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Pires C, Marques IJ, Valério M, Saramago A, Santo PE, Santos S, Silva M, Moura MM, Matos J, Pereira T, Cabrera R, Lousa D, Leite V, Bandeiras TM, Vicente JB, Cavaco BM. CHEK2 germline variants identified in familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer lead to impaired protein structure and function. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105767. [PMID: 38367672 PMCID: PMC10956065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 5 to 15% of nonmedullary thyroid cancers (NMTC) present in a familial form (familial nonmedullary thyroid cancers [FNMTC]). The genetic basis of FNMTC remains largely unknown, representing a limitation for diagnostic and clinical management. Recently, germline mutations in DNA repair-related genes have been described in cases with thyroid cancer (TC), suggesting a role in FNMTC etiology. Here, two FNMTC families were studied, each with two members affected with TC. Ninety-four hereditary cancer predisposition genes were analyzed through next-generation sequencing, revealing two germline CHEK2 missense variants (c.962A > C, p.E321A and c.470T > C, p.I157T), which segregated with TC in each FNMTC family. p.E321A, located in the CHK2 protein kinase domain, is a rare variant, previously unreported in the literature. Conversely, p.I157T, located in CHK2 forkhead-associated domain, has been extensively described, having conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity. CHK2 proteins (WT and variants) were characterized using biophysical methods, molecular dynamics simulations, and immunohistochemistry. Overall, biophysical characterization of these CHK2 variants showed that they have compromised structural and conformational stability and impaired kinase activity, compared to the WT protein. CHK2 appears to aggregate into amyloid-like fibrils in vitro, which opens future perspectives toward positioning CHK2 in cancer pathophysiology. CHK2 variants exhibited higher propensity for this conformational change, also displaying higher expression in thyroid tumors. The present findings support the utility of complementary biophysical and in silico approaches toward understanding the impact of genetic variants in protein structure and function, improving the current knowledge on CHEK2 variants' role in FNMTC genetic basis, with prospective clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Pires
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês J Marques
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Valério
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Saramago
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo E Santo
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sandra Santos
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida Silva
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida M Moura
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Matos
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pereira
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rafael Cabrera
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diana Lousa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Valeriano Leite
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal; Serviço de Endocrinologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Branca M Cavaco
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Hipólito A, Xavier R, Brito C, Tomás A, Lemos I, Cabaço LC, Silva F, Oliva A, Barral DC, Vicente JB, Gonçalves LG, Pojo M, Serpa J. BRD9 status is a major contributor for cysteine metabolic remodeling through MST and EAAT3 modulation in malignant melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166983. [PMID: 38070581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most aggressive skin cancer, showing globally increasing incidence. Hereditary CM accounts for a significant percentage (5-15 %) of all CM cases. However, most familial cases remain without a known genetic cause. Even though, BRD9 has been associated to CM as a susceptibility gene. The molecular events following BRD9 mutagenesis are still not completely understood. In this study, we disclosed BRD9 as a key regulator in cysteine metabolism and associated altered BRD9 to increased cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness, as well as to altered melanin levels, inducing higher susceptibility to melanomagenesis. It is evident that BRD9 WT and mutated BRD9 (c.183G>C) have a different impact on cysteine metabolism, respectively by inhibiting and activating MPST expression in the metastatic A375 cell line. The effect of the mutated BRD9 variant was more evident in A375 cells than in the less invasive WM115 line. Our data point out novel molecular and metabolic mechanisms dependent on BRD9 status that potentially account for the increased risk of developing CM and enhancing CM aggressiveness. Moreover, our findings emphasize the role of cysteine metabolism remodeling in melanoma progression and open new queues to follow to explore the role of BRD9 as a melanoma susceptibility or cancer-related gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Renato Xavier
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cheila Brito
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Tomás
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Lemos
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís C Cabaço
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Silva
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Abel Oliva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Duarte C Barral
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís G Gonçalves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Tecnológica (ITQB) António Xavier da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Hipólito A, Mendes C, Martins F, Lemos I, Francisco I, Cunha F, Almodôvar T, Albuquerque C, Gonçalves LG, Bonifácio VDB, Vicente JB, Serpa J. H 2S-Synthesizing Enzymes Are Putative Determinants in Lung Cancer Management toward Personalized Medicine. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:51. [PMID: 38247476 PMCID: PMC10812562 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010051] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a lethal disease with no truly efficient therapeutic management despite the progresses, and metabolic profiling can be a way of stratifying patients who may benefit from new therapies. The present study is dedicated to profiling cysteine metabolic pathways in NSCLC cell lines and tumor samples. This was carried out by analyzing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ATP levels, examining mRNA and protein expression patterns of cysteine catabolic enzymes and transporters, and conducting metabolomics analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Selenium-chrysin (SeChry) was tested as a therapeutic alternative with the aim of having an effect on cysteine catabolism and showed promising results. NSCLC cell lines presented different cysteine metabolic patterns, with A549 and H292 presenting a higher reliance on cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) to maintain H2S levels, while the PC-9 cell line presented an adaptive behavior based on the use of mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST) and cysteine dioxygenase (CDO1), both contributing to the role of cysteine as a pyruvate source. The analyses of human lung tumor samples corroborated this variability in profiles, meaning that the expression of certain genes may be informative in defining prognosis and new targets. Heterogeneity points out individual profiles, and the identification of new targets among metabolic players is a step forward in cancer management toward personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (C.M.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Cindy Mendes
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (C.M.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Filipa Martins
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (C.M.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Isabel Lemos
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (C.M.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Inês Francisco
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Fernando Cunha
- Pathology Department, The Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Teresa Almodôvar
- Pneumology Department, The Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Cristina Albuquerque
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Luís G. Gonçalves
- Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (L.G.G.); (J.B.V.)
| | - Vasco D. B. Bonifácio
- IBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, IST-Lisbon University, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Bioengineering Department, IST-Lisbon University, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B. Vicente
- Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (L.G.G.); (J.B.V.)
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, 1150-069 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (C.M.); (F.M.); (I.L.)
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, fromThe Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal; (I.F.); (C.A.)
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Vicente JB, Guerreiro ACL, Felgueiras B, Chapla D, Tehrani D, Moremen KW, Costa J. Glycosyltransferase 8 domain-containing protein 1 (GLT8D1) is a UDP-dependent galactosyltransferase. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21684. [PMID: 38066107 PMCID: PMC10709319 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48605-4] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are enzymes that catalyze the formation of glycosidic bonds and hundreds of GTs have been identified so far in humans. Glycosyltransferase 8 domain-containing protein 1 (GLT8D1) has been associated with central nervous system diseases and cancer. However, evidence on its enzymatic properties, including its substrates, has been scarcely described. In this paper, we have produced and purified recombinant secretory GLT8D1. The enzyme was found to be N-glycosylated. Differential scanning fluorimetry was employed to analyze the stabilization of GLT8D1 by Mn2+ and nucleotides, revealing UDP as the most stabilizing nucleotide scaffold. GLT8D1 displayed glycosyltransferase activity from UDP-galactose onto N-acetylgalactosamine but with a low efficiency. Modeling of the structure revealed similarities with other GT-A fold enzymes in CAZy family GT8 and glycosyltransferases in other families with galactosyl-, glucosyl-, and xylosyltransferase activities, each with retaining catalytic mechanisms. Our study provides novel structural and functional insights into the properties of GLT8D1 with implications in pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina L Guerreiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Felgueiras
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Digantkumar Chapla
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Daniel Tehrani
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kelley W Moremen
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Júlia Costa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
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Madeira CA, Anselmo C, Costa JM, Bonito CA, Ferreira RJ, Santos DJVA, Wanders RJ, Vicente JB, Ventura FV, Leandro P. Functional and structural impact of 10 ACADM missense mutations on human medium chain acyl-Coa dehydrogenase. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166766. [PMID: 37257730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency (MCADD) is associated with ACADM gene mutations, leading to an impaired function and/or structure of MCAD. Importantly, after import into the mitochondria, MCAD must incorporate a molecule of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) per subunit and assemble into tetramers. However, the effect of MCAD amino acid substitutions on FAD incorporation has not been investigated. Herein, the commonest MCAD variant (p.K304E) and 11 additional rare variants (p.Y48C, p.R55G, p.A88P, p.Y133C, p.A140T, p.D143V, p.G224R, p.L238F, p.V264I, p.Y372N, and p.G377V) were functionally and structurally characterized. Half of the studied variants presented a FAD content <65 % compared to the wild-type. Most of them were recovered as tetramers, except the p.Y372N (mainly as dimers). No correlation was found between the levels of tetramers and FAD content. However, a correlation between FAD content and the cofactor's affinity, proteolytic stability, thermostability, and thermal inactivation was established. We showed that the studied amino acid changes in MCAD may alter the substrate chain-length dependence and the interaction with electron-transferring-flavoprotein (ETF) necessary for a proper functioning electron transfer thus adding additional layers of complexity to the pathological effect of ACADM missense mutations. Although the majority of the variant MCADs presented an impaired capacity to retain FAD during their synthesis, some of them were structurally rescued by cofactor supplementation, suggesting that in the mitochondrial environment the levels and activity of those variants may be dependent of FAD's availability thus contributing for the heterogeneity of the MCADD phenotype found in patients presenting the same genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina A Madeira
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carolina Anselmo
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João M Costa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cátia A Bonito
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Daniel J V A Santos
- LAQV@REQUIMTE/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; Center for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies (CBIOS), Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ronald J Wanders
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers-University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Fátima V Ventura
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Leandro P, Lino PR, Lopes R, Leandro J, Amaro MP, Sousa P, Vicente JB, Almeida AJ. Isothermal denaturation fluorimetry vs Differential scanning fluorimetry as tools for screening of stabilizers for protein freeze-drying: human phenylalanine hydroxylase as the case study. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 187:1-11. [PMID: 37011788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.03.012] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The structural maintenance of therapeutic proteins during formulation and/or storage is a critical aspect, particularly for multi-domain and/or multimeric proteins which usually exhibit intrinsic structural dynamics leading to aggregation with concomitant loss-of-function. Protein freeze-drying is a widely used technique to preserve protein structure and function during storage. To minimize chemical/physical stresses occurring during this process, protein stabilizers are usually included, their effect being strongly dependent on the target protein. Therefore, they should be screened for on a time-consuming case-by-case basis. Herein, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and isothermal denaturation fluorimetry (ITDF) were employed to screen, among different classes of freeze-drying additives, for the most effective stabilizer of the model protein human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH). Correlation studies among retrieved DSF and ITDF parameters with recovered enzyme amount and activity indicated ITDF as the most appropriate screening method. Biochemical and biophysical characterization of hPAH freeze-dried with ITDF-selected stabilizers and a long-term storage study (12 months, 5 ± 3 °C) showed that the selected compounds prevented protein aggregation and preserved hPAH structural and functional properties throughout time storage. Our results provide a solid basis towards the choice of ITDF as a high-throughput screening step for the identification of protein freeze-drying protectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Paulo R Lino
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Raquel Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Amaro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Sousa
- Sofarimex, Indústria Química e Farmacêutica SA, Av. das Indústrias, Alto de Colaride, 2735-521 Agualva, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - António J Almeida
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Correia MJ, Pimpão AB, Fernandes DGF, Morello J, Sequeira CO, Calado J, Antunes AMM, Almeida MS, Branco P, Monteiro EC, Vicente JB, Serpa J, Pereira SA. Cysteine as a Multifaceted Player in Kidney, the Cysteine-Related Thiolome and Its Implications for Precision Medicine. Molecules 2022; 27:1416. [PMID: 35209204 PMCID: PMC8874463 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041416] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review encouraged by original data, we first provided in vivo evidence that the kidney, comparative to the liver or brain, is an organ particularly rich in cysteine. In the kidney, the total availability of cysteine was higher in cortex tissue than in the medulla and distributed in free reduced, free oxidized and protein-bound fractions (in descending order). Next, we provided a comprehensive integrated review on the evidence that supports the reliance on cysteine of the kidney beyond cysteine antioxidant properties, highlighting the relevance of cysteine and its renal metabolism in the control of cysteine excess in the body as a pivotal source of metabolites to kidney biomass and bioenergetics and a promoter of adaptive responses to stressors. This view might translate into novel perspectives on the mechanisms of kidney function and blood pressure regulation and on clinical implications of the cysteine-related thiolome as a tool in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Correia
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
| | - António B. Pimpão
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Dalila G. F. Fernandes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.G.F.F.); (J.B.V.)
| | - Judit Morello
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Catarina O. Sequeira
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
| | - Joaquim Calado
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Genetics, Oncology and Human Toxicology, Nova Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Nephrology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1069-166 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M. M. Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Manuel S. Almeida
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
- Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, 2790-134 Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Branco
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
- Hospital de Santa Cruz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, 2790-134 Carnaxide, Portugal
| | - Emília C. Monteiro
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
| | - João B. Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (D.G.F.F.); (J.B.V.)
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia A. Pereira
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.J.C.); (A.B.P.); (J.M.); (C.O.S.); (M.S.A.); (P.B.); (E.C.M.); (J.S.)
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8
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Nunes SC, Ramos C, Santos I, Mendes C, Silva F, Vicente JB, Pereira SA, Félix A, Gonçalves LG, Serpa J. Cysteine Boosts Fitness Under Hypoxia-Mimicked Conditions in Ovarian Cancer by Metabolic Reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:722412. [PMID: 34458274 PMCID: PMC8386479 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.722412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Among gynecologic malignancies, ovarian cancer is the third most prevalent and the most common cause of death, especially due to diagnosis at an advanced stage together with resistance to therapy. As a solid tumor grows, cancer cells in the microenvironment are exposed to regions of hypoxia, a selective pressure prompting tumor progression and chemoresistance. We have previously shown that cysteine contributes to the adaptation to this hypoxic microenvironment, but the mechanisms by which cysteine protects ovarian cancer cells from hypoxia-induced death are still to be unveiled. Herein, we hypothesized that cysteine contribution relies on cellular metabolism reprogramming and energy production, being cysteine itself a metabolic source. Our results strongly supported a role of xCT symporter in energy production that requires cysteine metabolism instead of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) per se. Cysteine degradation depends on the action of the H2S-synthesizing enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and/or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MpST; together with cysteine aminotransferase, CAT). In normoxia, CBS and CSE inhibition had a mild impact on cysteine-sustained ATP production, pointing out the relevance of CAT + MpST pathway. However, in hypoxia, the concomitant inhibition of CBS and CSE had a stronger impact on ATP synthesis, thus also supporting a role of their hydrogen sulfide and/or cysteine persulfide-synthesizing activity in this stressful condition. However, the relative contributions of each of these enzymes (CBS/CSE/MpST) on cysteine-derived ATP synthesis under hypoxia remains unclear, due to the lack of specific inhibitors. Strikingly, NMR analysis strongly supported a role of cysteine in the whole cellular metabolism rewiring under hypoxia. Additionally, the use of cysteine to supply biosynthesis and bioenergetics was reinforced, bringing cysteine to the plateau of a main carbon sources in cancer. Collectively, this work supports that sulfur and carbon metabolism reprogramming underlies the adaptation to hypoxic microenvironment promoted by cysteine in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia C. Nunes
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristiano Ramos
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Santos
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cindy Mendes
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Silva
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B. Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sofia A. Pereira
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Félix
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís G. Gonçalves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal
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9
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Gonçalves-Dias C, Sequeira CO, Vicente JB, Correia MJ, Coelho NR, Morello J, Antunes AMM, Soto K, Monteiro EC, Pereira SA. A Mechanistic-Based and Non-invasive Approach to Quantify the Capability of Kidney to Detoxify Cysteine-Disulfides. Adv Exp Med Biol 2021; 1306:109-120. [PMID: 33959909 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63908-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Our general goal was to non-invasively evaluate kidney tubular dysfunction. We developed a strategy based on cysteine (Cys) disulfide stress mechanism that underlies kidney dysfunction. There is scarce information regarding the fate of Cys-disulfides (CysSSX), but evidence shows they might be detoxified in proximal tubular cells by the action of N-acetyltransferase 8 (NAT8). This enzyme promotes the addition of an N-acetyl moiety to cysteine-S-conjugates, forming mercapturates that are eliminated in urine. Therefore, we developed a strategy to quantify mercapturates of CysSSX in urine as surrogate of disulfide stress and NAT8 activity in kidney tubular cells. We use a reduction agent for the selective reduction of disulfide bonds. The obtained N-acetylcysteine moiety of the mercapturates from cysteine disulfides was monitored by fluorescence detection. The method was applied to urine from mice and rat as well as individuals with healthy kidney and kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Gonçalves-Dias
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina O Sequeira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - M João Correia
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno R Coelho
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Judit Morello
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandra M M Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural (CQE), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Karina Soto
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando da Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Emília C Monteiro
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Lopes RR, Tomé CS, Russo R, Paterna R, Leandro J, Candeias NR, Gonçalves LMD, Teixeira M, Sousa PMF, Guedes RC, Vicente JB, Gois PMP, Leandro P. Modulation of Human Phenylalanine Hydroxylase by 3-Hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-One Derivatives. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030462. [PMID: 33808760 PMCID: PMC8003416 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease caused by deficient activity of human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH) that, when untreated, can lead to severe psychomotor impairment. Protein misfolding is recognized as the main underlying pathogenic mechanism of PKU. Therefore, the use of stabilizers of protein structure and/or activity is an attractive therapeutic strategy for this condition. Here, we report that 3-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives can act as protectors of hPAH enzyme activity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated that the 3-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one compounds affect the coordination of the non-heme ferric center at the enzyme active-site. Moreover, surface plasmon resonance studies showed that these stabilizing compounds can be outcompeted by the natural substrate l-phenylalanine. Two of the designed compounds functionally stabilized hPAH by maintaining protein activity. This effect was observed on the recombinant purified protein and in a cellular model. Besides interacting with the catalytic iron, one of the compounds also binds to the N-terminal regulatory domain, although to a different location from the allosteric l-Phe binding site, as supported by the solution structures obtained by small-angle X-ray scattering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel R. Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
| | - Catarina S. Tomé
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-155 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Roberto Russo
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
| | - Roberta Paterna
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
| | - João Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
| | - Nuno R. Candeias
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 8, 33101 Tampere, Finland;
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Lídia M. D. Gonçalves
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
| | - Miguel Teixeira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Pedro M. F. Sousa
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-155 Oeiras, Portugal;
| | - Rita C. Guedes
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
| | - João B. Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (J.B.V.); (P.M.P.G.); (P.L.); Tel.: +351-217946400 (P.L.)
| | - Pedro M. P. Gois
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.V.); (P.M.P.G.); (P.L.); Tel.: +351-217946400 (P.L.)
| | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (R.R.L.); (C.S.T.); (R.R.); (R.P.); (J.L.); (L.M.D.G.); (R.C.G.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.V.); (P.M.P.G.); (P.L.); Tel.: +351-217946400 (P.L.)
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11
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Bonifácio VDB, Pereira SA, Serpa J, Vicente JB. Cysteine metabolic circuitries: druggable targets in cancer. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:862-879. [PMID: 33223534 PMCID: PMC7921671 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [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: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To enable survival in adverse conditions, cancer cells undergo global metabolic adaptations. The amino acid cysteine actively contributes to cancer metabolic remodelling on three different levels: first, in its free form, in redox control, as a component of the antioxidant glutathione or its involvement in protein s-cysteinylation, a reversible post-translational modification; second, as a substrate for the production of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which feeds the mitochondrial electron transfer chain and mediates per-sulphidation of ATPase and glycolytic enzymes, thereby stimulating cellular bioenergetics; and, finally, as a carbon source for epigenetic regulation, biomass production and energy production. This review will provide a systematic portrayal of the role of cysteine in cancer biology as a source of carbon and sulphur atoms, the pivotal role of cysteine in different metabolic pathways and the importance of H2S as an energetic substrate and signalling molecule. The different pools of cysteine in the cell and within the body, and their putative use as prognostic cancer markers will be also addressed. Finally, we will discuss the pharmacological means and potential of targeting cysteine metabolism for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco D B Bonifácio
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
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12
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Pavlu-Pereira H, Lousa D, Tomé CS, Florindo C, Silva MJ, de Almeida IT, Leandro P, Rivera I, Vicente JB. Structural and functional impact of clinically relevant E1α variants causing pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency. Biochimie 2021; 183:78-88. [PMID: 33588022 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-coenzyme A, hinging glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. PDC deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism, has a broad phenotypic spectrum. Symptoms range from fatal lactic acidosis or progressive neuromuscular impairment in the neonatal period, to chronic neurodegeneration. Most disease-causing mutations in PDC deficiency affect the PDHA1 gene, encoding the α subunit of the PDC-E1 component. Detailed biophysical analysis of pathogenic protein variants is a challenging approach to support the design of therapies based on improving and correcting protein structure and function. Herein, we report the characterization of clinically relevant PDC-E1α variants identified in Portuguese PDC deficient patients. These variants bear amino acid substitutions in different structural regions of PDC-E1α. The structural and functional analyses of recombinant heterotetrameric (αα'ββ') PDC-E1 variants, combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, show a limited impact of the amino acid changes on the conformational stability, apart from the increased propensity for aggregation of the p.R253G variant as compared to wild-type PDC-E1. However, all variants presented a functional impairment in terms of lower residual PDC-E1 enzymatic activity and ≈3-100 × lower affinity for the thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) cofactor, in comparison with wild-type PDC-E1. MD simulations neatly showed generally decreased stability (increased flexibility) of all variants with respect to the WT heterotetramer, particularly in the TPP binding region. These results are discussed in light of disease severity of the patients bearing such mutations and highlight the difficulty of developing chaperone-based therapies for PDC deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Pavlu-Pereira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diana Lousa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina S Tomé
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cristina Florindo
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Rivera
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
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Pavlu-Pereira H, Silva MJ, Florindo C, Sequeira S, Ferreira AC, Duarte S, Rodrigues AL, Janeiro P, Oliveira A, Gomes D, Bandeira A, Martins E, Gomes R, Soares S, Tavares de Almeida I, Vicente JB, Rivera I. Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency: updating the clinical, metabolic and mutational landscapes in a cohort of Portuguese patients. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:298. [PMID: 33092611 PMCID: PMC7579914 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) catalyzes the irreversible decarboxylation of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA. PDC deficiency can be caused by alterations in any of the genes encoding its several subunits. The resulting phenotype, though very heterogeneous, mainly affects the central nervous system. The aim of this study is to describe and discuss the clinical, biochemical and genotypic information from thirteen PDC deficient patients, thus seeking to establish possible genotype-phenotype correlations. RESULTS The mutational spectrum showed that seven patients carry mutations in the PDHA1 gene encoding the E1α subunit, five patients carry mutations in the PDHX gene encoding the E3 binding protein, and the remaining patient carries mutations in the DLD gene encoding the E3 subunit. These data corroborate earlier reports describing PDHA1 mutations as the predominant cause of PDC deficiency but also reveal a notable prevalence of PDHX mutations among Portuguese patients, most of them carrying what seems to be a private mutation (p.R284X). The biochemical analyses revealed high lactate and pyruvate plasma levels whereas the lactate/pyruvate ratio was below 16; enzymatic activities, when compared to control values, indicated to be independent from the genotype and ranged from 8.5% to 30%, the latter being considered a cut-off value for primary PDC deficiency. Concerning the clinical features, all patients displayed psychomotor retardation/developmental delay, the severity of which seems to correlate with the type and localization of the mutation carried by the patient. The therapeutic options essentially include the administration of a ketogenic diet and supplementation with thiamine, although arginine aspartate intake revealed to be beneficial in some patients. Moreover, in silico analysis of the missense mutations present in this PDC deficient population allowed to envisage the molecular mechanism underlying these pathogenic variants. CONCLUSION The identification of the disease-causing mutations, together with the functional and structural characterization of the mutant protein variants, allow to obtain an insight on the severity of the clinical phenotype and the selection of the most appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Pavlu-Pereira
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Silva
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Florindo
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital D. Estefânia, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Sofia Duarte
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital D. Estefânia, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Janeiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Daniel Gomes
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anabela Bandeira
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Roseli Gomes
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Sérgia Soares
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University of Lisbon, Av. da República (Estação Agronómica Nacional), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Rivera
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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14
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Hipólito A, Nunes SC, Vicente JB, Serpa J. Cysteine Aminotransferase (CAT): A Pivotal Sponsor in Metabolic Remodeling and an Ally of 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase (MST) in Cancer. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173984. [PMID: 32882966 PMCID: PMC7504796 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic remodeling is a critical skill of malignant cells, allowing their survival and spread. The metabolic dynamics and adaptation capacity of cancer cells allow them to escape from damaging stimuli, including breakage or cross-links in DNA strands and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, promoting resistance to currently available therapies, such as alkylating or oxidative agents. Therefore, it is essential to understand how metabolic pathways and the corresponding enzymatic systems can impact on tumor behavior. Cysteine aminotransferase (CAT) per se, as well as a component of the CAT: 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST) axis, is pivotal for this metabolic rewiring, constituting a central mechanism in amino acid metabolism and fulfilling the metabolic needs of cancer cells, thereby supplying other different pathways. In this review, we explore the current state-of-art on CAT function and its role on cancer cell metabolic rewiring as MST partner, and its relevance in cancer cells' fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculty of Medical Sciences, University NOVA of Lisbon, Campus dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (S.C.N.)
- Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia C. Nunes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculty of Medical Sciences, University NOVA of Lisbon, Campus dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (S.C.N.)
- Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B. Vicente
- Institute of Technology, Chemistry and Biology António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.B.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculty of Medical Sciences, University NOVA of Lisbon, Campus dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal; (A.H.); (S.C.N.)
- Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence: (J.B.V.); (J.S.)
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15
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Campos C, Fragoso S, Luís R, Pinto F, Brito C, Esteves S, Pataco M, Santos S, Machado P, Vicente JB, Costa Rosa J, Cavaco BM, Moura C, Pojo M. High-Throughput Sequencing Identifies 3 Novel Susceptibility Genes for Hereditary Melanoma. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040403. [PMID: 32276436 PMCID: PMC7230562 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive human cancers due to its high invasiveness. Germline mutations in high-risk melanoma susceptibility genes have been associated with development hereditary melanoma; however, most genetic culprits remain elusive. To unravel novel susceptibility genes for hereditary melanoma, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) on eight patients with multiple primary melanomas, high number of nevi, and negative for high and intermediate-risk germline mutations. Thirteen new potentially pathogenic variants were identified after bioinformatics analysis and validation. CDH23, ARHGEF40, and BRD9 were identified as the most promising susceptibility genes in hereditary melanoma. In silico analysis of CDH23 and ARHGEF40 variants provided clues for altered protein structure and function associated with the identified mutations. Then, we also evaluated the clinical value of CDH23, ARHGEF40, and BRD9 expression in sporadic melanoma by using the TCGA dataset (n = 461). No differences were observed in BRD9 expression between melanoma and normal skin samples, nor with melanoma stage, whereas ARHGEF40 was found overexpressed, and CDH23 was downregulated and its loss was associated with worse survival. Altogether, these results reveal three novel genes with clinical relevance in hereditary and sporadic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Campos
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sofia Fragoso
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rafael Luís
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipe Pinto
- i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP—Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cheila Brito
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Susana Esteves
- Unidade de Investigação Clínica (UIC) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Pataco
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sidónia Santos
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Machado
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João B. Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Joaninha Costa Rosa
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Branca M. Cavaco
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cecília Moura
- Clínica de Risco Familiar do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
- Serviço de Dermatologia do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Rua Prof. Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-722-9800 (ext. 1794)
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16
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Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), while historically perceived merely as a toxicant, has progressively emerged as a key regulator of numerous processes in mammalian physiology, exerting its signaling function essentially through interaction with and/or modification of proteins, targeting mainly cysteine residues and metal centers. As a gaseous signaling molecule that freely diffuses across aqueous and hydrophobic biological milieu, it has been designated the third 'gasotransmitter' in mammalian physiology. H2S is synthesized and detoxified by specialized endogenous enzymes that operate under a tight regulation, ensuring homeostatic levels of this otherwise toxic molecule. Indeed, imbalances in H2S levels associated with dysfunctional H2S metabolism have been growingly correlated with various human pathologies, from cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. Several cancer cell lines and specimens have been shown to naturally overexpress one or more of the H2S-synthesizing enzymes. The resulting increased H2S levels have been proposed to promote cancer development through the regulation of various cancer-related processes, which led to the interest in pharmacological targeting of H2S metabolism. Herein are summarized some of the key observations that place H2S metabolism and signaling pathways at the forefront of the cellular mechanisms that support the establishment and development of a tumor within its complex and challenging microenvironment. Special emphasis is given to the mechanisms whereby H2S helps shaping cancer cell bioenergetic metabolism and affords resistance and adaptive mechanisms to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catarina S Tomé
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University of Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Dalila G F Fernandes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University of Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Karim Zuhra
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, NOVA University of Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal.
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17
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Tomé CS, Lopes RR, Sousa PMF, Amaro MP, Leandro J, Mertens HDT, Leandro P, Vicente JB. Author Correction: Structure of full-length wild-type human phenylalanine hydroxylase by small angle X-ray scattering reveals substrate-induced conformational stability. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17513. [PMID: 31745241 PMCID: PMC6863894 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54425-2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Tomé
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.,Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Raquel R Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro M F Sousa
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Amaro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - João Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
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18
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Santos I, Ramos C, Mendes C, Sequeira CO, Tomé CS, Fernandes DGH, Mota P, Pires RF, Urso D, Hipólito A, Antunes AMM, Vicente JB, Pereira SA, Bonifácio VDB, Nunes SC, Serpa J. Targeting Glutathione and Cystathionine β-Synthase in Ovarian Cancer Treatment by Selenium-Chrysin Polyurea Dendrimer Nanoformulation. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2523. [PMID: 31635026 PMCID: PMC6836284 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the main cause of death from gynecological cancer, with its poor prognosis mainly related to late diagnosis and chemoresistance (acquired or intrinsic) to conventional alkylating and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating drugs. We and others reported that the availability of cysteine and glutathione (GSH) impacts the mechanisms of resistance to carboplatin in ovarian cancer. Different players in cysteine metabolism can be crucial in chemoresistance, such as the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc (xCT) and the H2S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) in the pathway of cysteine catabolism. We hypothesized that, by disrupting cysteine metabolic flux, chemoresistance would be reverted. Since the xCT transporter is also able to take up selenium, we used selenium-containing chrysin (SeChry) as a plausible competitive inhibitor of xCT. For that, we tested the effects of SeChry on three different ovarian cancer cell lines (ES2, OVCAR3, and OVCAR8) and in two non-malignant cell lines (HaCaT and HK2). Results showed that, in addition to being highly cytotoxic, SeChry does not affect the uptake of cysteine, although it increases GSH depletion, indicating that SeChry might induce oxidative stress. However, enzymatic assays revealed an inhibitory effect of SeChry toward CBS, thus preventing production of the antioxidant H2S. Notably, our data showed that SeChry and folate-targeted polyurea dendrimer generation four (SeChry@PUREG4-FA) nanoparticles increased the specificity for SeChry delivery to ovarian cancer cells, reducing significantly the toxicity against non-malignant cells. Collectively, our data support SeChry@PUREG4-FA nanoparticles as a targeted strategy to improve ovarian cancer treatment, where GSH depletion and CBS inhibition underlie SeChry cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Santos
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristiano Ramos
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cindy Mendes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina O Sequeira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Catarina S Tomé
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Dalila G H Fernandes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Mota
- CQFM-IN and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rita F Pires
- CQFM-IN and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Donato Urso
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Ana Hipólito
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Alexandra M M Antunes
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Sofia A Pereira
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Vasco D B Bonifácio
- CQFM-IN and Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Sofia C Nunes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Rua Prof Lima Basto, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal.
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19
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Tomé CS, Lopes RR, Sousa PMF, Amaro MP, Leandro J, Mertens HDT, Leandro P, Vicente JB. Structure of full-length wild-type human phenylalanine hydroxylase by small angle X-ray scattering reveals substrate-induced conformational stability. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13615. [PMID: 31541188 PMCID: PMC6754429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49944-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH) hydroxylates L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) to L-tyrosine, a precursor for neurotransmitter biosynthesis. Phenylketonuria (PKU), caused by mutations in PAH that impair PAH function, leads to neurological impairment when untreated. Understanding the hPAH structural and regulatory properties is essential to outline PKU pathophysiological mechanisms. Each hPAH monomer comprises an N-terminal regulatory, a central catalytic and a C-terminal oligomerisation domain. To maintain physiological L-Phe levels, hPAH employs complex regulatory mechanisms. Resting PAH adopts an auto-inhibited conformation where regulatory domains block access to the active site. L-Phe-mediated allosteric activation induces a repositioning of the regulatory domains. Since a structure of activated wild-type hPAH is lacking, we addressed hPAH L-Phe-mediated conformational changes and report the first solution structure of the allosterically activated state. Our solution structures obtained by small-angle X-ray scattering support a tetramer with distorted P222 symmetry, where catalytic and oligomerisation domains form a core from which regulatory domains protrude, positioning themselves close to the active site entrance in the absence of L-Phe. Binding of L-Phe induces a large movement and dimerisation of regulatory domains, exposing the active site. Activated hPAH is more resistant to proteolytic cleavage and thermal denaturation, suggesting that the association of regulatory domains stabilises hPAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Tomé
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Raquel R Lopes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro M F Sousa
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Mariana P Amaro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - João Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa) and Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal.
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20
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Zuhra K, Tomé CS, Masi L, Giardina G, Paulini G, Malagrinò F, Forte E, Vicente JB, Giuffrè A. N-Acetylcysteine Serves as Substrate of 3-Mercaptopyruvate Sulfurtransferase and Stimulates Sulfide Metabolism in Colon Cancer Cells. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080828. [PMID: 31382676 PMCID: PMC6721681 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule. The enzymes 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST), partly localized in mitochondria, and the inner mitochondrial membrane-associated sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR), besides being respectively involved in the synthesis and catabolism of H2S, generate sulfane sulfur species such as persulfides and polysulfides, currently recognized as mediating some of the H2S biological effects. Reprogramming of H2S metabolism was reported to support cellular proliferation and energy metabolism in cancer cells. As oxidative stress is a cancer hallmark and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was recently suggested to act as an antioxidant by increasing intracellular levels of sulfane sulfur species, here we evaluated the effect of prolonged exposure to NAC on the H2S metabolism of SW480 colon cancer cells. Cells exposed to NAC for 24 h displayed increased expression and activity of MST and SQR. Furthermore, NAC was shown to: (i) persist at detectable levels inside the cells exposed to the drug for up to 24 h and (ii) sustain H2S synthesis by human MST more effectively than cysteine, as shown working on the isolated recombinant enzyme. We conclude that prolonged exposure of colon cancer cells to NAC stimulates H2S metabolism and that NAC can serve as a substrate for human MST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Zuhra
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Catarina S Tomé
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Letizia Masi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Paulini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Malagrinò
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Forte
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Alessandro Giuffrè
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
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21
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Abstract
Classic galactosemia is a rare inherited disorder of galactose metabolism caused by deficient activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), the second enzyme of the Leloir pathway. It presents in the newborn period as a life-threatening disease, whose clinical picture can be resolved by a galactose-restricted diet. The dietary treatment proves, however, insufficient in preventing severe long-term complications, such as cognitive, social and reproductive impairments. Classic galactosemia represents a heavy burden on patients' and their families' lives. After its first description in 1908 and despite intense research in the past century, the exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying galactosemia are still not fully understood. Recently, new important insights on molecular and cellular aspects of galactosemia have been gained, and should open new avenues for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Moreover, an international galactosemia network has been established, which shall act as a platform for expertise and research in galactosemia. Herein are reviewed some of the latest developments in clinical practice and research findings on classic galactosemia, an enigmatic disorder with many unanswered questions warranting dedicated research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Coelho
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - M Estela Rubio-Gozalbo
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rivera
- Metabolism & Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Romão CV, Vicente JB, Borges PT, Victor BL, Lamosa P, Silva E, Pereira L, Bandeiras TM, Soares CM, Carrondo MA, Turner D, Teixeira M, Frazão C. Structure of Escherichia coli Flavodiiron Nitric Oxide Reductase. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:4686-4707. [PMID: 27725182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) are present in organisms from all domains of life and have been described so far to be involved in the detoxification of oxygen or nitric oxide (NO), acting as O2 and/or NO reductases. The Escherichia coli FDP, named flavorubredoxin (FlRd), is the most extensively studied FDP. Biochemical and in vivo studies revealed that FlRd is involved in NO detoxification as part of the bacterial defense mechanisms against reactive nitrogen species. E. coli FlRd has a clear preference for NO as a substrate in vitro, exhibiting a very low reactivity toward O2. To contribute to the understanding of the structural features defining this substrate selectivity, we determined the crystallographic structure of E. coli FlRd, both in the isolated and reduced states. The overall tetrameric structure revealed a highly conserved flavodiiron core domain, with a metallo-β-lactamase-like domain containing a diiron center, and a flavodoxin domain with a flavin mononucleotide cofactor. The metal center in the oxidized state has a μ-hydroxo bridge coordinating the two irons, while in the reduced state, this moiety is not detected. Since only the flavodiiron domain was observed in these crystal structures, the structure of the rubredoxin domain was determined by NMR. Tunnels for the substrates were identified, and through molecular dynamics simulations, no differences for O2 or NO permeation were found. The present data represent the first structure for a NO-selective FDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia V Romão
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Patrícia T Borges
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Bruno L Victor
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lamosa
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Elísio Silva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luís Pereira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago M Bandeiras
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cláudio M Soares
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Maria A Carrondo
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - David Turner
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Miguel Teixeira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Carlos Frazão
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, ITQB NOVA, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal.
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Forte E, Borisov VB, Falabella M, Colaço HG, Tinajero-Trejo M, Poole RK, Vicente JB, Sarti P, Giuffrè A. The Terminal Oxidase Cytochrome bd Promotes Sulfide-resistant Bacterial Respiration and Growth. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23788. [PMID: 27030302 PMCID: PMC4815019 DOI: 10.1038/srep23788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) impairs mitochondrial respiration by potently inhibiting the heme-copper cytochrome c oxidase. Since many prokaryotes, including Escherichia (E.) coli, generate H2S and encounter high H2S levels particularly in the human gut, herein we tested whether bacteria can sustain sulfide-resistant O2-dependent respiration. E. coli has three respiratory oxidases, the cyanide-sensitive heme-copper bo3 enzyme and two bd oxidases much less sensitive to cyanide. Working on the isolated enzymes, we found that, whereas the bo3 oxidase is inhibited by sulfide with half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 = 1.1 ± 0.1 μM, under identical experimental conditions both bd oxidases are insensitive to sulfide up to 58 μM. In E. coli respiratory mutants, both O2-consumption and aerobic growth proved to be severely impaired by sulfide when respiration was sustained by the bo3 oxidase alone, but unaffected by ≤200 μM sulfide when either bd enzyme acted as the only terminal oxidase. Accordingly, wild-type E. coli showed sulfide-insensitive respiration and growth under conditions favouring the expression of bd oxidases. In all tested conditions, cyanide mimicked the functional effect of sulfide on bacterial respiration. We conclude that bd oxidases promote sulfide-resistant O2-consumption and growth in E. coli and possibly other bacteria. The impact of this discovery is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Forte
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Vitaliy B Borisov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Micol Falabella
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Henrique G Colaço
- Metabolism &Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Robert K Poole
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paolo Sarti
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur- Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Vicente JB, Malagrinò F, Arese M, Forte E, Sarti P, Giuffrè A. Bioenergetic relevance of hydrogen sulfide and the interplay between gasotransmitters at human cystathionine β-synthase. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1857:1127-1138. [PMID: 27039165 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Merely considered as a toxic gas in the past, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is currently viewed as the third 'gasotransmitter' in addition to nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), playing a key signalling role in human (patho)physiology. H2S can either act as a substrate or, similarly to CO and NO, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration, in the latter case by targeting cytochrome c oxidase (CcOX). The impact of H(2)S on mitochondrial energy metabolism crucially depends on the bioavailability of this gaseous molecule and its interplay with the other two gasotransmitters. The H(2)S-producing human enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), sustaining cellular bioenergetics in colorectal cancer cells, plays a role in the interplay between gasotransmitters. The enzyme was indeed recently shown to be negatively modulated by physiological concentrations of CO and NO, particularly in the presence of its allosteric activator S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet). These newly discovered regulatory mechanisms are herein reviewed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - Francesca Malagrinò
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Arese
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Forte
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Sarti
- Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuffrè
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
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25
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Romão CV, Vicente JB, Borges PT, Frazão C, Teixeira M. The dual function of flavodiiron proteins: oxygen and/or nitric oxide reductases. J Biol Inorg Chem 2016; 21:39-52. [PMID: 26767750 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-015-1329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins have emerged in the last two decades as a newly discovered family of oxygen and/or nitric oxide reductases widespread in the three life domains, and present in both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Herein we present the main features of these fascinating enzymes, with a particular emphasis on the metal sites, as more appropriate for this special issue in memory of the exceptional bioinorganic scientist R. J. P. Williams who pioneered the notion of (metal) element availability-driven evolution. We also compare the flavodiiron proteins with the other oxygen and nitric oxide reductases known until now, highlighting how throughout evolution Nature arrived at different solutions for similar functions, in some cases adding extra features, such as energy conservation. These enzymes are an example of the (bioinorganic) unpredictable diversity of the living world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia V Romão
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Patrícia T Borges
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carlos Frazão
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Miguel Teixeira
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal.
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26
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Vicente JB, Colaço HG, Sarti P, Leandro P, Giuffrè A. S-Adenosyl-l-methionine Modulates CO and NO• Binding to the Human H2S-generating Enzyme Cystathionine β-Synthase. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:572-81. [PMID: 26582199 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.681221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) is a key enzyme in human (patho)physiology with a central role in hydrogen sulfide metabolism. The enzyme is composed of a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-binding catalytic domain, flanked by the following two domains: a heme-binding N-terminal domain and a regulatory C-terminal domain binding S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet). CO or NO(•) binding at the ferrous heme negatively modulates the enzyme activity. Conversely, AdoMet binding stimulates CBS activity. Here, we provide experimental evidence for a functional communication between the two domains. We report that AdoMet binding significantly enhances CBS inhibition by CO. Consistently, we observed increased affinity (∼5-fold) and faster association (∼10-fold) of CO to the ferrous heme at physiological AdoMet concentrations. NO(•) binding to reduced CBS was also enhanced by AdoMet, although to a lesser extent (∼2-fold higher affinity) as compared with CO. Importantly, CO and NO(•) binding was unchanged by AdoMet in a truncated form of CBS lacking the C-terminal regulatory domain. These unprecedented observations demonstrate that CBS activation by AdoMet puzzlingly sensitizes the enzyme toward inhibition by exogenous ligands, like CO and NO(•). This further supports the notion that CBS regulation is a complex process, involving the concerted action of multiple physiologically relevant effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- From the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2781-156 Oeiras, Portugal,
| | - Henrique G Colaço
- the Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paolo Sarti
- the Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paula Leandro
- the Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal, the Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1640-003 Lisbon, Portugal, and
| | - Alessandro Giuffrè
- the Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council of Italy, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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Vicente JB, Colaço HG, Mastronicola D, Mendes MI, Sarti P, Leandro P, Giuffrè A. Human cystathionine β-synthase and the crosstalk between hydrogen sulphide, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. Nitric Oxide 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2015.02.055] [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: 10/23/2022]
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28
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Gonçalves VL, Vicente JB, Pinto L, Romão CV, Frazão C, Sarti P, Giuffrè A, Teixeira M. Flavodiiron oxygen reductase from Entamoeba histolytica: modulation of substrate preference by tyrosine 271 and lysine 53. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:28260-70. [PMID: 25151360 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.579086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) are a family of enzymes endowed with bona fide oxygen- and/or nitric-oxide reductase activity, although their substrate specificity determinants remain elusive. After a comprehensive comparison of available three-dimensional structures, particularly of FDPs with a clear preference toward either O2 or NO, two main differences were identified near the diiron active site, which led to the construction of site-directed mutants of Tyr(271) and Lys(53) in the oxygen reducing Entamoeba histolytica EhFdp1. The biochemical and biophysical properties of these mutants were studied by UV-visible and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies coupled to potentiometry. Their reactivity with O2 and NO was analyzed by stopped-flow absorption spectroscopy and amperometric methods. These mutations, whereas keeping the overall properties of the redox cofactors, resulted in increased NO reductase activity and faster inactivation of the enzyme in the reaction with O2, pointing to a role of the mutated residues in substrate selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Gonçalves
- From the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal, the Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- the Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal, the Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal,
| | - Liliana Pinto
- From the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Célia V Romão
- From the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carlos Frazão
- From the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paolo Sarti
- the Department of Biochemical Sciences and Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy, and the CNR Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuffrè
- the CNR Institute of Biology, Molecular Medicine and Nanobiotechnology, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel Teixeira
- From the Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal,
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29
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Mendes MIS, Santos AS, Smith DEC, Lino PR, Colaço HG, de Almeida IT, Vicente JB, Salomons GS, Rivera I, Blom HJ, Leandro P. Insights into the regulatory domain of cystathionine Beta-synthase: characterization of six variant proteins. Hum Mutat 2014; 35:1195-202. [PMID: 25044645 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) catalyzes the formation of cystathionine from homocysteine and serine. CBS is allosterically activated by S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which binds to its C-terminal regulatory domain. Mutations in this domain lead to variants with high residual activity but lacking SAM activation. We characterized six C-terminal CBS variants (p.P427L, p.D444N, p.V449G, p.S500L, p.K523Sfs*18, and p.L540Q). To understand the effect of C-terminal mutations on the functional/structural properties of CBS, we performed dynamic light scattering, differential scanning fluorimetry, limited proteolysis, enzymatic characterization, and determination of SAM-binding affinity. Kinetic data confirm that the enzymatic function of these variants is not impaired. Although lacking SAM activation, the p.P427L and p.S500L were able to bind SAM at a lower extent than the wild type (WT), confirming that SAM binding and activation can be two independent events. At the structural level, the C-terminal variants presented various effects, either showing catalytic core instability and increased susceptibility toward aggregation or presenting with similar or higher stability than the WT. Our study highlights as the common feature to the C-terminal variants an impaired binding of SAM and no increase in enzymatic activity with physiological concentrations of the activator, suggesting the loss of regulation by SAM as a potential pathogenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa I S Mendes
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal; Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Coelho AI, Trabuco M, Ramos R, Silva MJ, Tavares de Almeida I, Leandro P, Rivera I, Vicente JB. Functional and structural impact of the most prevalent missense mutations in classic galactosemia. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2014; 2:484-96. [PMID: 25614870 PMCID: PMC4303218 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) is a key enzyme in galactose metabolism, particularly important in the neonatal period due to ingestion of galactose-containing milk. GALT deficiency results in the genetic disorder classic galactosemia, whose pathophysiology is still not fully elucidated. Whereas classic galactosemia has been hypothesized to result from GALT misfolding, a thorough functional-structural characterization of GALT most prevalent variants was still lacking, hampering the development of alternative therapeutic approaches. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural-functional effects of nine GALT mutations, four of which account for the vast majority of the mutations identified in galactosemic patients. Several methodologies were employed to evaluate the mutations' impact on GALT function, on the protein secondary and tertiary structures, and on the aggregation propensity. The major structural effect concerns disturbed propensity for aggregation, particularly striking for the p.Q188R variant, resulting from the most frequent (∼60%) allele at a worldwide scale. The absence of major effects at the secondary and tertiary structure levels suggests that the disturbed aggregation results from subtle perturbations causing a higher and/or longer exposure of hydrophobic residues in the variants as compared to WT GALT. The results herein described indicate a possible benefit from introducing proteostasis regulators and/or chemical/pharmacological chaperones to prevent the accumulation of protein aggregates, in new avenues of therapeutic research for classic galactosemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Coelho
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Matilde Trabuco
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ruben Ramos
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Silva
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Tavares de Almeida
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Leandro
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Rivera
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B Vicente
- Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal ; Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon 1649-003, Lisbon, Portugal
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31
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Abstract
The hexa-coordinate heme in the H2S-generating human enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) acts as a redox-sensitive regulator that impairs CBS activity upon binding of NO(•) or CO at the reduced iron. Despite the proposed physiological relevance of this inhibitory mechanism, unlike CO, NO(•) was reported to bind at the CBS heme with very low affinity (Kd = 30-281 μm). This discrepancy was herein reconciled by investigating the NO(•) reactivity of recombinant human CBS by static and stopped-flow UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. We found that NO(•) binds tightly to the ferrous CBS heme, with an apparent Kd ≤ 0.23 μm. In line with this result, at 25 °C, NO(•) binds quickly to CBS (k on ∼ 8 × 10(3) m(-1) s(-1)) and dissociates slowly from the enzyme (k off ∼ 0.003 s(-1)). The observed rate constants for NO(•) binding were found to be linearly dependent on [NO(•)] up to ∼ 800 μm NO(•), and >100-fold higher than those measured for CO, indicating that the reaction is not limited by the slow dissociation of Cys-52 from the heme iron, as reported for CO. For the first time the heme of human CBS is reported to bind NO(•) quickly and tightly, providing a mechanistic basis for the in vivo regulation of the enzyme by NO(•). The novel findings reported here shed new light on CBS regulation by NO(•) and its possible (patho)physiological relevance, enforcing the growing evidence for an interplay among the gasotransmitters NO(•), CO, and H2S in cell signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- From the Metabolism and Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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32
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Coelho AI, Ramos R, Gaspar A, Costa C, Oliveira A, Diogo L, Garcia P, Paiva S, Martins E, Teles EL, Rodrigues E, Cardoso MT, Ferreira E, Sequeira S, Leite M, Silva MJ, de Almeida IT, Vicente JB, Rivera I. A frequent splicing mutation and novel missense mutations color the updated mutational spectrum of classic galactosemia in Portugal. J Inherit Metab Dis 2014; 37:43-52. [PMID: 23749220 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-013-9623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Classic galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficient galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) activity. Patients develop symptoms in the neonatal period, which can be ameliorated by dietary restriction of galactose. Many patients develop long-term complications, with a broad range of clinical symptoms whose pathophysiology is poorly understood. The high allelic heterogeneity of GALT gene that characterizes this disorder is thought to play a determinant role in biochemical and clinical phenotypes. We aimed to characterize the mutational spectrum of GALT deficiency in Portugal and to assess potential genotype-phenotype correlations. Direct sequencing of the GALT gene and in silico analyses were employed to evaluate the impact of uncharacterized mutations upon GALT functionality. Molecular characterization of 42 galactosemic Portuguese patients revealed a mutational spectrum comprising 14 nucleotide substitutions: ten missense, two nonsense and two putative splicing mutations. Sixteen different genotypic combinations were detected, half of the patients being p.Q188R homozygotes. Notably, the second most frequent variation is a splicing mutation. In silico predictions complemented by a close-up on the mutations in the protein structure suggest that uncharacterized missense mutations have cumulative point effects on protein stability, oligomeric state, or substrate binding. One splicing mutation is predicted to cause an alternative splicing event. This study reinforces the difficulty in establishing a genotype-phenotype correlation in classic galactosemia, a monogenic disease whose complex pathogenesis and clinical features emphasize the need to expand the knowledge on this "cloudy" disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Coelho
- Metabolism & Genetics Group, Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1643-009, Lisbon, Portugal
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33
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Montalbano F, Leandro J, Farias GDVF, Lino PR, Guedes RC, Vicente JB, Leandro P, Gois PMP. Phenylalanine iminoboronates as new phenylalanine hydroxylase modulators. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra10306h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we report the discovery of new modulators of human phenylalanine hydroxylase (hPAH) inspired by the structure of its substrate and regulator l-phenylalanine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Montalbano
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo D. V. F. Farias
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo R. Lino
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rita C. Guedes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João B. Vicente
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paula Leandro
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro M. P. Gois
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Universidade de Lisboa
- Lisboa, Portugal
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34
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Rastew E, Vicente JB, Singh U. Oxidative stress resistance genes contribute to the pathogenic potential of the anaerobic protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:1007-15. [PMID: 23009748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, invades the host colon causing significant tissue destruction and inflammation. Upon host infection, the parasite is confronted with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) that cause large-scale changes in gene expression profiles, which likely support the parasite's adaptation to the host environment. We have previously identified oxidative and nitrosative stress responsive genes using whole-genome expression profiling. Functional studies on two such genes are now reported and demonstrate that they have roles in parasite virulence. EHI_056680 encodes a small hypothetical protein named E. histolytica stress-induced adhesion factor (EhSIAF); EHI_188210 encodes a putative phospholipid transporting P-type ATPase/flippase (EhPTPA). Over-expression of each protein in E. histolytica trophozoites enhanced parasite survival in response to oxidative stress. Exposure to oxidative and nitrosative stress did not affect the localization of EhSIAF or EhPTPA but markedly increased EhPTPA protein levels. Interestingly, over-expression of each gene resulted in parasites with increased adherence to healthy mammalian cells, but increased adherence to apoptotic cells was noted only in EhSIAF over-expressing parasites. However, despite having increased adherence to both healthy and apoptotic host cells, EhSIAF-over-expressing parasites were reduced in their ability to destroy mammalian cell monolayers, raising the intriguing possibility that EhSIAF over-expression caused signaling defects or resulted in a dominant negative phenotype. Over-expression of EhSIAF and EhPTPA also resulted in decreased motility in a transwell motility assay. Thus, we have confirmed that two genes that are upregulated by ROS confer increased resistance to oxidative stress and have identified an unexpected role of EhSIAF and EhPTPA in host cell adherence and a role of EhSIAF in parasite virulence. Our data imply that stress response genes may play multi-factorial roles in amoebic pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Rastew
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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35
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Cal PMSD, Vicente JB, Pires E, Coelho AV, Veiros LF, Cordeiro C, Gois PMP. Iminoboronates: A New Strategy for Reversible Protein Modification. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:10299-305. [DOI: 10.1021/ja303436y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. S. D. Cal
- Research Institute for Medicines
and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003
Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João B. Vicente
- Research Institute for Medicines
and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003
Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Pires
- ITQB-UNL,
Av. da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, 2780-157
Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana V. Coelho
- ITQB-UNL,
Av. da República, Estação Agronómica Nacional, 2780-157
Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Luı́s F. Veiros
- CQE, Departamento
de Engenharia
Química e Biológica, Complexo I, Instituto Superior
Técnico, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Cordeiro
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016
Lisboa Portugal
| | - Pedro M. P. Gois
- Research Institute for Medicines
and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003
Lisbon, Portugal
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36
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Vicente JB, Testa F, Mastronicola D, Forte E, Sarti P, Teixeira M, Giuffrè A. Redox properties of the oxygen-detoxifying flavodiiron protein from the human parasite Giardia intestinalis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2009; 488:9-13. [PMID: 19545535 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2009.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Revised: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) are enzymes identified in prokaryotes and a few pathogenic protozoa, which protect microorganisms by reducing O(2) to H(2)O and/or NO to N(2)O. Unlike most prokaryotic FDPs, the protozoan enzymes from the human pathogens Giardia intestinalis and Trichomonas vaginalis are selective towards O(2). UV/vis and EPR spectroscopy showed that, differently from the NO-consuming bacterial FDPs, the Giardia FDP contains an FMN with reduction potentials for the formation of the single and the two-electron reduced forms very close to each other (E(1)=-66+/-15mV and E(2)=-83+/-15mV), a condition favoring destabilization of the semiquinone radical. Giardia FDP contains also a non-heme diiron site with significantly up-shifted reduction potentials (E(1)=+163+/-20mV and E(2)=+2+/-20mV). These properties are common to the Trichomonas hydrogenosomal FDP, and likely reflect yet undetermined subtle structural differences in the protozoan FDPs, accounting for their marked O(2) specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biologica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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37
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Petoukhov MV, Vicente JB, Crowley PB, Carrondo MA, Teixeira M, Svergun DI. Quaternary structure of flavorubredoxin as revealed by synchrotron radiation small-angle X-ray scattering. Structure 2008; 16:1428-36. [PMID: 18786405 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 06/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FDP) are modular enzymes which function as NO and/or O(2) reductases. Although the majority is composed of two structural domains, the homolog found in Escherichia coli, flavorubredoxin, possesses an extra C-terminal module consisting of a linker and a rubredoxin (Rd) domain necessary for interprotein redox processes. In order to investigate the location of the Rd domain with respect to the flavodiiron structural core, small-angle X-ray scattering was used to construct low-resolution structural models of flavorubredoxin. Scattering patterns from the Rd domain, the FDP core, and full-length flavorubredoxin were collected. The latter two species were found to be tetrameric in solution. Ab initio shape reconstruction and rigid-body modeling indicate a peripheral location for the Rd domains, which appear to have weak contacts with the FDP core. This finding suggests that Rd behaves as an independent domain and is freely available to participate in redox reactions with protein partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim V Petoukhov
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation, Notkestrasse 85, 22603 Hamburg, Germany
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38
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Vicente JB, Ehrenkaufer GM, Saraiva LM, Teixeira M, Singh U. Entamoeba histolytica modulates a complex repertoire of novel genes in response to oxidative and nitrosative stresses: implications for amebic pathogenesis. Cell Microbiol 2008; 11:51-69. [PMID: 18778413 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01236.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Upon host infection, the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is confronted with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and must survive these stresses in order to cause invasive disease. We analysed the parasite's response to oxidative and nitrosative stresses, probing the transcriptional changes of trophozoites of a pathogenic strain after a 60 min exposure to H2O2 (1 mM) or a NO donor (dipropylenetriamine-NONOate, 200 microM), using whole-genome DNA microarrays. Genes encoding reactive oxygen and nitrogen species detoxification enzymes had high transcriptional levels under basal conditions and upon exposure to both stresses. On a whole-genome level, there was significant modulation of gene expression by H2O2 (286 genes regulated) and dipropylenetriamine-NONOate (1036 genes regulated) with a significant overlap of genes modulated under both conditions (164 genes). A number of transcriptionally regulated genes were in signalling/regulatory and repair/metabolic pathways. However, the majority of genes with altered transcription encode unknown proteins, suggesting as yet unraveled response pathways in E. histolytica. Trophozoites of a non-pathogenic E. histolytica strain had a significantly muted transcriptional response to H2O2 compared with the pathogenic strain, hinting that differential response to oxidative stress may be one factor that contributes to the pathogenic potential of E. histolytica.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5107, USA
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39
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Abstract
The flavodiiron proteins (FDPs), present in Archaea, Bacteria, and some protozoan pathogens (mostly anaerobes or microaerophiles), have been proposed to afford protection to microbes against nitric oxide and/or oxygen (toxic for anaerobes). The structural prototype of this protein family is a homodimer assembled in a "head-to-tail" configuration, with each monomer being composed of two domains: an N-terminal metallo-beta-lactamase module harboring a nonheme diiron center (active site of NO/O(2) reduction) and a C-terminal flavodoxin module, where a flavin mononucleotide moiety is embedded. Several FDPs bear C-terminal extra domains, which influence the composition of the respective electron transfer chains that couple NAD(P)H oxidation to NO/O(2) reduction. Herein are described methodologies employed to successfully produce, isolate, and characterize fully operative recombinant flavodiiron proteins. Spectroscopic techniques, namely absorption (visible and near-ultraviolet) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, allowed redox-sensitive spectral fingerprints to be obtained, used further in the functional characterization of isolated flavodiiron proteins. Altogether, these studies on pure proteins contribute to understanding the molecular determinants that govern the in vivo function of the FDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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40
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Abstract
Crystallographic studies on flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) have revealed that the common sequence core ( approximately 400 residues) that defines this protein family comprises two structural domains. The N-terminal domain (of approximately 250 residues) displays a metallo-beta-lactamase-like-fold, being indeed structurally homologous to beta-lactamases and glyoxalases, despite the poor sequence similarity. Whereas beta-lactamases have mono- or dizinc sites and glyoxalases a mixed iron-zinc site, the lactamase domain of FDPs harbors a nonheme diiron center with carboxylate and histidine residues as ligands, assigned as the active site of NO and/or O(2) reduction. The C-terminal domain of FDPs is characterized by a flavodoxin-like fold, homologous to short-chain flavodoxins, and harbors a flavin mononucleotide moiety, stabilized by van der Waals interactions and a number of hydrogen bonds. Structures of FDPs obtained in different conditions and oxidation states display some heterogeneities, mostly at the diiron site, but still fail to provide unequivocal evidence for some pending questions regarding the substrate activation mechanism of FDPs, namely the preference for either substrate (NO or oxygen) observed in different members of this protein family. More structural studies are therefore required to achieve a deeper understanding on these matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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41
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Vicente JB, Scandurra FM, Rodrigues JV, Brunori M, Sarti P, Teixeira M, Giuffrè A. Kinetics of electron transfer from NADH to the Escherichia coli nitric oxide reductase flavorubredoxin. FEBS J 2006; 274:677-86. [PMID: 17181540 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05612.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli flavorubredoxin (FlRd) belongs to the family of flavodiiron proteins (FDPs), microbial enzymes that are expressed to scavenge nitric oxide (NO) under anaerobic conditions. To degrade NO, FlRd has to be reduced by NADH via the FAD-binding protein flavorubredoxin reductase, thus the kinetics of electron transfer along this pathway was investigated by stopped-flow absorption spectroscopy. We found that NADH, but not NADPH, quickly reduces the FlRd-reductase (k = 5.5 +/- 2.2 x 10(6) M(-1).s(-1) at 5 degrees C), with a limiting rate of 255 +/- 17 s(-1). The reductase in turn quickly reduces the rubredoxin (Rd) center of FlRd, as assessed at 5 degrees C working with the native FlRd enzyme (k = 2.4 +/- 0.1 x 10(6) m(-1).s(-1)) and with its isolated Rd-domain (k approximately 1 x 10(7) M(-1).s(-1)); in both cases the reaction was found to be dependent on pH and ionic strength. In FlRd the fast reduction of the Rd center occurs synchronously with the formation of flavin mononucleotide semiquinone. Our data provide evidence that (a) FlRd-reductase rapidly shuttles electrons between NADH and FlRd, a prerequisite for NO reduction in this detoxification pathway, and (b) the electron accepting site in FlRd, the Rd center, is in very fast redox equilibrium with the flavin mononucleotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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42
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Rodrigues R, Vicente JB, Félix R, Oliveira S, Teixeira M, Rodrigues-Pousada C. Desulfovibrio gigas flavodiiron protein affords protection against nitrosative stress in vivo. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:2745-51. [PMID: 16585735 PMCID: PMC1446983 DOI: 10.1128/jb.188.8.2745-2751.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Desulfovibrio gigas flavodiiron protein (FDP), rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase (ROO), was proposed to be the terminal oxidase of a soluble electron transfer chain coupling NADH oxidation to oxygen reduction. However, several members from the FDP family, to which ROO belongs, revealed nitric oxide (NO) reductase activity. Therefore, the protection afforded by ROO against the cytotoxic effects of NO was here investigated. The NO and oxygen reductase activities of recombinant ROO in vitro were tested by amperometric methods, and the enzyme was shown to effectively reduce NO and O(2). Functional complementation studies of an Escherichia coli mutant strain lacking the ROO homologue flavorubredoxin, an NO reductase, showed that ROO restores the anaerobic growth phenotype of cultures exposed to otherwise-toxic levels of exogenous NO. Additional studies in vivo using a D. gigas roo-deleted strain confirmed an increased sensitivity to NO of the mutant strain in comparison to the wild type. This effect is more pronounced when using the nitrosating agent S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), which effectively impairs the growth of the D. gigas Deltaroo strain. roo is constitutively expressed in D. gigas under all conditions tested. However, real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed a twofold induction of mRNA levels upon exposure to GSNO, suggesting regulation at the transcription level by NO. The newly proposed role of D. gigas ROO as an NO reductase combined with the O(2) reductase activity reveals a versatility which appears to afford protection to D. gigas at the onset of both oxidative and nitrosative stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Rodrigues
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Apartado 127, 2780-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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Gonçalves VL, Nobre LS, Vicente JB, Teixeira M, Saraiva LM. Flavohemoglobin requires microaerophilic conditions for nitrosative protection ofStaphylococcus aureus. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:1817-21. [PMID: 16516202 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2006] [Revised: 02/13/2006] [Accepted: 02/14/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Flavohemoglobins and flavodiiron proteins are two families of enzymes involved in nitrosative detoxification. However, the physiological oxygen-related conditions under which they work and their relative role are still a matter of debate. To address this question we analyzed the function of the putative flavohemoprotein of Staphylococcus aureus, an organism that lacks a flavodiiron-like gene. In this report we show that the recombinant protein contains all features typical of canonical flavohemoglobins and that the transcription of flavohemoglobin gene was upregulated by nitrosative stress in an oxygen-dependent manner. However, and in contrast to other bacterial flavohemoglobins, the S. aureus protein has no apparent role in aerobic nitrosative protection, being only beneficial when cells of S. aureus are submitted to nitrosative stress in a microaerophilic environment. The in vivo data corroborates the proposal that Hmp acts physiologically as a denitrosylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera L Gonçalves
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida da República (EAN), 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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Vicente JB, Teixeira M. Redox and spectroscopic properties of the Escherichia coli nitric oxide-detoxifying system involving flavorubredoxin and its NADH-oxidizing redox partner. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:34599-608. [PMID: 16100392 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m506349200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Under anaerobic conditions, the flavodiiron NO-reductase from Escherichia coli (flavorubredoxin, FlRd) constitutes one of the major protective enzymes against nitric oxide. The redox and spectroscopic properties of the rubredoxin (Rd), non-heme diiron, and FMN sites of flavorubredoxin were determined, which was complemented by the study of truncated versions of FlRd: one consisting only of its rubredoxin module, and another consisting of its flavodiiron structural core (lacking the Rd domain). The studies here reported were performed by a combination of potentiometry with visible and EPR spectroscopies. Moreover, we present the first direct EPR evidence for the presence of the non-heme diiron site in the flavodiiron proteins family. Also, the redox properties of the FlRd physiological partner, the NADH:flavorubredoxin oxidoreductase (FlRd-Red), were determined. It is further shown that the redox properties of this complex electron transfer system are fine-tuned upon interaction of the two enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Apt. 127, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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Justino MC, Vicente JB, Teixeira M, Saraiva LM. New genes implicated in the protection of anaerobically grown Escherichia coli against nitric oxide. J Biol Chem 2004; 280:2636-43. [PMID: 15546870 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m411070200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide produced by activated macrophages plays a key role as one of the immune system's weapons against pathogens. Because the lifetime of nitric oxide is short in aerobic conditions, whereas in anaerobic conditions the cytotoxic effects of nitric oxide are greatly increased as in the infection/inflammation processes, it is important to establish which systems are able to detoxify nitric oxide under anaerobic conditions. In the present work a new set of Escherichia coli K-12 genes conferring anaerobic resistance to nitric oxide is presented, namely the gene product of YtfE and a potential transcriptional regulator of the helix-turn-helix LysR-type (YidZ). The crucial role of flavohemoglobin for anaerobic nitric oxide protection is also demonstrated. Furthermore, nitric oxide is shown to cause a significant alteration of the global E. coli gene transcription profile that includes the increase of the transcript level of genes encoding for detoxification enzymes, iron-sulfur cluster assembly systems, DNA-repairing enzymes, and stress response regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Justino
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Apartado 127, Avenida da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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46
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Abstract
The flavodiiron proteins (first named as A-type flavoproteins) constitute a large superfamily of enzymes, widespread among anaerobic and facultative anaerobic prokaryotes, from both the Archaea and Bacteria domains. Noticeably, genes encoding for homologous enzymes are also present in the genomes of some pathogenic and anaerobic amitochondriate protozoa. The fingerprint of this enzyme family is the conservation of a two-domain structural core, built by a metallo-beta-lactamase-like domain, at the N-terminal region, harbouring a non-heme diiron site, and a flavodoxin-like domain, containing one FMN moiety. These enzymes have a significant nitric oxide reductase activity, and there is increasing evidence that they are involved in microbial resistance to nitric oxide. In this review, we will discuss available data for this novel family of enzymes, including their physicochemical properties, structural and phylogenetic analyses, enzymatic properties and the molecular genetic approaches so far used to tackle their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lígia M Saraiva
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Apartado 127 Avenida da República (EAN), 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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47
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Victor BL, Vicente JB, Rodrigues R, Oliveira S, Rodrigues-Pousada C, Frazão C, Gomes CM, Teixeira M, Soares CM. Docking and electron transfer studies between rubredoxin and rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase. J Biol Inorg Chem 2003; 8:475-88. [PMID: 12761668 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-002-0440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2002] [Accepted: 12/09/2002] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The interaction and electron transfer (ET) between rubredoxin (Rd) and rubredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase (ROO) from Desulfovibrio gigas is studied by molecular modelling techniques. Experimental kinetic assays using recombinant proteins show that the Rd reoxidation by ROO displays a bell-shaped dependence on ionic strength, suggesting a non-trivial electrostatic dependence of the interaction between these two proteins. Rigid docking studies reveal a prevalence for Rd to interact, in a very specific way, with the surface of the ROO dimer near its FMN cofactors. The optimization of the lowest energy complexes, using molecular dynamics simulation, shows a very tight interaction between the surface of the two proteins, with a high probability for Rd residues (but not the iron centre directly) to be in direct contact with the FMN cofactors of ROO. Both electrostatics and van der Waals interactions contribute to the final energy of the complex. In these complexes, the major contributions for complex formation are polar interactions between acidic residues of Rd and basic residues of ROO, plus substantial non-polar interactions between different groups. Important residues for this process are identified. ET estimates (using the Pathways model), in the optimized lowest energy complexes, suggest that these configurations are efficient for transferring electrons. The experimental bell-shaped dependence of kinetics on ionic strength is analysed in view of the molecular modelling results, and hypotheses for the molecular basis of this phenomenon are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno L Victor
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Apt 127, Av República, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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48
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Gomes CM, Giuffrè A, Forte E, Vicente JB, Saraiva LM, Brunori M, Teixeira M. A novel type of nitric-oxide reductase. Escherichia coli flavorubredoxin. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:25273-6. [PMID: 12101220 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m203886200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli flavorubredoxin is a member of the family of the A-type flavoproteins, which are built by two core domains: a metallo-beta-lactamase-like domain, at the N-terminal region, harboring a non-heme di-iron site, and a flavodoxin-like domain, containing one FMN moiety. The enzyme from E. coli has an extra module at the C terminus, containing a rubredoxin-like center. The A-type flavoproteins are widespread among strict and facultative anaerobes, as deduced from the analysis of the complete prokaryotic genomes. In this report we showed that the recombinant enzyme purified from E. coli has nitric-oxide reductase activity with a turnover number of approximately 15 mol of NO.mol enzyme(-1).s(-1), which was well within the range of those determined for the canonical heme b(3)-Fe(B) containing nitric-oxide reductases (e.g. approximately 10-50 mol NO.mol enzyme(-1).s(-1) for the Paracoccus denitrificans NOR). Furthermore, it was shown that the activity was due to the A-type flavoprotein core, as the rubredoxin domain alone exhibited no activity. Thus, a novel family of prokaryotic NO reductases, with a non-heme di-iron site as the catalytic center, was established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio M Gomes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, APT 127, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
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49
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Vicente JB, Gomes CM, Wasserfallen A, Teixeira M. Module fusion in an A-type flavoprotein from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis condenses a multiple-component pathway in a single polypeptide chain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2002; 294:82-7. [PMID: 12054744 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)00434-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The A-type flavoproteins (ATF) are modular proteins involved in multi-component electron transfer pathways, having oxygen reductase activity. They are complex flavoproteins containing two distinct structural domains, one having an FMN in a flavodoxin-like fold and the other a binuclear iron centre within a metallo-beta-lactamase-like fold. Here, we report the purification and characterisation of a recombinant ATF from the cyanobacterium Synechoystis sp. PCC 6803, which has the unique feature of comprising an additional third domain with similarities towards flavin:NAD(P)H reductases. The latter was expressed independently as a truncated protein form and found to be capable of receiving electrons from NADH as well as to indiscriminately bind either one FAD or one FMN with equivalent affinities. Further kinetic studies have shown that the intact ATF is an NADH:oxygen oxidoreductase, with the catalytic ability to fully reduce oxygen to water. Thus, this constitutes an example on how structural modules found within partner proteins from an electron transfer pathway can be combined in a single polypeptide chain achieving identical catalytic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- João B Vicente
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, Apt 127, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
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50
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Gomes CM, Vicente JB, Wasserfallen A, Teixeira M. Spectroscopic studies and characterization of a novel electron-transfer chain from Escherichia coli involving a flavorubredoxin and its flavoprotein reductase partner. Biochemistry 2000; 39:16230-7. [PMID: 11123953 DOI: 10.1021/bi001844y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A novel two-component enzyme system from Escherichia coli involving a flavorubredoxin (FlRd) and its reductase was studied in terms of spectroscopic, redox, and biochemical properties of its constituents. FlRd contains one FMN and one rubredoxin (Rd) center per monomer. To assess the role of the Rd domain, FlRd and a truncated form lacking the Rd domain (FlRdDeltaRd), were characterized. FlRd contains 2.9+/-0.5 iron atoms/subunit, whereas FlRdDeltaRd contains 2.1+/-0.6 iron atoms/subunit. While for FlRd one iron atom corresponds to the Rd center, the other two irons, also present in FlRdDeltaRd, are most probably due to a di-iron site. Redox titrations of FlRd using EPR and visible spectroscopies allowed us to determine that the Rd site has a reduction potential of -140+/-15 mV, whereas the FMN undergoes reduction via a red-semiquinone, at -140+/-15 mV (Fl(ox)/Fl(sq)) and -180+/-15 mV (Fl(sq)/Fl(red)), at pH 7.6. The Rd site has the lowest potential ever reported for a Rd center, which may be correlated with specific amino acid substitutions close to both cysteine clusters. The gene adjacent to that encoding FlRd was found to code for an FAD-containing protein, (flavo)rubredoxin reductase (FlRd-reductase), which is capable of mediating electron transfer from NADH to Desulfovibrio gigas Rd as well as to E. coli FlRd. Furthermore, electron donation was found to proceed through the Rd domain of FlRd as the Rd-truncated protein does not react with FlRd-reductase. In vitro, this pathway links NADH oxidation with dioxygen reduction. The possible function of this chain is discussed considering the presence of FlRd homologues in all known genomes of anaerobes and facultative aerobes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Gomes
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, Apt 127, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
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