1
|
Pečar Fonović U, Kos J, Mitrović A. Compensational role between cathepsins. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00085-3. [PMID: 38663456 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.04.010] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Cathepsins, a family of lysosomal peptidases, play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating protein turnover and degradation as well as many specific regulatory actions that are important for proper cell function and human health. Alterations in the activity and expression of cathepsins have been observed in many diseases such as cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, bone remodelling-related conditions and others. These changes are not exclusively harmful, but rather appear to be a compensatory response on the lack of one cathepsin in order to maintain tissue integrity. The upregulation of specific cathepsins in response to the inhibition or dysfunction of other cathepsins suggests a fine-tuned system of proteolytic balance and understanding the compensatory role of cathepsins may improve therapeutic potential of cathepsin's inhibitors. Selectively targeting one cathepsin or modulating their activity could offer new treatment strategies for a number of diseases. This review emphasises the need for comprehensive research into cathepsin biology in the context of disease. The identification of the specific cathepsins involved in compensatory responses, the elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms and the development of targeted interventions could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urša Pečar Fonović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Senjor E, Pirro M, Švajger U, Prunk M, Sabotič J, Jewett A, Hensbergen PJ, Perišić Nanut M, Kos J. Different glycosylation profiles of cystatin F alter the cytotoxic potential of natural killer cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:8. [PMID: 38092995 PMCID: PMC10719177 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05041-x] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cystatin F, a cysteine peptidase inhibitor, is a potent modulator of NK cytotoxicity. By inhibiting granule-mediated cytotoxicity pathway, cystatin F induces formation of non-functional NK cell stage, called split-anergy. We show that N-glycosylation determines the localization and cellular function of cystatin F. Cystatin F mostly exhibited high-mannose glycosylation in U-937 cells, both high-mannose and complex glycosylation in NK-92 and primary NKs, and predominantly complex glycosylation in super-charged NKs. Manipulating N-glycosylation with kifunensine increased high-mannose glycosylation of cystatin F and lysosome localisation, which decreased cathepsin C activity and reduced NK cytotoxicity. Mannose-6-phosphate could significantly reduce the internalization of extracellular cystatin F. By comparing NK cells with different cytotoxic potentials, we found that high-mannose cystatin F was strongly associated with lysosomes and cathepsin C in NK-92 cell line. In contrast, in highly cytotoxic super-charged NKs, cystatin F with complex glycosylation was associated with the secretory pathway and less prone to inhibit cathepsin C. Modulating glycosylation to alter cystatin F localisation could increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential for treating cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Senjor
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Pirro
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Urban Švajger
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Prunk
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Paul J Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Milan Bonotto R, Mitrović A, Sosič I, Martinez-Orellana P, Dattola F, Gobec S, Kos J, Marcello A. Cathepsin inhibitors nitroxoline and its derivatives inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Antiviral Res 2023:105655. [PMID: 37355023 PMCID: PMC10287183 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The severity of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the recurring (re)emergence of viruses prompted the development of new therapeutic approaches that target viral and host factors crucial for viral infection. Among them, host peptidases cathepsins B and L have been described as essential enzymes during SARS-CoV-2 entry. In this study, we evaluated the effect of potent selective cathepsin inhibitors as antiviral agents. We demonstrated that selective cathepsin B inhibitors, such as the antimicrobial agent nitroxoline and its derivatives, impair SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. Antiviral activity observed at early stage of virus entry was cell-type dependent and correlated well with the intracellular content and enzymatic function of cathepsins B or L. Furthermore, tested inhibitors were effective against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 D614 as well as against the more recent BA.1_4 (Omicron). Taken together, our results highlight the important role of host cysteine cathepsin B in SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and show that cathepsin-specific inhibitors, such as nitroxoline and its derivatives, could be used to treat COVID-19. Finally, these results also suggest that nitroxoline has potential to be further explored as repurposed drug in antiviral therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Milan Bonotto
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Pamela Martinez-Orellana
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Dattola
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Alessandro Marcello
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano, 99, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kaur K, Chen PC, Ko MW, Mei A, Senjor E, Malarkannan S, Kos J, Jewett A. Sequential therapy with supercharged NK cells with either chemotherapy drug cisplatin or anti-PD-1 antibody decreases the tumor size and significantly enhances the NK function in Hu-BLT mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1132807. [PMID: 37197660 PMCID: PMC10183580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1132807] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and methods In this study we report that sequential treatment of supercharged NK (sNK) cells with either chemotherapeutic drugs or check-point inhibitors eliminate both poorly differentiated and well differentiated tumors in-vivo in humanized-BLT mice. Background and results sNK cells were found to be a unique population of activated NK cells with genetic, proteomic, and functional attributes that are very different from primary untreated or IL-2 treated NK cells. Furthermore, NK-supernatant differentiated or well-differentiated oral or pancreatic tumor cell lines are not susceptible to IL-2 activated primary NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity; however, they are greatly killed by the CDDP and paclitaxel in in-vitro assays. Injection of one dose of sNK cells at 1 million cells per mouse to aggressive CSC-like/poorly differentiated oral tumor bearing mice, followed by an injection of CDDP, inhibited tumor weight and growth, and increased IFN-γ secretion as well as NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity substantially in bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood derived immune cells. Similarly, the use of check point inhibitor anti-PD-1 antibody increased IFN-γ secretion and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and decreased the tumor burden in-vivo, and tumor growth of resected minimal residual tumors from hu-BLT mice when used sequentially with sNK cells. The addition of anti-PDL1 antibody to poorly differentiated MP2, NK-differentiated MP2 or well-differentiated PL-12 pancreatic tumors had different effects on tumor cells depending on the differentiation status of the tumor cells, since differentiated tumors expressed PD-L1 and were susceptible to NK cell mediated ADCC, whereas poorly differentiated OSCSCs or MP2 did not express PD-L1 and were killed directly by the NK cells. Conclusions Therefore, the ability to target combinatorially clones of tumors with NK cells and chemotherapeutic drugs or NK cells with checkpoint inhibitors at different stages of tumor differentiation may be crucial for successful eradication and cure of cancer. Furthermore, the success of check point inhibitor PD-L1 may relate to the levels of expression on tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Po-Chun Chen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Meng-Wei Ko
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ao Mei
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Emanuela Senjor
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kos J. Peptidases: Role and Function in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097823. [PMID: 37175526 PMCID: PMC10178584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptidases represent a large family of hydrolases present in all living organisms, which catalyze the degradation of peptide bonds in different biological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jožef Stefan Institute, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Senjor E, Kos J, Nanut MP. Cysteine Cathepsins as Therapeutic Targets in Immune Regulation and Immune Disorders. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020476. [PMID: 36831012 PMCID: PMC9953096 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020476] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins, as the most abundant proteases found in the lysosomes, play a vital role in several processes-such as protein degradation, changes in cell signaling, cell morphology, migration and proliferation, and energy metabolism. In addition to their lysosomal function, they are also secreted and may remain functional in the extracellular space. Upregulation of cathepsin expression is associated with several pathological conditions including cancer, neurodegeneration, and immune-system dysregulation. In this review, we present an overview of cysteine-cathepsin involvement and possible targeting options for mitigation of aberrant function in immune disorders such as inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and immune response in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Senjor
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milica Perišić Nanut
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Senjor E, Mitrović A, Juki M, Proj M, Perišić Nanut M, Gobec S, Kos J. Preventing cystatin F proteolytic activation by cathepsin V increases cytotoxicity of effector immune cells. Eur J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(22)01129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
8
|
Bereczki I, Vimberg V, Lőrincz E, Papp H, Nagy L, Kéki S, Batta G, Mitrović A, Kos J, Zsigmond Á, Hajdú I, Lőrincz Z, Bajusz D, Petri L, Hodek J, Jakab F, Keserű GM, Weber J, Naesens L, Herczegh P, Borbás A. Semisynthetic teicoplanin derivatives with dual antimicrobial activity against SARS-CoV-2 and multiresistant bacteria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16001. [PMID: 36163239 PMCID: PMC9511441 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20182-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 risk co-infection with Gram-positive bacteria, which severely affects their prognosis. Antimicrobial drugs with dual antiviral and antibacterial activity would be very useful in this setting. Although glycopeptide antibiotics are well-known as strong antibacterial drugs, some of them are also active against RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It has been shown that the antiviral and antibacterial efficacy can be enhanced by synthetic modifications. We here report the synthesis and biological evaluation of seven derivatives of teicoplanin bearing hydrophobic or superbasic side chain. All but one teicoplanin derivatives were effective in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication in VeroE6 cells. One lipophilic and three perfluoroalkyl conjugates showed activity against SARS-CoV-2 in human Calu-3 cells and against HCoV-229E, an endemic human coronavirus, in HEL cells. Pseudovirus entry and enzyme inhibition assays established that the teicoplanin derivatives efficiently prevent the cathepsin-mediated endosomal entry of SARS-CoV-2, with some compounds inhibiting also the TMPRSS2-mediated surface entry route. The teicoplanin derivatives showed good to excellent activity against Gram-positive bacteria resistant to all approved glycopeptide antibiotics, due to their ability to dually bind to the bacterial membrane and cell-wall. To conclude, we identified three perfluoralkyl and one monoguanidine analog of teicoplanin as dual inhibitors of Gram-positive bacteria and SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Bereczki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary.,National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary
| | - Vladimir Vimberg
- Laboratory for Biology of Secondary Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Lőrincz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary.,Institute of Healthcare Industry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Nagyerdei körút 98, 4032, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary
| | - Henrietta Papp
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary.,Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624, Hungary
| | - Lajos Nagy
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Sándor Kéki
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Gyula Batta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Áron Zsigmond
- TargetEx Ltd., Dunakeszi, Madách Imre utca 31/2, 2120, Hungary
| | - István Hajdú
- TargetEx Ltd., Dunakeszi, Madách Imre utca 31/2, 2120, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Lőrincz
- TargetEx Ltd., Dunakeszi, Madách Imre utca 31/2, 2120, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Hungary
| | - Jan Hodek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary.,Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Jan Weber
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pál Herczegh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary
| | - Anikó Borbás
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032, Hungary. .,National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, Pecs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Renko M, Zupan T, Plaza DF, Schmieder SS, Perišić Nanut M, Kos J, Turk D, Künzler M, Sabotič J. Cocaprins, β-Trefoil Fold Inhibitors of Cysteine and Aspartic Proteases from Coprinopsis cinerea. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4916. [PMID: 35563308 PMCID: PMC9104457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce a new family of fungal protease inhibitors with β-trefoil fold from the mushroom Coprinopsis cinerea, named cocaprins, which inhibit both cysteine and aspartic proteases. Two cocaprin-encoding genes are differentially expressed in fungal tissues. One is highly transcribed in vegetative mycelium and the other in the stipes of mature fruiting bodies. Cocaprins are small proteins (15 kDa) with acidic isoelectric points that form dimers. The three-dimensional structure of cocaprin 1 showed similarity to fungal β-trefoil lectins. Cocaprins inhibit plant C1 family cysteine proteases with Ki in the micromolar range, but do not inhibit the C13 family protease legumain, which distinguishes them from mycocypins. Cocaprins also inhibit the aspartic protease pepsin with Ki in the low micromolar range. Mutagenesis revealed that the β2-β3 loop is involved in the inhibition of cysteine proteases and that the inhibitory reactive sites for aspartic and cysteine proteases are located at different positions on the protein. Their biological function is thought to be the regulation of endogenous proteolytic activities or in defense against fungal antagonists. Cocaprins are the first characterized aspartic protease inhibitors with β-trefoil fold from fungi, and demonstrate the incredible plasticity of loop functionalization in fungal proteins with β-trefoil fold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miha Renko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.R.); (D.T.)
| | - Tanja Zupan
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.Z.); (M.P.N.); (J.K.)
| | - David F. Plaza
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (D.F.P.); (S.S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Stefanie S. Schmieder
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (D.F.P.); (S.S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Milica Perišić Nanut
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.Z.); (M.P.N.); (J.K.)
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.Z.); (M.P.N.); (J.K.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dušan Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.R.); (D.T.)
| | - Markus Künzler
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; (D.F.P.); (S.S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.Z.); (M.P.N.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kos J. Proteases: Role and Function in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094632. [PMID: 35563022 PMCID: PMC9102717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jožef Stefan Institute, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schlichtner S, Yasinska IM, Ruggiero S, Berger SM, Aliu N, Prunk M, Kos J, Meyer NH, Gibbs BF, Fasler-Kan E, Sumbayev VV. Expression of the Immune Checkpoint Protein VISTA Is Differentially Regulated by the TGF-β1 - Smad3 Signaling Pathway in Rapidly Proliferating Human Cells and T Lymphocytes. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:790995. [PMID: 35223897 PMCID: PMC8866318 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.790995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint proteins play crucial roles in human embryonic development but are also used by cancer cells to escape immune surveillance. These proteins and biochemical pathways associated with them form a complex machinery capable of blocking the ability of cytotoxic immune lymphoid cells to attack cancer cells and, ultimately, to fully suppress anti-tumor immunity. One of the more recently discovered immune checkpoint proteins is V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), which plays a crucial role in anti-cancer immune evasion pathways. The biochemical mechanisms underlying regulation of VISTA expression remain unknown. Here, we report for the first time that VISTA expression is controlled by the transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGF-β)-Smad3 signaling pathway. However, in T lymphocytes, we found that VISTA expression was differentially regulated by TGF-β depending on their immune profile. Taken together, our results demonstrate the differential biochemical control of VISTA expression in human T cells and various types of rapidly proliferating cells, including cancer cells, fetal cells and keratinocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Schlichtner
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
| | - Inna M Yasinska
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
| | - Sabrina Ruggiero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Steffen M Berger
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nijas Aliu
- Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mateja Prunk
- Department of Biotechnology, JoŽef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, JoŽef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - N Helge Meyer
- Division of Experimental Allergology and Immunodermatology, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.,Division of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard F Gibbs
- Division of Experimental Allergology and Immunodermatology, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vadim V Sumbayev
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Perišić Nanut M, Žurga S, Konjar Š, Prunk M, Kos J, Sabotič J. The fungal Clitocybe nebularis lectin binds distinct cell surface glycoprotein receptors to induce cell death selectively in Jurkat cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22215. [PMID: 35224765 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101056rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Clitocybe nebularis lectin (CNL) is a GalNAcβ1-4GlcNAc-binding lectin that exhibits an antiproliferative effect exclusively on the Jurkat leukemic T cell line by provoking homotypic aggregation and dose-dependent cell death. Cell death of Jurkat cells exhibited typical features of early apoptosis, but lacked the activation of initiating and executing caspases. None of the features of CNL-induced cell death were effectively blocked with the pan-caspase inhibitor or different cysteine peptidase inhibitors. Furthermore, CNL binding induced Jurkat cells to release the endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern molecule high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). A plant lectin with similar glycan-binding specificity, Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) showed less selective toxicity and induced cell death in Jurkat, Tall-104, and Hut-87 cell lines. HMGB1 release was also detected when Jurkat cells were treated with WFA. We identified the CD45 and CD43 cell surface glycoproteins on Jurkat cells as the main targets for CNL binding. However, the blockade of CD45 phosphatase activity failed to block either CNL-induced homotypic agglutination or cell death. Overall, our results indicate that CNL triggers atypical cell death selectively on Jurkat cells, suggesting the potential applicability of CNL in novel strategies for treating and/or detecting acute T cell leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Žurga
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Konjar
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Prunk
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Majc B, Habič A, Novak M, Rotter A, Porčnik A, Mlakar J, Župunski V, Fonović UP, Knez D, Zidar N, Gobec S, Kos J, Turnšek TL, Pišlar A, Breznik B. Upregulation of Cathepsin X in Glioblastoma: Interplay with γ-Enolase and the Effects of Selective Cathepsin X Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031784. [PMID: 35163706 PMCID: PMC8836869 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary brain tumor in adults. Understanding GBM pathobiology and discovering novel therapeutic targets are critical to finding efficient treatments. Upregulation of the lysosomal cysteine carboxypeptidase cathepsin X has been linked to immune dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases, but its role in cancer and particularly in GBM progression in patients is unknown. In this study, cathepsin X expression and activity were found to be upregulated in human GBM tissues compared to low-grade gliomas and nontumor brain tissues. Cathepsin X was localized in GBM cells as well as in tumor-associated macrophages and microglia. Subsequently, potent irreversible (AMS36) and reversible (Z7) selective cathepsin X inhibitors were tested in vitro. Selective cathepsin X inhibitors decreased the viability of patient-derived GBM cells as well as macrophages and microglia that were cultured in conditioned media of GBM cells. We next examined the expression pattern of neuron-specific enzyme γ-enolase, which is the target of cathepsin X. We found that there was a correlation between high proteolytic activity of cathepsin X and C-terminal cleavage of γ-enolase and that cathepsin X and γ-enolase were colocalized in GBM tissues, preferentially in GBM-associated macrophages and microglia. Taken together, our results on patient-derived material suggest that cathepsin X is involved in GBM progression and is a potential target for therapeutic approaches against GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 39 Jamova cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anamarija Habič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Jozef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 39 Jamova cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Ana Rotter
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
| | - Andrej Porčnik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 7 Zaloška cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Jernej Mlakar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 2 Korytkova ulica, 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia;
| | - Vera Župunski
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Urša Pečar Fonović
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Nace Zidar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
| | - Tamara Lah Turnšek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Chair of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Anja Pišlar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 7 Aškerčeva cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.P.F.); (D.K.); (N.Z.); (S.G.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (B.B.); Tel.: +386-(0)59-232-870; (A.P.), Tel.: +386-(0)14-169-526
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (A.H.); (M.N.); (A.R.); (T.L.T.)
- Correspondence: (B.B.); Tel.: +386-(0)59-232-870; (A.P.), Tel.: +386-(0)14-169-526
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kos J, Mitrović A, Perišić Nanut M, Pišlar A. Lysosomal peptidases – Intriguing roles in cancer progression and neurodegeneration. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:708-738. [PMID: 35067006 PMCID: PMC8972049 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal peptidases are hydrolytic enzymes capable of digesting waste proteins that are targeted to lysosomes via endocytosis and autophagy. Besides intracellular protein catabolism, they play more specific roles in several other cellular processes and pathologies, either within lysosomes, upon secretion into the cell cytoplasm or extracellular space, or bound to the plasma membrane. In cancer, lysosomal peptidases are generally associated with disease progression, as they participate in crucial processes leading to changes in cell morphology, signaling, migration, and invasion, and finally metastasis. However, they can also enhance the mechanisms resulting in cancer regression, such as apoptosis of tumor cells or antitumor immune responses. Lysosomal peptidases have also been identified as hallmarks of aging and neurodegeneration, playing roles in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal intercellular communication, dysregulated trafficking, and the deposition of protein aggregates in neuronal cells. Furthermore, deficiencies in lysosomal peptidases may result in other pathological states, such as lysosomal storage disease. The aim of this review was to highlight the role of lysosomal peptidases in particular pathological processes of cancer and neurodegeneration and to address the potential of lysosomal peptidases in diagnosing and treating patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy Aškerčeva 7 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan Institute Department of Biotechnology Jamova 39 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Jožef Stefan Institute Department of Biotechnology Jamova 39 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Milica Perišić Nanut
- Jožef Stefan Institute Department of Biotechnology Jamova 39 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy Aškerčeva 7 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mitrović A, Završnik J, Mikhaylov G, Knez D, Pečar Fonović U, Matjan Štefin P, Butinar M, Gobec S, Turk B, Kos J. Evaluation of novel cathepsin-X inhibitors in vitro and in vivo and their ability to improve cathepsin-B-directed antitumor therapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:34. [PMID: 34989869 PMCID: PMC8738504 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04117-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
New therapeutic targets that could improve current antitumor therapy and overcome cancer resistance are urgently needed. Promising candidates are lysosomal cysteine cathepsins, proteolytical enzymes involved in various critical steps during cancer progression. Among them, cathepsin X, which acts solely as a carboxypeptidase, has received much attention. Our results indicate that the triazole-based selective reversible inhibitor of cathepsin X named Z9 (1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2-((4-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)ethan-1-one) significantly reduces tumor progression, both in vitro in cell-based functional assays and in vivo in two independent tumor mouse models: the FVB/PyMT transgenic and MMTV-PyMT orthotopic breast cancer mouse models. One of the mechanisms by which cathepsin X contributes to cancer progression is the compensation of cathepsin-B activity loss. Our results confirm that cathepsin-B inhibition is compensated by an increase in cathepsin X activity and protein levels. Furthermore, the simultaneous inhibition of both cathepsins B and X with potent, selective, reversible inhibitors exerted a synergistic effect in impairing processes of tumor progression in in vitro cell-based assays of tumor cell migration and spheroid growth. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Z9 impairs tumor progression both in vitro and in vivo and can be used in combination with other peptidase inhibitors as an innovative approach to overcome resistance to antipeptidase therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana,, Slovenia.
| | - Janja Završnik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Georgy Mikhaylov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Petra Matjan Štefin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Butinar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana,, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kenda M, Avsec D, Zore T, Kogovšek E, Pečar Fonović U, Kos J, Bozovičar K, Bratkovič T, Karas Kuželički N, Žegura B, Filipič M, Sollner Dolenc M. Effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on androgen, estrogen α, glucocorticoid and thyroid receptors. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 434:115818. [PMID: 34890638 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115818] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Modern anticancer therapies favor a targeted approach. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are drugs that target molecular pathways involved in various types of malignancies. Although TKIs are safe and well tolerated, they remain not completely selective; e.g., endocrine-mediated adverse events have been observed with their use. In the present study, the effects of seven TKIs were determined on the activities of androgen receptor, estrogen receptor α (ERα), glucocorticoid receptor and thyroid receptor in vitro using stably transfected cell lines expressing firefly luciferase reporter gene: AR-EcoScreen, hERα-HeLa9903, MDA-kb2, and GH3.TRE-Luc cells, respectively. Antiandrogenic activity was seen for erlotinib, estrogenic activity for imatinib, antiestrogenic activity for dasatinib, erlotinib, nilotinib, regorafenib and sorafenib, glucocorticoid activity for erlotinib and ibrutinib, antiglucocorticoid activity for regorafenib and sorafenib, and antithyroid activity for ibrutinib. Additionally, synergism was seen for 1-5 μM dasatinib and 500 nM hydrocortisone combination for glucocorticoid activity in MDA-kb2 cells. The estrogenic activity of imatinib was confirmed as mediated through ERα, and interference of the TKIs with the reporter gene assays was ruled out in a cell-lysate-based firefly luciferase enzyme inhibition assay. Imatinib in combination with 4-hydroxytamoxifen showed concentration-dependent effects on the metabolic activity of ERα-expressing AN3CA, MCF-7, and SKOV3 cells, and on cell proliferation and adhesion of MCF-7 cells. These findings contribute to the understanding of the endocrine effects of TKIs, in terms of toxicity and effectiveness, and define the need to further evaluate the endocrine disrupting activities of TKIs to safeguard human and environmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maša Kenda
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Damjan Avsec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Taja Zore
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Eva Kogovšek
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Pečar Fonović
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Krištof Bozovičar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tomaž Bratkovič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | - Bojana Žegura
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Metka Filipič
- National Institute of Biology, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Marija Sollner Dolenc
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mitrović A, Senjor E, Jukić M, Bolčina L, Prunk M, Proj M, Nanut MP, Gobec S, Kos J. New inhibitors of cathepsin V impair tumor cell proliferation and elastin degradation and increase immune cell cytotoxicity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4667-4687. [PMID: 36147668 PMCID: PMC9459403 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel potent inhibitors of lysosomal cysteine peptidase cathepsin V. New inhibitors of cathepsin V demonstrated antitumor activity. They impair tumor cell proliferation and elastase degradation and increase immune cell cytotoxicity. Cathepsin V inhibitor impaired conversion of immunosuppressive factor cystatin F to its active monomeric form.
Cathepsin V is a human lysosomal cysteine peptidase with specific functions during pathological processes and is as such a promising therapeutic target. Peptidase inhibitors represent powerful pharmacological tools for regulating excessive proteolytic activity in various diseases. Cathepsin V is highly related to cathepsin L but differs in tissue distribution, binding site morphology, substrate specificity, and function. To validate its therapeutic potential and extend the number of potent and selective cathepsin V inhibitors, we used virtual high-throughput screening of commercially available compound libraries followed by an evaluation of kinetic properties to identify novel potent and selective cathepsin V inhibitors. We identified the ureido methylpiperidine carboxylate derivative, compound 7, as a reversible, selective, and potent inhibitor of cathepsin V. It also exhibited the most preferable characteristics for further evaluation with in vitro functional assays that simulate the processes in which cathepsin V is known to play an important role. Compound 7 exerted significant effects on cell proliferation, elastin degradation, and immune cell cytotoxicity. The latter was increased because compound 7 impaired conversion of immunosuppressive factor cystatin F to its active monomeric form. Taken together, our results present novel potent inhibitors of cathepsin V and provide new hit compounds for detailed development and optimization. Further, we demonstrate that cathepsin V is a potential target for new approaches to cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Emanuela Senjor
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jukić
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lara Bolčina
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mateja Prunk
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Proj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milica Perišić Nanut
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Knez D, Hrast M, Frlan R, Pišlar A, Žakelj S, Kos J, Gobec S. Indoles and 1-(3-(benzyloxy)benzyl)piperazines: Reversible and selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitors identified by screening an in-house compound library. Bioorg Chem 2021; 119:105581. [PMID: 34990933 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105581] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic indications for monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) inhibitors that have emerged from biological studies on animal and cellular models of neurological and oncological diseases have focused drug discovery projects upon identifying reversible MAO inhibitors. Screening of our in-house academic compound library identified two hit compounds that inhibit MAO-B with IC50 values in micromolar range. Two series of indole (23 analogues) and 3-(benzyloxy)benzyl)piperazine (16 analogues) MAO-B inhibitors were derived from hits, and screened for their structure-activity relationships. Both series yielded low micromolar selective inhibitors of human MAO-B, namely indole 2 (IC50 = 12.63 ± 1.21 µM) and piperazine 39 (IC50 = 19.25 ± 4.89 µM), which is comparable to selective MAO-B inhibitor isatin (IC50 = 6.10 ± 2.81 µM), yet less potent in comparison to safinamide (IC50 = 0.029 ± 0.002 µM). Selective MAO-B inhibitors 2, 14, 38 and 39 exhibited favourable permeation of the blood-brain barrier and low cytotoxicity in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damijan Knez
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Martina Hrast
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Frlan
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simon Žakelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pišlar A, Kos J. γ-Enolase enhances Trk endosomal trafficking and promotes neurite outgrowth in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:118. [PMID: 34895236 PMCID: PMC8665614 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00784-1] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins can activate multiple signalling pathways in neuronal cells through binding to their cognate receptors, leading to neurotrophic processes such as cell survival and differentiation. γ-Enolase has been shown to have a neurotrophic activity that depends on its translocation towards the plasma membrane by the scaffold protein γ1-syntrophin. The association of γ-enolase with its membrane receptor or other binding partners at the plasma membrane remains unknown. METHODS In the present study, we used immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence to show that γ-enolase associates with the intracellular domain of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of tyrosine kinase receptors at the plasma membrane of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. RESULTS In differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with reduced expression of γ1-syntrophin, the association of γ-enolase with the Trk receptor was diminished due to impaired translocation of γ-enolase towards the plasma membrane or impaired Trk activity. Treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with a γ-Eno peptide that mimics γ-enolase neurotrophic activity promoted Trk receptor internalisation and endosomal trafficking, as defined by reduced levels of Trk in clathrin-coated vesicles and increased levels in late endosomes. In this way, γ-enolase triggers Rap1 activation, which is required for neurotrophic activity of γ-enolase. Additionally, the inhibition of Trk kinase activity by K252a revealed that increased SH-SY5Y cell survival and neurite outgrowth mediated by the γ-Eno peptide through activation of signalling cascade depends on Trk kinase activity. CONCLUSIONS These data therefore establish the Trk receptor as a binding partner of γ-enolase, whereby Trk endosomal trafficking is promoted by γ-Eno peptide to mediate its neurotrophic signalling. Video abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pišlar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Plavec TV, Mitrović A, Perišić Nanut M, Štrukelj B, Kos J, Berlec A. Targeting of fluorescent Lactococcus lactis to colorectal cancer cells through surface display of tumour-antigen binding proteins. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2227-2240. [PMID: 34347360 PMCID: PMC8449671 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13907] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of targeted treatment for colorectal cancer is crucial to avoid side effects. To harness the possibilities offered by microbiome engineering, we prepared safe multifunctional cancer cell-targeting bacteria Lactococcus lactis. They displayed, on their surface, binding proteins for cancer-associated transmembrane receptors epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and co-expressed an infrared fluorescent protein for imaging. Binding of engineered L. lactis to tumour antigens EpCAM and HER2 was confirmed and characterised in vitro using soluble receptors. The proof-of-principle of targeting was demonstrated on human cell lines HEK293, HT-29 and Caco-2 with fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The highest L. lactis adhesion was seen for the HEK293 cells with the overexpressed tumour antigens, where colocalisation with their tumour antigens was seen for 39% and 67% of EpCAM-targeting and HER2-targeting bacteria, respectively. On the other hand, no binding was observed to HEK293 cells without tumour antigens, confirming the selectivity of the engineered L. lactis. Apart from cell targeting in static conditions, targeting ability of engineered L. lactis was also shown in conditions of constant flow of bacterial suspension over the HEK293 cells. Successful targeting by engineered L. lactis support the future use of these bacteria in biopharmaceutical delivery for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Vida Plavec
- Department of BiotechnologyJožef Stefan InstituteJamova 39LjubljanaSlovenia
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaAškerčeva 7LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of BiotechnologyJožef Stefan InstituteJamova 39LjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | - Borut Štrukelj
- Department of BiotechnologyJožef Stefan InstituteJamova 39LjubljanaSlovenia
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaAškerčeva 7LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of BiotechnologyJožef Stefan InstituteJamova 39LjubljanaSlovenia
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaAškerčeva 7LjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Aleš Berlec
- Department of BiotechnologyJožef Stefan InstituteJamova 39LjubljanaSlovenia
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of LjubljanaAškerčeva 7LjubljanaSlovenia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Perišić Nanut M, Pawelec G, Kos J. Human CD4+ T-Cell Clone Expansion Leads to the Expression of the Cysteine Peptidase Inhibitor Cystatin F. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8408. [PMID: 34445118 PMCID: PMC8395124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of CD4+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) at relatively high levels under different pathological conditions in vivo suggests their role in protective and/or pathogenic immune functions. CD4+ CTLs utilize the fundamental cytotoxic effector mechanisms also utilized by CD8+ CTLs and natural killer cells. During long-term cultivation, CD4+ T cells were also shown to acquire cytotoxic functions. In this study, CD4+ human T-cell clones derived from activated peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy young adults were examined for the expression of cytotoxic machinery components. Cystatin F is a protein inhibitor of cysteine cathepsins, synthesized by CD8+ CTLs and natural killer cells. Cystatin F affects the cytotoxic efficacy of these cells by inhibiting the major progranzyme convertases cathepsins C and H as well as cathepsin L, which is involved in perforin activation. Here, we show that human CD4+ T-cell clones express the cysteine cathepsins that are involved in the activation of granzymes and perforin. CD4+ T-cell clones contained both the inactive, dimeric form as well as the active, monomeric form of cystatin F. As in CD8+ CTLs, cysteine cathepsins C and H were the major targets of cystatin F in CD4+ T-cell clones. Furthermore, CD4+ T-cell clones expressed the active forms of perforin and granzymes A and B. The levels of the cystatin F decreased with time in culture concomitantly with an increase in the activities of granzymes A and B. Therefore, our results suggest that cystatin F plays a role in regulating CD4+ T cell cytotoxicity. Since cystatin F can be secreted and taken up by bystander cells, our results suggest that CD4+ CTLs may also be involved in regulating immune responses through cystatin F secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milica Perišić Nanut
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15/3.008, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Rd, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Perišić Nanut M, Pečar Fonović U, Jakoš T, Kos J. The Role of Cysteine Peptidases in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation and Modulation of Immune System Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680279. [PMID: 34335582 PMCID: PMC8322073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins are primarily involved in the degradation and recycling of proteins in endo-lysosomal compartments but are also gaining recognition as pivotal proteolytic contributors to various immune functions. Through their extracellular proteolytic activities within the hematopoietic stem cell niche, they are involved in progenitor cell mobilization and differentiation. Cysteine cathepsins, such as cathepsins L and S contribute to antigen-induced adaptive immunity through major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation whereas cathepsin X regulates T-cell migration. By regulating toll-like receptor signaling and cytokine secretion cysteine cathepsins activate innate immune cells and affect their functional differentiation. Cathepsins C and H are expressed in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells and are involved in processing of pro-granzymes into proteolytically active forms. Cytoplasmic activities of cathepsins B and L contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis of the adaptive immune response by regulating cell death of T and B lymphocytes. The expression pattern, localization, and activity of cysteine cathepsins is tightly connected to their function in immune cells. Furthermore, cysteine cathepsins together with their endogenous inhibitors, serve as mediators in the interplay between cancer and immune cells that results in immune cell anergy. The aim of the present article is to review the mechanisms of dysregulation of cysteine cathepsins and their inhibitors in relation to immune dysfunction to address new possibilities for regulation of their function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tanja Jakoš
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Senjor E, Perišić Nanut M, Breznik B, Mitrović A, Mlakar J, Rotter A, Porčnik A, Lah Turnšek T, Kos J. Cystatin F acts as a mediator of immune suppression in glioblastoma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:1051-1063. [PMID: 34189679 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer, is composed of heterogeneous populations of differentiated cells, cancer stem cells and immune cells. Cystatin F, an endogenous inhibitor of lysosomal cysteine peptidases, regulates the function of cytotoxic immune cells. The aim of this study was to determine which type of cells expresses cystatin F in glioblastoma and to determine the role of cystatin F during disease progression. METHODS RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to determine cystatin F mRNA and protein levels in glioblastoma tissue samples. The internalization of cystatin F was analyzed by Western blotting. Enzyme kinetics, real time invasion and calcein release cytotoxicity assays were used to assess the role of internalized cystatin F. RESULTS We found that cystatin F was not expressed in non-cancer brain tissues, but that its expression increased with glioma progression. In tumor tissues, extensive staining was observed in cancer stem-like cells and microglia/monocytes, which secrete cystatin F into their microenvironment. In trans activity of cystatin F was confirmed using an in vitro glioblastoma cell model. Internalized cystatin F affected cathepsin L activity in glioblastoma cells and decreased their invasiveness. In addition, we found that cystatin F decreased the susceptibility of glioblastoma cells to the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data implicate cystatin F as a mediator of immune suppression in glioblastoma. Increased cystatin F mRNA and protein levels in immune, glioblastoma and glioblastoma stem-like cells or trans internalized cystatin F may have an impact on decreased susceptibility of glioblastoma cells to NK cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Senjor
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milica Perišić Nanut
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Mlakar
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Rotter
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Porčnik
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Centre Ljubljana, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Lah Turnšek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jewett A, Kos J, Kaur K, Turnsek TL, Breznik B, Senjor E, Wong P, Nguyen KY, Ko MW. Multiple Defects of Natural Killer Cells in Cancer Patients: Anarchy, Dysregulated Systemic Immunity, and Immunosuppression in Metastatic Cancer. Crit Rev Immunol 2021; 40:93-133. [PMID: 32749091 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2020033391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells are the main immune effectors that can mediate selection and differentiation of different cancer stem cells and undifferentiated tumors via lysis and secreted or membrane-bound interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, respectively. This leads to growth inhibition and tumor metastasis curtailment. In this review, we present an overview of our findings on NK cell biology and its significance in selection and differentiation of stem-like tumors using in vitro and in vivo studies conducted in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (scid)/interleukin-Rγ--, humanized-bone-marrow/liver/thymus (hu-BLT) mice, and those of human cancer patients. Moreover, we present recent advances in NK cell expansion and therapeutic delivery and discuss the superiority of allogeneic supercharged NK cells over their autologous counterparts for cancer treatment. We review potential loss of NK cell numbers and function at neoplastic and preneoplastic stages of tumorigenesis as a potential mechanism for pancreatic cancer induction and progression. We believe that NK cells should be placed highly in the armamentarium of tumor immunotherapy due to their indispensable role in targeting cancer stem-like/poorly differentiated tumors and a variety of other key NK cell functions that are discussed in this report, including their role in CD8+ T-cell expansion and targeting gene knockout or dedifferentiated tumors. The combination of allogeneic supercharged NK cells and other immunotherapeutic strategies such as oncolytic viruses, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-inducing antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and CAR-NK cells, chemotherapeutics, and radiotherapeutic strategies can be used for optimal eradication of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Tamara Lah Turnsek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emanuela Senjor
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Paul Wong
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kristin Y Nguyen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Meng-Wei Ko
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent critical effectors of anti-tumor immune responses due to their ability to target tumor cells that escape recognition by the adaptive arm of the immune system. NK cell efficacy depends on multiple factors, including their propensity to infiltrate tumors, to reach activation threshold, and to differentiate into mature cytotoxic cells. The tumor microenvironment counteracts protective immunity by delivering anti-inflammatory signals, which stimulate the development of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). MDSCs utilize numerous proximity-dependent and independent mechanisms to suppress functions of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells. Importantly, substantial part of their suppressive activity depends on peptidases. MDSC-derived peptidases incapacitate NK cells by shedding ligands for their activating receptors and by processing key cytokines involved in regulation of immune responses. Moreover, they are needed for sustaining the immunosuppressive loop through promotion of MDSC accumulation, expansion, and enhancement of their survival. Peptidases are at the forefront of cancer progression. However, their disparate roles in immune cells have only recently become appreciated in orchestration of the cancer immune responses. Studies that focused on elucidating the potential of peptidase inhibitors in regulation of the anti-tumor immune responses have led to renewed interest in clinical development of peptidase inhibitors. In parallel, they inspired the development of novel theranostics, that exploit increased activity of peptidases in infiltrating immune cells for targeted drug release or activation of imaging probes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Jakoš
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Van de Walle T, Briand M, Mitrović A, Sosič I, Gobec S, Kos J, Persoons L, Daelemans D, De Jonghe S, Ubiparip Z, Desmet T, Van Hecke K, Mangelinckx S, D'hooghe M. Synthesis of Novel Nitroxoline Analogs with Potent Cathepsin B Exopeptidase Inhibitory Activity. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2477-2490. [PMID: 32744405 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nitroxoline, a well-known antimicrobial agent, has been identified in several independent studies, and on different molecular targets, as a promising candidate to be repurposed for cancer treatment. One specific target of interest concerns cathepsin B, a lysosomal peptidase involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. However, dedicated optimization of the nitroxoline core is needed to actually deliver a nitroxoline-based antitumor drug candidate. Within that context, 34 novel nitroxoline analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their relative cathepsin B inhibitory activity, their antiproliferative properties and their antimicrobial activity. More than twenty analogs were shown to exert a similar or even slightly higher cathepsin B inhibitory activity compared to nitroxoline. The implemented modifications of the nitroxoline scaffold and the resulting SAR information can form an eligible basis for further optimization toward more potent cathepsin B inhibitors in the quest for a clinical nitroxoline-based antitumor agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Van de Walle
- SynbioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marina Briand
- SynbioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Leentje Persoons
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Daelemans
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zorica Ubiparip
- Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Desmet
- Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristof Van Hecke
- Xstruct, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Mangelinckx
- SynbioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Matthias D'hooghe
- SynbioC Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pišlar A, Tratnjek L, Glavan G, Zidar N, Živin M, Kos J. Neuroinflammation-Induced Upregulation of Glial Cathepsin X Expression and Activity in vivo. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:575453. [PMID: 33328882 PMCID: PMC7714997 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.575453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia-derived lysosomal cathepsins have been increasingly recognized as important inflammatory mediators that trigger signaling pathways that aggravate neuroinflammation. In vitro, a contribution to neuroinflammation processes has been shown for cathepsin X: however, the expression patterns and functional role of cathepsin X in neuroinflammatory brain pathology remain elusive. In this study we analyzed the expression, activity, regional distribution and cellular localization of cathepsin X in the rat brain with neuroinflammation-induced neurodegeneration. The unilateral injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a strong upregulation of cathepsin X expression and its activity in the ipsilateral striatum. In addition to the striatum, cathepsin X overexpression was detected in other brain areas such as the cerebral cortex, corpus callosum, subventricular zone and external globus pallidus, whereas the upregulation was mainly restricted to activated microglia and reactive astrocytes. Continuous administration of the cathepsin X inhibitor AMS36 indicated protective effects against LPS-induced striatal degeneration, as seen by the attenuated LPS-mediated dilation of the lateral ventricles and partial decreased extent of striatal lesion. Taken together, our results indicate that cathepsin X plays a role as a pathogenic factor in neuroinflammation-induced neurodegeneration and represents a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases associated with neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pišlar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Larisa Tratnjek
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Institute of Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gordana Glavan
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nace Zidar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Živin
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pišlar A, Mitrović A, Sabotič J, Pečar Fonović U, Perišić Nanut M, Jakoš T, Senjor E, Kos J. The role of cysteine peptidases in coronavirus cell entry and replication: The therapeutic potential of cathepsin inhibitors. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009013. [PMID: 33137165 PMCID: PMC7605623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 2 decades, several coronaviruses (CoVs) have crossed the species barrier into humans, causing highly prevalent and severe respiratory diseases, often with fatal outcomes. CoVs are a large group of enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses, which encode large replicase polyproteins that are processed by viral peptidases to generate the nonstructural proteins (Nsps) that mediate viral RNA synthesis. Papain-like peptidases (PLPs) and chymotrypsin-like cysteine 3C-like peptidase are essential for coronaviral replication and represent attractive antiviral drug targets. Furthermore, CoVs utilize the activation of their envelope spike glycoproteins by host cell peptidases to gain entry into cells. CoVs have evolved multiple strategies for spike protein activation, including the utilization of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins. In this review, viral and host peptidases involved in CoV cell entry and replication are discussed in depth, with an emphasis on papain-like cysteine cathepsins. Furthermore, important findings on cysteine peptidase inhibitors with regard to virus attenuation are highlighted as well as the potential of such inhibitors for future treatment strategies for CoV-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Pišlar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Pečar Fonović
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Tanja Jakoš
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emanuela Senjor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jismy B, El Qami A, Pišlar A, Frlan R, Kos J, Gobec S, Knez D, Abarbri M. Pyrimido[1,2-b]indazole derivatives: Selective inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase B with neuroprotective activity. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112911. [PMID: 33071056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Structurally diverse heterotricyclic compounds are recognized as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and thus represent an appealing scaffold in development and optimization of novel MAO inhibitors. Herein we explored the chemical space of pyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles as MAO inhibitors by preparing a small library of (hetero)aryl derivatives. An efficient synthetic strategy was developed starting from commercially available 1H-indazol-3-amines, which were converted to various 3-bromoheterotricyclic derivatives and further functionalized via Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction. Derivatives 4a-t selectively inhibited human MAO-B isoform in a reversible and competitive manner as confirmed by kinetic experiments and docking studies. Selected derivatives were not cytotoxic to neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, analogue 4i protected human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cell death, which confirms the applicability of the pyrimido[1,2-b]indazoles as potential antiparkinsonian agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Badr Jismy
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Matériaux et des Electrolytes pour L'Energie (PCM2E), EA 6299. Avenue Monge Faculté des Sciences, Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France
| | - Abdelkarim El Qami
- Département de Chimie Université Hassan II de Casablanca, Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et de Chimie Bioorganique, URAC 22, BP 146, 28800, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Anja Pišlar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Frlan
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Knez
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mohamed Abarbri
- Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie des Matériaux et des Electrolytes pour L'Energie (PCM2E), EA 6299. Avenue Monge Faculté des Sciences, Parc de Grandmont, 37200, Tours, France.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Sabotič J, Brzin J, Erjavec J, Dreo T, Tušek Žnidarič M, Ravnikar M, Kos J. L-Amino Acid Oxidases From Mushrooms Show Antibacterial Activity Against the Phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:977. [PMID: 32508788 PMCID: PMC7248570 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00977] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ralstonia solanaceraum is the quarantine plant pathogenic bacterium that causes bacterial wilt in over 200 host plants, which include economically important crops such as potato, tomato, tobacco, banana, and ginger. Alternative biological methods of disease control that can be used in integrated pest management are extensively studied. In search of new proteins with antibacterial activity against R. solanacearum, we identified L-amino acid oxidases (LAOs) from fruiting bodies of Amanita phalloides (ApLAO) and Infundibulicybe geotropa (CgLAO). We describe an optimized isolation procedure for their biochemical characterization, and show that they are dimeric proteins with estimated monomer molecular masses of 72 and 66 kDa, respectively, with isoelectric point of pH 6.5. They have broad substrate specificities for hydrophobic and charged amino acids, with highest Km for L-Leu, and broad pH optima at pH 5 and pH 6, respectively. An enzyme with similar properties is also characterized from the mycelia of I. geotropa (CgmycLAO). Fractionated aqueous extracts of 15 species of mushrooms show that LAO activity against L-Leu correlates with antibacterial activity. We confirm that the LAO activities mediate the antibacterial actions of ApLAO, CgLAO, and CgmycLAO. Their antibacterial activities are greater against Gram-negative versus Gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition of growth rate, prolongation of lag-phase, and decreased endpoint biomass. In Gram-positive bacteria, they mainly prolong the lag phase. These in vitro antibacterial activities of CgLAO and CgmycLAO are confirmed in vivo in tomato plants, while ApLAO has no effect on disease progression in planta. Transmission electron microscopy shows morphological changes of R. solanacearum upon LAO treatments. Finally, broad specificity of the antibacterial activities of these purified LAOs were seen for in vitro screening against 14 phytopathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these fungal LAOs show great potential as new biological phytoprotective agents and show the fruiting bodies of higher fungi to be a valuable source of antimicrobials with unique features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Brzin
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jana Erjavec
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Dreo
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Magda Tušek Žnidarič
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Ravnikar
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jakoš T, Pišlar A, Pečar Fonović U, Švajger U, Kos J. Cysteine cathepsins L and X differentially modulate interactions between myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:1869-1880. [PMID: 32372139 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased proteolytic activity of cysteine cathepsins has long been known to facilitate malignant progression, and it has also been associated with tumor-promoting roles of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Consequently, cysteine cathepsins have gained much attention as potential targets for cancer therapies. However, cross-talk between tumor cells and MDSCs needs to be taken into account when studying the efficacy of cathepsin inhibitors as anti-cancer agents. Here, we demonstrate the potential of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line to generate functional MDSCs from CD14+ cells of healthy human donors. During this transition to MDSCs, the overall levels of cysteine cathepsins increased, with the largest responses for cathepsins L and X. We used small-molecule inhibitors of cathepsins L and X (i.e., CLIK-148, Z9, respectively) to investigate their functional impact on tumor cells and immune cells in this co-culture system. Interactions with peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduced MDA-MB-231 cell invasion, while inhibition of cathepsin X activity by Z9 restored invasion. Inhibition of cathepsin L activity using CLIK-148 resulted in significantly increased CD8+ cytotoxicity. Of note, inhibition of cathepsins L and X in separate immune or tumor cells did not promote these functional changes. Together, our findings underlie the importance of tumor cell-immune cell interactions in the evaluation of the anti-cancer potential of cysteine cathepsin inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Jakoš
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Pečar Fonović
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Švajger
- Department for Therapeutic Services, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fonović UP, Knez D, Hrast M, Zidar N, Proj M, Gobec S, Kos J. Structure-activity relationships of triazole-benzodioxine inhibitors of cathepsin X. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 193:112218. [PMID: 32208223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112218] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cathepsin X is a cysteine carboxypeptidase that is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. In particular, highly elevated expression and activity of cathepsin X has been observed in cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, we identified compound Z9 (1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-2-((4-isopropyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)ethan-1-one) as a potent and specific reversible cathepsin X inhibitor. Here, we have explored the effects of chemical variations to Z9 of either benzodioxine or triazol moieties, and the importance of the central ketomethylenethio linker. The ketomethylenethio linker was crucial for cathepsin X inhibition, whereas changes of the triazole heterocycle did not alter the inhibitory potencies to a greater extent. Replacement of benzodioxine moiety with substituted benzenes reduced cathepsin X inhibition. Overall, several synthesized compounds showed similar or improved inhibitory potencies against cathepsin X compared to Z9, with IC50 values of 7.1 μM-13.6 μM. Additionally, 25 inhibited prostate cancer cell migration by 21%, which is under the control of cathepsin X.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urša Pečar Fonović
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Damijan Knez
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Hrast
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nace Zidar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Proj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Košak U, Strašek N, Knez D, Jukič M, Žakelj S, Zahirović A, Pišlar A, Brazzolotto X, Nachon F, Kos J, Gobec S. N-alkylpiperidine carbamates as potential anti-Alzheimer's agents. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 197:112282. [PMID: 32380361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Compounds capable of interacting with single or multiple targets involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis are potential anti-Alzheimer's agents. In our aim to develop new anti-Alzheimer's agents, a series of 36 new N-alkylpiperidine carbamates was designed, synthesized and evaluated for the inhibition of cholinesterases [acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)] and monoamine oxidases [monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B)]. Four compounds are very promising: multiple AChE (IC50 = 7.31 μM), BChE (IC50 = 0.56 μM) and MAO-B (IC50 = 26.1 μM) inhibitor 10, dual AChE (IC50 = 2.25 μM) and BChE (IC50 = 0.81 μM) inhibitor 22, selective BChE (IC50 = 0.06 μM) inhibitor 13, and selective MAO-B (IC50 = 0.18 μM) inhibitor 16. Results of enzyme kinetics experiments showed that despite the carbamate group in the structure, compounds 10, 13, and 22 are reversible and non-time-dependent inhibitors of AChE and/or BChE. The resolved crystal structure of the complex of BChE with compound 13 confirmed the non-covalent mechanism of inhibition. Additionally, N-propargylpiperidine 16 is an irreversible and time-dependent inhibitor of MAO-B, while N-benzylpiperidine 10 is reversible. Additionally, compounds 10, 13, 16, and 22 should be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and are not cytotoxic to human neuronal-like SH-SY5Y and liver HepG2 cells. Finally, compounds 10 and 16 also prevent amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced neuronal cell death. The neuroprotective effects of compound 16 could be the result of its Aβ1-42 anti-aggregation effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urban Košak
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nika Strašek
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Knez
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jukič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simon Žakelj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Abida Zahirović
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Xavier Brazzolotto
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91223, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Florian Nachon
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 91223, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Knez D, Colettis N, Iacovino LG, Sova M, Pišlar A, Konc J, Lešnik S, Higgs J, Kamecki F, Mangialavori I, Dolšak A, Žakelj S, Trontelj J, Kos J, Binda C, Marder M, Gobec S. Stereoselective Activity of 1-Propargyl-4-styrylpiperidine-like Analogues That Can Discriminate between Monoamine Oxidase Isoforms A and B. J Med Chem 2020; 63:1361-1387. [PMID: 31917923 PMCID: PMC7307930 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The resurgence of interest in monoamine oxidases (MAOs) has been fueled by recent correlations of this enzymatic activity with cardiovascular, neurological, and oncological disorders. This has promoted increased research into selective MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors. Here, we shed light on how selective inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B can be achieved by geometric isomers of cis- and trans-1-propargyl-4-styrylpiperidines. While the cis isomers are potent human MAO-A inhibitors, the trans analogues selectively target only the MAO-B isoform. The inhibition was studied by kinetic analysis, UV-vis spectrum measurements, and X-ray crystallography. The selective inhibition of the MAO-A and MAO-B isoforms was confirmed ex vivo in mouse brain homogenates, and additional in vivo studies in mice show the therapeutic potential of 1-propargyl-4-styrylpiperidines for central nervous system disorders. This study represents a unique case of stereoselective activity of cis/trans isomers that can discriminate between structurally related enzyme isoforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Natalia Colettis
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956 , C1113AAD Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Luca G Iacovino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology , University of Pavia , Via Ferrata 1 , 27100 Pavia , Italy
| | - Matej Sova
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Janez Konc
- National Institute of Chemistry , Hajdrihova 19 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Samo Lešnik
- National Institute of Chemistry , Hajdrihova 19 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Josefina Higgs
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956 , C1113AAD Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Fabiola Kamecki
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956 , C1113AAD Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Irene Mangialavori
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956 , C1113AAD Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Ana Dolšak
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Simon Žakelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Jurij Trontelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Claudia Binda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology , University of Pavia , Via Ferrata 1 , 27100 Pavia , Italy
| | - Mariel Marder
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, and Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Junín 956 , C1113AAD Buenos Aires , Argentina
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva 7 , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Cancer is a disease receiving an outstanding input of funds for basic and clinical research but is, nevertheless, still the second leading cause of death in the developed world and a great burden for health systems. New drugs are therefore needed to improve therapy, prolong survival of cancer patients and improve their quality of life. The high cost of development and clinical evaluation of new drugs limits the number that actually enter clinical use. To overcome this problem, repurposing of established drugs for new indications has gained a lot of interest, especially in the field of oncology. The well-established antimicrobial agent nitroxoline has been identified as a promising candidate to be repurposed for cancer treatment in several independent studies. Here we have reviewed a wide range of molecular mechanisms and tumor models involving nitroxoline in impairment of tumor progression. Furthermore, nitroxoline was used as a lead compound for structure-based chemical synthesis of new derivatives in order to improve its potency as well as selectivity for various targets. The potent antitumor activity of nitroxoline points strongly in the direction of its repurposing for cancer treatment and to the benefits of this strategy for patients and healthcare system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mitrović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- 1Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; 2Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana,Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Jewett A, Kos J, Kaur K, Safaei T, Sutanto C, Chen W, Wong P, Namagerdi AK, Fang C, Fong Y, Ko MW. Natural Killer Cells: Diverse Functions in Tumor Immunity and Defects in Pre-neoplastic and Neoplastic Stages of Tumorigenesis. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2019; 16:41-52. [PMID: 31930165 PMCID: PMC6951836 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.11.002] [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] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the key immune effectors with the ability to mediate selection and differentiation of a number of different cancer stem cells/undifferentiated tumors via lysis, and secreted or membrane-bound interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, respectively, leading to curtailment of tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we present an overview of our recent findings on the biology and significance of NK cells in selection and differentiation of stem-like tumors using in vitro and in vivo studies conducted in humanized-BLT mice and in cancer patients. In addition, we present current advances in NK cell expansion and therapeutic delivery, and discuss the utility of allogeneic supercharged NK cells in the treatment of cancer patients. Moreover, we discuss the potential loss of NK cell numbers and function at the neoplastic and pre-neoplastic stages of tumorigenesis in induction and progression of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, because of their indispensable role in targeting cancer stem-like/undifferentiated tumors, NK cells should be placed high in the armamentarium of tumor immunotherapy. A combination of allogeneic supercharged NK cells with other immunotherapeutic strategies such as oncolytic viruses, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-inducing antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR NK cells, and chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic strategies can be used for the ultimate goal of tumor eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Corresponding author: Anahid Jewett, The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tahmineh Safaei
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine Sutanto
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wuyang Chen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paul Wong
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Artin Keshishian Namagerdi
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Changge Fang
- APD-PAPD Center for NK Cell Therapy, Beijing, China
| | - Yuman Fong
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Center for Gene Therapy, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Wei Ko
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Knez D, Sosič I, Pišlar A, Mitrović A, Jukič M, Kos J, Gobec S. Biological Evaluation of 8-Hydroxyquinolines as Multi-Target Directed Ligands for Treating Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2019; 16:801-814. [PMID: 31660830 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666191010130351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that multi-target directed ligands have great potential for the treatment of complex diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To evaluate novel chimeric 8-hydroxyquinoline ligands with merged pharmacophores as potential multifunctional ligands for AD. METHODS Nitroxoline, PBT2 and compounds 2-4 were evaluated in-vitro for their inhibitory potencies on cathepsin B, cholinesterases, and monoamine oxidases. Furthermore, chelation, antioxidative properties and the permeability of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) were evaluated by spectroscopy-based assays and the inhibition of Amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation was determined in immunoassay. Cell-based assays were performed to determine cytotoxicity, neuroprotection against toxic Aβ species, and the effects of compound 2 on apoptotic cascade. RESULTS Compounds 2-4 competitively inhibited cathepsin B β-secretase activity, chelated metal ions and were weak antioxidants. All of the compounds inhibited Aβ aggregation, whereas only compound 2 had a good BBB permeability according to the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Tested ligands 2 and 3 were not cytotoxic to SH-SY5Y and HepG2 cells at 10 μM. Compound 2 exerted neuroprotective effects towards Aβ toxicity, reduced the activation of caspase-3/7 and diminished the apoptosis of cells treated with Aβ1-42. CONCLUSION Taken together, our data suggest that compound 2 holds a promise to be used as a multifunctional ligand for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damijan Knez
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Mitrović
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jukič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Askerceva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Mitrović A, Kljun J, Sosič I, Uršič M, Meden A, Gobec S, Kos J, Turel I. Organoruthenated Nitroxoline Derivatives Impair Tumor Cell Invasion through Inhibition of Cathepsin B Activity. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:12334-12347. [PMID: 31464130 PMCID: PMC6751773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Lysosomal
cysteine peptidase cathepsin B (catB) is an important tumor-promoting
factor involved in tumor progression and metastasis representing a
relevant target for the development of new antitumor agents. In the
present study, we synthesized 11 ruthenium compounds bearing either
the clinical agent nitroxoline that was previously identified as potent
selective reversible inhibitor of catB activity or its derivatives.
We demonstrated that organoruthenation is a viable strategy for obtaining
highly effective and specific inhibitors of catB endo- and exopeptidase
activity, as shown using enzyme kinetics and microscale thermophoresis.
Furthermore, we showed that the novel metallodrugs by catB inhibition
significantly impair processes of tumor progression in in vitro cell
based functional assays at low noncytotoxic concentrations. Generally,
by using metallodrugs we observed an improvement in catB inhibition,
a reduction of extracellular matrix degradation and tumor cell invasion
in comparison to free ligands, and a correlation with the reactivity
of the monodentate halide leaving ligand. Eleven ruthenium
compounds bearing either the clinical agent nitroxoline or its potent
cathepsin B (catB) inhibiting derivatives were evaluated as antimetastatic
agents. We demonstrated that organoruthenation is a viable strategy
for obtaining highly effective and specific inhibitors of catB activities,
as shown using enzyme kinetics and microscale thermophoresis. Furthermore,
we showed that the novel metallodrugs significantly impair processes
of tumor progression in in vitro cell based functional assays at low
noncytotoxic concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mitrović
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva c. 7 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology , Jožef Stefan Institute , Jamova c. 39 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Jakob Kljun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology , University of Ljubljana , Večna pot 113 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva c. 7 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Matija Uršič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology , University of Ljubljana , Večna pot 113 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Anton Meden
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology , University of Ljubljana , Večna pot 113 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva c. 7 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , Aškerčeva c. 7 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology , Jožef Stefan Institute , Jamova c. 39 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Iztok Turel
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology , University of Ljubljana , Večna pot 113 , SI-1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins are key regulators of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Their expression, activity, and subcellular localization are associated with the distinct development and differentiation stages of immune cells. They promote the activation of innate myeloid immune cells since they contribute to toll-like receptor signaling and to cytokine secretion. Furthermore, they control lysosomal biogenesis and autophagic flux, thus affecting innate immune cell survival and polarization. They also regulate bidirectional communication between the cell exterior and the cytoskeleton, thus influencing cell interactions, morphology, and motility. Importantly, cysteine cathepsins contribute to the priming of adaptive immune cells by controlling antigen presentation and are involved in cytotoxic granule mediated killing in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Cathepins'aberrant activity can be prevented by their endogenous inhibitors, cystatins. However, dysregulated proteolysis contributes significantly to tumor progression also by modulation of the antitumor immune response. Especially tumor-associated myeloid cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which are known for their tumor promoting and immunosuppressive functions, constitute the major source of excessive cysteine cathepsin activity in cancer. Since they are enriched in the tumor microenvironment, cysteine cathepsins represent exciting targets for development of new diagnostic and therapeutic moieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Jakoš
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Pišlar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anahid Jewett
- UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Janko Kos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Krtalic B, Knezevic T, Zeljkovic-Vrkic T, Kos J, Pecin I, Gellineo L, Golubic I, Jelakovic A, Dika Z, Jug J, Jelakovic B. FAMILY HISTORY, BLOOD PRESSURE AND LIFE STYLE. RESULTS FROM EHUH STUDY. J Hypertens 2019. [DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000572956.60503.d4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
42
|
Meden A, Knez D, Jukič M, Brazzolotto X, Gršič M, Pišlar A, Zahirović A, Kos J, Nachon F, Svete J, Gobec S, Grošelj U. Tryptophan-derived butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors as promising leads against Alzheimer's disease. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:3765-3768. [PMID: 30864579 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc01330j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have identified tryptophan-based selective nanomolar butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. They are defined according to their chemical modularity, novel binding mode revealed by five solved crystal structures with human BChE, low cytotoxicity, and predicted permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Altogether, these factors indicate their potential as unique lead compounds for symptomatic therapy against Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- AnŽe Meden
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Prunk M, Nanut MP, Sabotic J, Svajger U, Kos J. Increased cystatin F levels correlate with decreased cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T cells. Radiol Oncol 2019; 53:57-68. [PMID: 30840596 PMCID: PMC6411024 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystatin F is a protein inhibitor of cysteine peptidases, expressed predominantly in immune cells and localised in endosomal/lysosomal compartments. In cytotoxic immune cells cystatin F inhibits both the major pro-granzyme convertases, cathepsins C and H that activate granzymes, and cathepsin L, that acts as perforin activator. Since perforin and granzymes are crucial molecules for target cell killing by cytotoxic lymphocytes, defects in the activation of either granzymes or perforin can affect their cytotoxic potential. Materials and methods Levels of cystatin F were assessed by western blot and interactions of cystatin F with cathepsins C, H and L were analysed by immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy. In TALL-104 cells specific activities of the cathepsins and granzyme B were determined using peptide substrates. Results Two models of reduced T cell cytotoxicity of TALL-104 cell line were established, either by treatment by ionomycin or by immunosuppressive transforming growth factor beta. Reduced cytotoxicity correlated with increased levels of cystatin F and with attenuated activities of cathepsins C, H and L and of granzyme B. Co-localisation of cystatin F and cathepsins C, H and L and interactions between cystatin F and cathepsins C and H were demonstrated. Conclusions Cystatin F is designated as a possible regulator of T cell cytotoxicity, similar to its role in natural killer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateja Prunk
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Jerica Sabotic
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urban Svajger
- Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Kos
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Biotechnology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Prof. Janko Kos, Ph.D., Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Phone: +386 1 4769 604; Fax: +386 1 4258 031
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
Pečar Fonović U, Perišić Nanut M, Zidar N, Lenarčič B, Kos J. The Carboxypeptidase Activity of Cathepsin X is not Controlled by Endogenous Inhibitors. Acta Chim Slov 2019. [DOI: 10.17344/acsi.2018.4427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
|
46
|
Pečar Fonović U, Perišić Nanut M, Zidar N, Lenarčič B, Kos J. The Carboxypeptidase Activity of Cathepsin X is not Controlled by Endogenous Inhibitors. Acta Chim Slov 2019; 66:58-61. [PMID: 33855476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins are peptidases with housekeeping functions that play different specific roles in different tissues. Endogenous peptidase inhibitors, such as cystatins and thyropins are the ultimate way of controlling their activity. It appears, however, that cathepsin X, a monocarboxypeptidase, whose overexpression is associated with several pathological processes, is not under the control of endogenous inhibitors. Inhibitors belonging to various groups inhibit other cathepsins tested, but none decrease the carboxypeptidase activity of cathepsin X. This absence of inhibitor control is another feature that distinguishes cathepsin X from other members of the cysteine peptidases.
Collapse
|
47
|
Sabotič J, Renko M, Kos J. ?-Trefoil Protease Inhibitors Unique to Higher Fungi. Acta Chim Slov 2019; 66:28-36. [PMID: 33855482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cysteine protease inhibitors, clitocypin and macrocypins, from higher fungi (mycocypins), together with the serine protease inhibitors highly specific for trypsin cospin and cnispin from higher fungi (mycospins), display several characteristics that distinguish them from protease inhibitors from other sources. Their high genetic heterogeneity affects their functionality and/or stability and results in numerous protein variants with slightly different inhibitory profiles that influence the type of protease inhibited and/or the strength of inhibition. They possess the μ-trefoil fold that shows high plasticity in their utilization of the 11 diverse loops for the inhibition of various families of proteases through different mechanisms of inhibition. Their high versatility is also seen in their regulatory and defence functions and in their potential applications in biotechnology, crop protection and medicine.
Collapse
|
48
|
Ábrányi-Balogh P, Petri L, Imre T, Szijj P, Scarpino A, Hrast M, Mitrović A, Fonovič UP, Németh K, Barreteau H, Roper DI, Horváti K, Ferenczy GG, Kos J, Ilaš J, Gobec S, Keserű GM. A road map for prioritizing warheads for cysteine targeting covalent inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 160:94-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
49
|
Kos J, Nanut MP, Prunk M, Sabotič J, Dautović E, Jewett A. Cystatin F as a regulator of immune cell cytotoxicity. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1931-1938. [PMID: 29748898 PMCID: PMC11028163 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2165-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins are lysosomal peptidases involved in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Among the diverse processes, regulation of granule-dependent cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells during cancer progression has recently gained significant attention. The function of cysteine cathepsins is regulated by endogenous cysteine protease inhibitors-cystatins. Whereas other cystatins are generally cytosolic or extracellular proteins, cystatin F is present in endosomes and lysosomes and is thus able to regulate the activity of its target directly. It is delivered to endosomal/lysosomal vesicles as an inactive, disulphide-linked dimer. Proteolytic cleavage of its N-terminal part leads to the monomer, the only form that is a potent inhibitor of cathepsins C, H and L, involved in the activation of granzymes and perforin. In NK cells and CTLs the levels of active cathepsin C and of granzyme B are dependent on the concentration of monomeric, active cystatin F. In tumour microenvironment, inactive dimeric cystatin F can be secreted from tumour cells or immune cells and further taken up by the cytotoxic cells. Subsequent monomerization and inhibition of cysteine cathepsins within the endosomal/lysosomal vesicles impairs granzyme and perforin activation, and provokes cell anergy. Further, the glycosylation pattern has been shown to be important in controlling secretion of cystatin F from target cells, as well as internalization by cytotoxic cells and trafficking to endosomal/lysosomal vesicles. Cystatin F is therefore an important mediator used by bystander cells to reduce NK and T-cell cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janko Kos
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | | | - Mateja Prunk
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jerica Sabotič
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Anahid Jewett
- The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, School of Dentistry, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pišlar A, Jewett A, Kos J. Cysteine cathepsins: Their biological and molecular significance in cancer stem cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:168-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|