RGC cell cycle re-entry, DNA hyperploidy, and neuronal death that is delayed by preventing glial MAPK/ERK activation. These results demonstrate that complex and variable neuro-glia interactions regulate healthy and injured states in the adult mammalian retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Galan
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pauline Dergham
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pedro Escoll
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine Institute (IMMPA CSIC/UAH), School of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio de-la-Hera
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine Institute (IMMPA CSIC/UAH), School of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philippe M. D'Onofrio
- Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark M. Magharious
- Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - José María Frade
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Oncology and the Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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30
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Brahimi F, Ko E, Malakhov A, Burgess K, Saragovi HU. Combinatorial assembly of small molecules into bivalent antagonists of TrkC or TrkA receptors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89617. [PMID: 24603864 PMCID: PMC3945644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A library of peptidomimetics was assembled combinatorially into dimers on a triazine-based core. The pharmacophore corresponds to β-turns of the neurotrophin polypeptides neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), nerve growth factor (NGF), or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These are the natural ligands for TrkC, TrkA, and TrkB receptors, respectively. The linker length and the side-chain orientation of each monomer within the bivalent mimics were systematically altered, and the impact of these changes on the function of each ligand was evaluated. While the monovalent peptidomimetics had no detectable binding or bioactivity, four bivalent peptidomimetics (2c, 2d, 2e, 3f) are selective TrkC ligands with antagonistic activity, and two bivalent peptidomimetics (1a, 1b) are TrkC and TrkA ligands with antagonistic activity. All these bivalent compounds block ligand-dependent receptor activation and cell survival, without affecting neuritogenic differentiation. This work adds to our understanding of how the neurotrophins function through Trk receptors, and demonstrates that peptidomimetics can be designed to selectively disturb specific biological signals, and may be used as pharmacological probes or as therapeutic leads. The concept of altering side-chain, linker length, and sequence orientation of a subunit within a pharmacophore provides an easy modular approach to generate larger libraries with diversified bioactivity.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/chemistry
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques/methods
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Models, Chemical
- Molecular Structure
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Nerve Growth Factor/chemistry
- Nerve Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Neurotrophin 3/chemistry
- Neurotrophin 3/pharmacology
- PC12 Cells
- Peptidomimetics/chemical synthesis
- Peptidomimetics/chemistry
- Peptidomimetics/pharmacology
- Rats
- Receptor, trkA/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, trkA/genetics
- Receptor, trkA/metabolism
- Receptor, trkC/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, trkC/genetics
- Receptor, trkC/metabolism
- Small Molecule Libraries/chemical synthesis
- Small Molecule Libraries/chemistry
- Small Molecule Libraries/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eunhwa Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University. Texas, United States of America
| | - Andrey Malakhov
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University. Texas, United States of America
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University. Texas, United States of America
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Oncology and the Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Perron MD, Chowdhury S, Aubry I, Purisima E, Tremblay ML, Saragovi HU. Allosteric noncompetitive small molecule selective inhibitors of CD45 tyrosine phosphatase suppress T-cell receptor signals and inflammation in vivo. Mol Pharmacol 2014; 85:553-63. [PMID: 24473749 DOI: 10.1124/mol.113.089847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CD45 is a receptor-like member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family. We screened in silico for small molecules binding at a predicted allosteric pocket unique to the CD45 intracellular domain, and validated inhibitors by in vitro phosphatase assays. Compound 211 exhibited a CD45 IC50 value of 200 nM and had >100-fold selectivity over six related PTPs. The relevance of the allosteric pocket was verified through site-directed mutagenesis. Compound 211 has a noncompetitive mechanism of action, and it is extremely effective at preventing dephosphorylation of substrate Lck phosphotyrosine (pY)-505 versus preventing dephosphorylation of Lck pY-393. In cultured primary T cells, compound 211 prevents T-cell receptor-mediated activation of Lck, Zap-70, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, and interleukin-2 production. In a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in vivo, compound 211 abolished inflammation. This work demonstrates a novel approach to develop effective allosteric inhibitors that can be expanded to target the corresponding allosteric domains of other receptor PTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Perron
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital (M.P., S.C., H.U.S.), Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (M.P., H.U.S.), Biochemistry (I.A., E.P., M.L.T.), and Oncology (H.U.S.), Goodman Cancer Research Center (M.L.T.), and Segal Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (H.U.S.); and Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (E.P.)
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32
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Mysona BA, Al-Gayyar MMH, Matragoon S, Abdelsaid MA, El-Azab MF, Saragovi HU, El-Remessy AB. Modulation of p75(NTR) prevents diabetes- and proNGF-induced retinal inflammation and blood-retina barrier breakdown in mice and rats. Diabetologia 2013; 56:2329-39. [PMID: 23918145 PMCID: PMC3791887 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-013-2998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by early blood-retina barrier (BRB) breakdown and neurodegeneration. Diabetes causes imbalance of nerve growth factor (NGF), leading to accumulation of the NGF precursor (proNGF), as well as the NGF receptor, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), suggesting a possible pathological role of the proNGF-p75(NTR) axis in the diabetic retina. To date, the role of this axis in diabetes-induced retinal inflammation and BRB breakdown has not been explored. We hypothesised that modulating p75(NTR) would prevent diabetes- and proNGF-induced retinal inflammation and BRB breakdown. METHODS Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in wild-type and p75(NTR) knockout (p75KO) mice. After 5 weeks, the expression of inflammatory mediators, ganglion cell loss and BRB breakdown were determined. Cleavage-resistant proNGF was overexpressed in rodent retinas with and without p75(NTR) short hairpin RNA or with pharmacological inhibitors. In vitro, the effects of proNGF were investigated in retinal Müller glial cell line (rMC-1) and primary Müller cells. RESULTS Deletion of p75(NTR) blunted the diabetes-induced decrease in retinal NGF expression and increases in proNGF, nuclear factor κB (NFκB), p-NFκB and TNF-α. Deletion of p75(NTR) also abrogated diabetes-induced glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, ganglion cell loss and vascular permeability. Inhibited expression or cleavage of p75(NTR) blunted proNGF-induced retinal inflammation and vascular permeability. In vitro, proNGF induced p75(NTR)-dependent production of inflammatory mediators in primary wild-type Müller and rMC-1 cultures, but not in p75KO Müller cells. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The proNGF-p75(NTR) axis contributes to retinal inflammation and vascular dysfunction in the rodent diabetic retina. These findings underscore the importance of p75(NTR) as a novel regulator of inflammation and potential therapeutic target in diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Mysona
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 1120 15th Street HM-1200, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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33
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Ettinger K, Lecht S, Arien-Zakay H, Cohen G, Aga-Mizrachi S, Yanay N, Saragovi HU, Nedev H, Marcinkiewicz C, Nevo Y, Lazarovici P. Nerve growth factor stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation requires both p75NTR and α9β1 integrin and confers myoprotection towards ischemia in C2C12 skeletal muscle cell model. Cell Signal 2012; 24:2378-88. [PMID: 22960610 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The functions of nerve growth factor (NGF) in skeletal muscles physiology and pathology are not clear and call for an updated investigation. To achieve this goal we sought to investigate NGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and its role in the C2C12 skeletal muscle myoblasts and myotubes. RT-PCR and western blotting experiments demonstrated expression of p75(NTR), α9β1 integrin, and its regulator ADAM12, but not trkA in the cells, as also found in gastrocnemius and quadriceps mice muscles. Both proNGF and βNGF induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, a process blocked by (a) the specific MEK inhibitor, PD98059; (b) VLO5, a MLD-disintegrin with relative selectivity towards α9β1 integrin; and (c) p75(NTR) antagonists Thx-B and LM-24, but not the inactive control molecule backbone Thx. Upon treatment for 4 days with either anti-NGF antibody or VLO5 or Thx-B, the proliferation of myoblasts was decreased by 60-70%, 85-90% and 60-80% respectively, indicative of trophic effect of NGF which was autocrinically released by the cells. Exposure of myotubes to ischemic insult in the presence of βNGF, added either 1h before oxygen-glucose-deprivation or concomitant with reoxygenation insults, resulted with about 20% and 33% myoprotection, an effect antagonized by VLO5 and Thx-B, further supporting the trophic role of NGF in C2C12 cells. Cumulatively, the present findings propose that proNGF and βNGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in C2C12 cells by functional cooperation between p75(NTR) and α9β1 integrin, which are involved in myoprotective effects of autocrine released NGF. Furthermore, the present study establishes an important trophic role of α9β1 in NGF-induced signaling in skeletal muscle model, resembling the role of trkA in neurons. Future molecular characterization of the interactions between NGF receptors in the skeletal muscle will contribute to the understanding of NGF mechanism of action and may provide novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Ettinger
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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34
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Garcia AG, Nedev H, Bijian K, Su J, Alaoui-Jamali MA, Saragovi HU. Reduced in vivo lung metastasis of a breast cancer cell line after treatment with Herceptin mAb conjugated to chemotherapeutic drugs. Oncogene 2012; 32:2527-33. [PMID: 22797066 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Anthracyclines and taxanes have remarkable anticancer efficacy, but have poor selectivity and high toxicity. Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics has emerged as a strategy to achieve higher drug levels at the tumor site, to spare noncancerous tissue and potentially to use lower systemic drug doses, thus preventing side effects. In this study, we targeted the HER2 receptor using the monoclonal antibody (mAb) Herceptin (Trastuzumab) chemically conjugated to Doxorubicin or Taxol. In vitro, drug-Herceptin conjugates exhibited cytotoxicity comparable to equimolar concentrations of free drugs, with the benefit that the cytotoxicity of the conjugates was selective for cells expressing the HER2 target. In vivo, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with Taxol-Herceptin conjugates had a reduction of primary tumors comparable to equivalent doses of free drugs. However, Taxol-Herceptin conjugates significantly reduced metastasis compared with equivalent doses of free drugs. Thus, the data support the concept that conjugates might target metastasis better than primary tumors. This would offer a potential therapeutic approach for management of metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Galan Garcia
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bai Y, Sivori D, Woo SB, Neet KE, Lerner SF, Saragovi HU. During glaucoma, alpha2-macroglobulin accumulates in aqueous humor and binds to nerve growth factor, neutralizing neuroprotection. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2011; 52:5260-5. [PMID: 21642630 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-6691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy caused by the chronic and progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), resulting in irreversible blindness. Ocular hypertension is a major risk factor, but RGC death often continues after ocular hypertension is normalized, and can take place with normal tension. Continuous RGC death was related in rodents and humans to the local upregulation of neurotoxic proteins, such as TNF-α. In rat models of glaucoma, ocular hypertension also upregulates the expression of α2-macroglobulin, which is neurotoxic. α2-macroglobulin upregulation in the retina is long-lived, even after high IOP is reduced with medication. α2-macroglobulin is examined as a possible biomarker in human glaucoma, and a possible neurotoxic mechanism of action is sought. METHODS Quantitative Western blotting of α2-macroglobulin in samples obtained from aqueous humor (human and rat) and retina (rat) was conducted. Ex vivo neuronal survival assays and nerve growth factor-α2-macroglobulin binding studies using surface plasmon resonance were used. RESULTS Increased soluble α2-macroglobulin protein is also present in the aqueous humor in a rat glaucoma model, as well as in the aqueous humor of human glaucoma patients but not in cataract patients. One mechanism by which α2-macroglobulin is neurotoxic is by inhibiting the neuroprotective activity of nerve growth factor via TrkA receptors. CONCLUSIONS This work further documents a potential novel mechanism of RGC death and a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Bai
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Jain P, Li R, Lama T, Saragovi HU, Cumberlidge G, Meerovitch K. An NGF mimetic, MIM-D3, stimulates conjunctival cell glycoconjugate secretion and demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in a rat model of dry eye. Exp Eye Res 2011; 93:503-12. [PMID: 21726552 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MIM-D3, a small molecule nerve growth factor (NGF) peptidomimetic, as a therapeutic agent in rats with scopolamine induced dry eye. NGF plays an important role in ocular surface maintenance and corneal wound healing and was recently shown to have mucin secretagogue activity in conjunctival cells. We investigated whether MIM-D3 increased glycoconjugate secretion in conjunctival cells in vitro and in rat tear fluids in vivo. Primary rat conjunctival cell cultures were treated with increasing concentrations of MIM-D3 and evaluated for glycoconjugate secretion, proliferation and MAPK1/2 activation. Glycoconjugates were quantitated in tear fluids from normal rats treated topically with increasing doses of MIM-D3 (0.4%, 1% and 2.5%). Dry eye was induced in rats by subcutaneous scopolamine treatment, administered by surgically implanted osmotic pumps for 14 or 28 days. Aqueous tear production, tear clearance, fluorescein corneal staining and tear break-up time (tBUT) were evaluated. Glycoconjugates and NGF were quantitated in the tear fluids by enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), respectively. We found that 50 μM MIM-D3 statistically significantly induced a 1.3-fold increase in glycoconjugate secretion and a 2.3-fold increase in MAPK1/2 activation without increasing proliferation from conjunctival cell cultures. Application of 2.5% MIM-D3 in normal rat eyes statistically significantly increased tear glycoconjugate concentration by 2.3-fold. In the experimental dry eye model, application of 1% MIM-D3 to rat eyes for either 1 or 17 consecutive days, followed by 1 week of no dosing produced a statistically significant decrease in corneal staining (p < 0.001), a slight increase in tBUT, and increases in tear glycoconjugates (p < 0.05) compared to vehicle. Scopolamine treatment also caused a statistically significant increase of endogenous NGF in tears (p < 0.005). We concluded that the increase in glycoconjugate concentration by the 1% MIM-D3 dose may have improved the quality and stability of the tear film, and thereby improved healing on the ocular surface in dry eye. Therefore, MIM-D3 may have therapeutic potential as a topical agent for the treatment of dry eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Jain
- Mimetogen Pharmaceuticals, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Aboulkassim T, Tong XK, Tse YC, Wong TP, Woo SB, Neet KE, Brahimi F, Hamel E, Saragovi HU. Ligand-dependent TrkA activity in brain differentially affects spatial learning and long-term memory. Mol Pharmacol 2011; 80:498-508. [PMID: 21616921 DOI: 10.1124/mol.111.071332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA is expressed primarily in cholinergic neurons that are implicated in spatial learning and memory, whereas the NGF receptor p75(NTR) is expressed in many neuronal populations and glia. We asked whether selective TrkA activation may have a different impact on learning, short-term memory, and long-term memory. We also asked whether TrkA activation might affect cognition differently in wild-type mice versus mice with cognitive deficits due to transgenic overexpression of mutant amyloid-precursor protein (APP mice). Mice were treated with wild-type NGF (a ligand of TrkA and p75(NTR)) or with selective pharmacological agonists of TrkA that do not bind to p75(NTR). In APP mice, the selective TrkA agonists significantly improved learning and short-term memory. These improvements are associated with a reduction of soluble Aβ levels in the cortex and AKT activation in the cortex and hippocampus. However, this improved phenotype did not translate into improved long-term memory. In normal wild-type mice, none of the treatments affected learning or short-term memory, but a TrkA-selective agonist caused persistent deficits in long-term memory. The deficit in wild-type mice was associated temporally, in the hippocampus, with increased AKT activity, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor precursor, increased neurotrophin receptor homolog-2 (p75-related protein), and long-term depression. Together, these data indicate that selective TrkA activation affects cognition but does so differently in impaired APP mice versus normal wild-type mice. Understanding mechanisms that govern learning and memory is important for better treatment of cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahar Aboulkassim
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital and McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Sarunic MV, Yazdanpanah A, Gibson E, Xu J, Bai Y, Lee S, Saragovi HU, Beg MF. Longitudinal study of retinal degeneration in a rat using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Opt Express 2010; 18:23435-41. [PMID: 21164686 DOI: 10.1364/oe.18.023435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models of retinal degenerative diseases are used by vision scientists to develop therapies and to understand mechanisms of disease progression. Measurement of changes to the thickness of the various retinal layers provides an objective metric to evaluate the performance of the therapy. Because invasive histology is terminal and provides only a single data point, non-invasive imaging modalities are required to better study progression, and to reduce the number of animals used in research. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has emerged as a dominant imaging modality for human ophthalmic imaging, but has only recently gained significant attention for rodent retinal imaging. OCT provides cross section images of retina with micron-scale resolution which permits measurement of the retinal layer thickness. However, in order to be useful to vision scientists, a significant fraction of the retinal surface needs to be measured. In addition, because the retinal thickness normally varies as a function of distance from optic nerve head, it is critical to sample all regions of the retina in a systematic fashion. We present a longitudinal study of OCT to measure retinal degeneration in rats which have undergone optic nerve axotomy, a well characterized form of rapid retinal degeneration. Volumetric images of the retina acquired with OCT in a time course study were segmented in 2D using a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm. Then, using a 3D algorithm, thickness measurements were quantified across the surface of the retina for all volume segmentations. The resulting maps of the changes to retinal thickness over time represent the progression of degeneration across the surface of the retina during injury. The computational tools complement OCT retinal volumetric acquisition, resulting in a powerful tool for vision scientists working with rodents.
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Bai Y, Dergham P, Nedev H, Xu J, Galan A, Rivera JC, ZhiHua S, Mehta HM, Woo SB, Sarunic MV, Neet KE, Saragovi HU. Chronic and acute models of retinal neurodegeneration TrkA activity are neuroprotective whereas p75NTR activity is neurotoxic through a paracrine mechanism. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:39392-400. [PMID: 20943663 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.147801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In normal adult retinas, NGF receptor TrkA is expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGC), whereas glia express p75(NTR). During retinal injury, endogenous NGF, TrkA, and p75(NTR) are up-regulated. Paradoxically, neither endogenous NGF nor exogenous administration of wild type NGF can protect degenerating RGCs, even when administered at high frequency. Here we elucidate the relative contribution of NGF and each of its receptors to RGC degeneration in vivo. During retinal degeneration due to glaucoma or optic nerve transection, treatment with a mutant NGF that only activates TrkA, or with a biological response modifier that prevents endogenous NGF and pro-NGF from binding to p75(NTR) affords significant neuroprotection. Treatment of normal eyes with an NGF mutant-selective p75(NTR) agonist causes progressive RGC death, and in injured eyes it accelerates RGC death. The mechanism of p75(NTR) action during retinal degeneration due to glaucoma is paracrine, by increasing production of neurotoxic proteins TNF-α and α(2)-macroglobulin. Antagonists of p75(NTR) inhibit TNF-α and α(2)-macroglobulin up-regulation during disease, and afford neuroprotection. These data reveal a balance of neuroprotective and neurotoxic mechanisms in normal and diseased retinas, and validate each neurotrophin receptor as a pharmacological target for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Bai
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
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Abstract
Bivalent molecules containing two beta-turn mimics with side chains that correspond to hot-spots on the neurotrophin NT-3 were prepared. Binding assays showed the mimetics to be selective TrkC ligands, and biological assays showed one mimetic to be an antagonist of the TrkC receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77842-3012, USA
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Bai Y, Shi Z, Zhuo Y, Liu J, Malakhov A, Ko E, Burgess K, Schaefer H, Esteban PF, Tessarollo L, Saragovi HU. In glaucoma the upregulated truncated TrkC.T1 receptor isoform in glia causes increased TNF-alpha production, leading to retinal ganglion cell death. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2010; 51:6639-51. [PMID: 20574020 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.10-5431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is a distinct neuropathy characterized by the chronic and progressive death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The etiology of RGC death remains unknown. Risk factors for glaucomatous RGC death are elevated intraocular pressure and glial production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Previously, the authors showed that glaucoma causes a rapid upregulation of a neurotrophin receptor truncated isoform lacking the kinase domain, TrkC.T1, in retina. Here they examined the biological role of TrkC.T1 during glaucoma progression. METHODS Rat and mouse models of chronic ocular hypertension were used. Immunofluorescence Western blot analysis and in situ mRNA hybridization were used to identify cells upregulating TrkC.T1. A genetic model of engineered mice lacking TrkC.T1 (TrkC.T1(-/-)) was used to validate a role for this receptor in glaucoma. Pharmacologic studies were conducted to evaluate intravitreal delivery of agonists or antagonists of TrkC.T1, compared with controls, during glaucoma. Surviving RGCs were quantified by retrograde-labeling techniques. Production of neurotoxic TNF-α and α2 macroglobulin were quantified. RESULTS TrkC.T1 was upregulated in retinal glia, with a pattern similar to that of TNF-α. TrkC.T1(-/-) mice had normal retinas. However, during experimental glaucoma, TrkC.T1(-/-) mice had lower rates of RGC death and produced less TNF-α than wild-type littermates. In rats with glaucoma, the pharmacologic use of TrkC antagonists delayed RGC death and reduced the production of retinal TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS TrkC.T1 is implicated in glaucomatous RGC death through the control of glial TNF-α production. Overall, the data point to a paracrine mechanism whereby elevated intraocular pressure upregulated glial TrkC.T1 expression in glia; TrkC.T1 controlled glial TNF-α production, and TNF-α caused RGC death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Brahimi F, Liu J, Malakhov A, Chowdhury S, Purisima EO, Ivanisevic L, Caron A, Burgess K, Saragovi HU. A monovalent agonist of TrkA tyrosine kinase receptors can be converted into a bivalent antagonist. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2010; 1800:1018-26. [PMID: 20600627 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) act through dimerization. Previously it was thought that only bivalent ligands could be agonistic, whereas monovalent ligands should be antagonistic. This notion changed after the demonstration that monovalent ligands can be agonistic, including our report of a small molecule monovalent ligand "D3" that is a partial agonist of the NGF receptor TrkA. A bivalent "D3-linker-D3" was expected to increase agonism. METHODS Dimeric analogs were synthesized and tested in binding, biochemical, and biological assays. RESULTS One analog, 1-ss, binds TrkA with higher affinity than D3 and induces or stabilizes receptor dimers. However, 1-ss exhibited antagonistic activity, through two mechanisms. One mechanism is that 1-ss blocks NGF binding, unlike D3 which is non-competitive. Inhibition of NGF binding may be due to the linker of 1-ss filling the inter-receptor space that NGF traverses before docking. In a second mechanism, 1-ss acts as a pure antagonist, inhibiting NGF-independent TrkA activity in cells over-expressing receptors. Inhibition is likely due to 1-ss "freezing" the TrkA dimer in the inactive state. CONCLUSIONS Dimerization of an RTK can result in antagonism, through two independent mechanisms. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE we report a small molecule monovalent agonist being converted to a bivalent antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Oncology and the Cancer Center. McGill University, Canada
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Tong W, Gagnon M, Sprules T, Gilbert M, Chowdhury S, Meerovitch K, Hansford K, Purisima EO, Blankenship JW, Cheung NKV, Gehring K, Lubell WD, Saragovi HU. Small-molecule ligands of GD2 ganglioside, designed from NMR studies, exhibit induced-fit binding and bioactivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 17:183-94. [PMID: 20189108 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2010.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ganglioside GD2 is a cell surface glycosphingolipid. Targeting of GD2, i.e., by anti-GD2 mAb 3F8, is used clinically for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Here, the conformations of free GD2, and of GD2 bound to mAb 3F8, were resolved by saturation transfer difference NMR and molecular modeling. Then, three small-molecule cyclic peptide ligands that bind to GD2 selectively were designed. Transferred nuclear Overhauser enhancement of the GD2-bound conformation of the peptide ligands showed an induced-fit binding mechanism. The mAb 3F8 and the peptidic GD2 ligands mediate similar biological functions in cell-based assays of calcium fluxes and src activation. Thus, small molecules can selectively and functionally interact with a sugar head group. This work furthers the concept of rationally designing ligands for carbohydrate targets, and may be expanded to other clinically relevant gangliosides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Tong
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3T 1E2
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Bai Y, Xu J, Brahimi F, Zhuo Y, Sarunic MV, Saragovi HU. An agonistic TrkB mAb causes sustained TrkB activation, delays RGC death, and protects the retinal structure in optic nerve axotomy and in glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2010; 51:4722-31. [PMID: 20357199 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.09-5032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptors TrkB and p75(NTR) are expressed in the retina. However, exogenous BDNF does not provide retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) with long-lasting neuroprotection in vivo during optic nerve axotomy or in glaucoma rat models of neurodegeneration. The authors set out to answer the hypothesis that a selective TrkB agonist might afford more efficient neuroprotection. METHODS Animal models of acute neurodegeneration (complete optic nerve axotomy) and chronic neurodegeneration (ocular hypertension, glaucoma) were used. After intravitreal delivery of test agents or controls, surviving RGCs were quantified. Transient or sustained activation of TrkB receptors in vivo was quantified by Western blot analysis retinal samples for TrkB-phosphotyrosine. Time-dependent changes to the neuronal retinal layers were quantified longitudinally by Fourier domain-optical coherence tomography. RESULTS The authors show that a selective TrkB agonist caused long-lived TrkB activation and significantly delayed RGC death in these models of acute and chronic retinal injury in vivo. Importantly, using noninvasive retinal imaging, they also show that a selective TrkB agonist caused preservation of the retinal structure in both animal models, with maintenance of the layers comprising neurons and neuronal fibers. CONCLUSIONS In animal models of acute and chronic neurodegeneration, a TrkB agonist affords long-lasting neuroprotection by causing sustained TrkB activation. The use of structural end points could have prognostic value to evaluate neuroprotection. This work contributes to the understanding of neurotrophic mechanisms underlying RGC death in glaucoma and optic nerve axotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Bai
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Guillemard V, Ivanisevic L, Garcia AG, Scholten V, Lazo OM, Bronfman FC, Saragovi HU. An agonistic mAb directed to the TrkC receptor juxtamembrane region defines a trophic hot spot and interactions with p75 coreceptors. Dev Neurobiol 2010; 70:150-64. [PMID: 19953569 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The D5 domain of TrkC receptors is a docking site for Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), but other domains may be relevant for function or harmonizing signals with p75(NTR) coreceptors. We report a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2B7 targeting the juxtamembrane domain of TrkC. mAb 2B7 binds to murine and human TrkC receptors and is a functional agonist that affords activation of TrkC, AKT, and MAPK. These signals result in cell survival but not in cellular differentiation. Monomeric 2B7 Fabs also affords cell survival. Binding of 2B7 mAb and 2B7 Fabs to TrkC are blocked by NT-3 in a dose-dependent manner but not by pro-NT-3. Expression of p75(NTR) coreceptors on the cell surface block the binding and function of mAb 2B7, whereas NT-3 binding and function are enhanced. mAb 2B7 defines a previously unknown neurotrophin receptor functional hot spot; that exclusively generates survival signals; that can be activated by non-dimeric ligands; and potentially unmasks a site for p75-TrkC interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Guillemard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Lady Davis Research Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Brahimi F, Malakhov A, Lee HB, Pattarawarapan M, Ivanisevic L, Burgess K, Saragovi HU. A peptidomimetic of NT-3 acts as a TrkC antagonist. Peptides 2009; 30:1833-9. [PMID: 19647025 PMCID: PMC2755609 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that regulate the peripheral and central nervous system. We designed and tested a mini-library of small molecules peptidomimetics based on beta-turns of the neurotrophin growth factor polypeptides NT-3, which is the natural ligand for TrkC receptors. Biological studies identified a peptidomimetic 2Cl that exhibited selective antagonism of TrkC. 2Cl reduces TrkC activation and signaling promoted by NT-3, and selectively blocks ligand-dependent cell survival. 2Cl also blocks ligand-independent TrkC activation and signals that take place when the receptor is over-expressed. This work adds to our understanding of how the neurotrophins function through Trk receptors, and demonstrates that peptidomimetics can be designed to selectively disturb neurotrophin-receptor interactions, and receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University
| | - Andrey Malakhov
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX 77841, USA
| | - Hong Boon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX 77841, USA
| | - Mookda Pattarawarapan
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX 77841, USA
| | | | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, Box 30012, College Station, TX 77841, USA
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University
- Oncology and the Cancer Center. McGill University
- correspondance to: Dr. H. Uri Saragovi, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Cote St. Catherine, E-535. Montreal. Quebec, Canada, H3T 1E2, (1)-(514) 340-8222 x 5055
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Chen D, Brahimi F, Angell Y, Li YC, Moscowicz J, Saragovi HU, Burgess K. Bivalent peptidomimetic ligands of TrkC are biased agonists and selectively induce neuritogenesis or potentiate neurotrophin-3 trophic signals. ACS Chem Biol 2009; 4:769-81. [PMID: 19735123 DOI: 10.1021/cb9001415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was initiated to find small molecule ligands that would induce a functional response when docked with neurotrophin Trk receptors. "Minimalist" mimics of beta-turns were designed for this purpose. These mimics are (i) rigid, yet easily folded into turn-like conformations, and (ii) readily accessible from amino acids bearing most of the natural side chains. Gram quantities of 16 of these turn mimics were prepared and then assembled into 152 fluorescein-labeled bivalent peptidomimetics via a solution-phase combinatorial method. Fluorescence-based screening of these molecules using cells transfected with the Trk receptors identified 10 potential ligands of TrkC, the receptor for neurotrophin-3. Analogues of these bivalent peptidomimetics with biotin replacing the fluorescein label were then prepared and tested to confirm that binding was not due to the fluorescein. Several assays were conducted to find the mode of action of these biotinylated compounds. Thus, direct binding, survival and neuritogenic, and biochemical signal transduction assays showed 8 of the original 10 hits were agonistic ligands binding to the ectodomain of TrkC. Remarkably, some peptidomimetics afford discrete signals leading to either cell survival or neuritogenic differentiation. The significance of this work is three-fold. First, we succeeded in finding small, selective, proteolytically stable ligands for the TrkC receptor; there are very few of these in the literature. Second, we show that it is possible to activate distinct and biased signaling pathways with ligands binding at the ectodomain of wild-type receptors. Third, the discovery that some peptidomimetics initiate different modes of cell signaling increases their potential as pharmacological probes and therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianjun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77841
| | - Fouad Brahimi
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2
| | - Yu Angell
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77841
| | - Yu-Chin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77841
| | - Jennifer Moscowicz
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Cote St. Catherine, E-535, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2
| | - Kevin Burgess
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77841
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Rihakova L, Quiniou C, Hamdan FF, Kaul R, Brault S, Hou X, Lahaie I, Sapieha P, Hamel D, Shao Z, Gobeil F, Hardy P, Joyal JS, Nedev H, Duhamel F, Beauregard K, Heveker N, Saragovi HU, Guillon G, Bouvier M, Lubell WD, Chemtob S. VRQ397 (CRAVKY): a novel noncompetitive V2 receptor antagonist. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 297:R1009-18. [PMID: 19641130 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90766.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) exhibits mostly important properties for hydroosmotic equilibrium and, to a lesser extent, on vasomotricity. Drugs currently acting on this receptor are analogs of the natural neuropeptide, arginine vasopressin (AVP), and hence are competitive ligands. Peptides that reproduce specific sequences of a given receptor have lately been reported to interfere with its action, and if such molecules arise from regions remote from the binding site they would be anticipated to exhibit noncompetitive antagonism, but this has yet to be shown for V2R. Six peptides reproducing juxtamembranous regions of V2R were designed and screened; the most effective peptide, cravky (labeled VRQ397), was characterized. VRQ397 was potent (IC(50) = 0.69 +/- 0.25 nM) and fully effective in inhibiting V2R-dependent physiological function, specifically desmopressin-L-desamino-8-arginine-vasopressin (DDAVP)-induced cremasteric vasorelaxation; this physiological functional assay was utilized to avoid overlooking interference of specific signaling events. A dose-response profile revealed a noncompetitive property of VRQ397; correspondingly, VRQ397 bound specifically to V2R-expressing cells could not displace its natural ligand, AVP, but modulated AVP binding kinetics (dissociation rate). Specificity of VRQ397 was further confirmed by its inability to bind to homologous V1 and oxytocin receptors and its inefficacy to alter responses to stimulation of these receptors. VRQ397 exhibited pharmacological permissiveness on V2R-induced signals, as it inhibited DDAVP-induced PGI(2) generation but not that of cAMP or recruitment of beta-arrestin2. Consistent with in vitro and ex vivo effects as a V2R antagonist, VRQ397 displayed anticipated in vivo aquaretic efficacy. We hereby describe the discovery of a first potent noncompetitive antagonist of V2R, which exhibits functional selectivity, in line with properties of a negative allosteric modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rihakova
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Hôpital Ste Justine, Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Kojic LD, Wiseman SM, Ghaidi F, Joshi B, Nedev H, Saragovi HU, Nabi IR. Raft-dependent endocytosis of autocrine motility factor/phosphoglucose isomerase: a potential drug delivery route for tumor cells. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3597. [PMID: 18974847 PMCID: PMC2575378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autocrine motility factor/phosphoglucose isomerase (AMF/PGI) is the extracellular ligand for the gp78/AMFR receptor overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. We showed previously that raft-dependent internalization of AMF/PGI is elevated in metastatic MDA-435 cells, but not metastatic, caveolin-1-expressing MDA-231 cells, relative to non-metastatic MCF7 and dysplastic MCF10A cells suggesting that it might represent a tumor cell-specific endocytic pathway. Methodology/Principal Findings Similarly, using flow cytometry, we demonstrate that raft-dependent endocytosis of AMF/PGI is increased in metastatic HT29 cancer cells expressing low levels of caveolin-1 relative to metastatic, caveolin-1-expressing, HCT116 colon cells and non-metastatic Caco-2 cells. Therefore, we exploited the raft-dependent internalization of AMF/PGI as a potential tumor-cell specific targeting mechanism. We synthesized an AMF/PGI-paclitaxel conjugate and found it to be as efficient as free paclitaxel in inducing cytotoxicity and apoptosis in tumor cells that readily internalize AMF/PGI compared to tumor cells that poorly internalize AMF/PGI. Murine K1735-M1 and B16-F1 melanoma cells internalize FITC-conjugated AMF/PGI and are acutely sensitive to AMF/PGI-paclitaxel mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. Moreover, following in vivo intratumoral injection, FITC-conjugated AMF/PGI is internalized in K1735-M1 tumors. Intratumoral injection of AMF/PGI-paclitaxel induced significantly higher tumor regression compared to free paclitaxel, even in B16-F1 cells, known to be resistant to taxol treatment. Treatment with AMF/PGI-paclitaxel significantly prolonged the median survival time of tumor bearing mice. Free AMF/PGI exhibited a pro-survival role, reducing the cytotoxic effect of both AMF/PGI-paclitaxel and free paclitaxel suggesting that AMF/PGI-paclitaxel targets a pathway associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. AMF/PGI-FITC uptake by normal murine spleen and thymus cells was negligible both in vitro and following intravenous injection in vivo where AMF/PGI-FITC was selectively internalized by subcutaneous B16-F1 tumor cells. Conclusions/Significance The raft-dependent endocytosis of AMF/PGI may therefore represent a tumor cell specific endocytic pathway of potential value for drug delivery to tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana D. Kojic
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sam M. Wiseman
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fariba Ghaidi
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Surgery, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bharat Joshi
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hinyu Nedev
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ivan R. Nabi
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Zhuo YH, Wei YT, Bai YJ, Duan S, Lin MK, Saragovi HU, Ge J. Pro370Leu MYOC gene mutation in a large Chinese family with juvenile-onset open angle glaucoma: correlation between genotype and phenotype. Mol Vis 2008; 14:1533-9. [PMID: 18728751 PMCID: PMC2518531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 08/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Most of the cases are primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). POAG is a genetically heterogenous disease; autosomal dominance is the most frequent type of monogenic inheritance. In this study, we identified the genotype of a MYOC mutation and investigated the phenotype of a Chinese juvenile-onset open angle glaucoma (JOAG) pedigree (GZ.1 pedigree). METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 24 participants. We performed sequence and gene linkage analysis in the GZ.1 pedigree retrospectively. Comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed for each family member. Pharmacological treatment or filtering surgery was performed as needed according to the intraocular pressure (IOP) of each individual. RESULTS A Pro370Leu myocilin mutation located in exon 3 of MYOC was identified in 24 members of the GZ.1 pedigree. Sixteen patients had juvenile-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (JOAG), and the others participating in the project had no such genotype. Analysis of polymorphic microsatellite markers indicated that the disease in GZ.1 is autosomal dominant inheritance. The patients in GZ.1 are characterized by early age of onset (before 35 years of age), severe clinical presentations, and high intraocular pressure unresponsive to pharmacological treatment; requiring 89.5% of the patients to undergo filtering surgery. Fortunately, the success rate of surgery was high. None of the patients required further medical treatment and only one demonstrated low IOP fundus changes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence of a founder effect for a Pro370Leu myocilin mutation in a Chinese POAG pedigree. The family with the Pro370Leu myocilin mutation presents with juvenile-onset glaucoma. After 10 years of follow-up, it is evident that the mutation is closely associated with the phenotype of the patients. Analysis of MYOC in JOAG patients may enable the identification of at-risk individuals and help prevent disease progression toward the degeneration of the optic nerve, and may also contribute to genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Hong Zhuo
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Tao Wei
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jing Bai
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Duan
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Kai Lin
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Oncology/Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jian Ge
- From the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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