1
|
Mori M, Cocorullo M, Tresoldi A, Cazzaniga G, Gelain A, Stelitano G, Chiarelli LR, Tomaiuolo M, Delre P, Mangiatordi GF, Garofalo M, Cassetta A, Covaceuszach S, Villa S, Meneghetti F. Structural basis for specific inhibition of salicylate synthase from Mycobacterium abscessus. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116073. [PMID: 38169270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116073] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Blocking iron uptake and metabolism has been emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for the development of novel antimicrobial compounds. Like all mycobacteria, M. abscessus (Mab) has evolved several countermeasures to scavenge iron from host carrier proteins, including the production of siderophores, which play a crucial role in these processes. In this study, we solved, for the first time, the crystal structure of Mab-SaS, the first enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of siderophores. Moreover, we screened a small, focused library and identified a compound exhibiting a potent inhibitory effect against Mab-SaS (IC50 ≈ 2 μM). Its binding mode was investigated by means of Induced Fit Docking simulations, performed on the crystal structure presented herein. Furthermore, cytotoxicity data and pharmacokinetic predictions revealed the safety and drug-likeness of this class of compounds. Finally, the crystallographic data were used to optimize the model for future virtual screening campaigns. Taken together, the findings of our study pave the way for the identification of potent Mab-SaS inhibitors, based on both established and unexplored chemotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Mori
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Cocorullo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Tresoldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Cazzaniga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Gelain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stelitano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laurent R Chiarelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Via A. Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Tomaiuolo
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S.14 - Km. 163.5, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Pietro Delre
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Via G. Amendola 122/o, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe F Mangiatordi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Via G. Amendola 122/o, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Garofalo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, via F. Marzolo 5, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Cassetta
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S.14 - Km. 163.5, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S.14 - Km. 163.5, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Stefania Villa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Fiorella Meneghetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mori M, Ghirga F, Amato B, Secco L, Quaglio D, Romeo I, Gambirasi M, Bergamo A, Covaceuszach S, Sgarra R, Botta B, Manfioletti G. Selection of Natural Compounds with HMGA-Interfering Activities and Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity. ACS Omega 2023; 8:32424-32431. [PMID: 37720761 PMCID: PMC10500574 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
HMGA proteins are intrinsically disordered (ID) chromatin architectural factors characterized by three DNA binding domains (AT-hooks) that allow them to bind into the DNA minor groove of AT-rich stretches. HMGA are functionally involved in regulating transcription, RNA processing, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling and dynamics. These proteins are highly expressed and play essential functions during embryonic development. They are almost undetectable in adult tissues but are re-expressed at high levels in all cancers where they are involved in neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. We focused on identifying new small molecules capable of binding into the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences that could compete with HMGA for DNA binding and, thus, potentially interfere with their activities. Here, a docking-based virtual screening of a unique high diversity in-house library composed of around 1000 individual natural products identified 16 natural compounds as potential minor groove binders that could inhibit the interaction between HMGA and DNA. To verify the ability of these selected compounds to compete with HMGA proteins, we screened them using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We identified Sorocein C, a Diels-Alder (D-A)-type adducts, isolated from Sorocea ilicifolia and Sorocea bonplandii with an HMGA/DNA-displacing activity and compared its activity with that of two structurally related compounds, Sorocein A and Sorocein B. All these compounds showed a cytotoxicity effect on cancer cells, suggesting that the Sorocein-structural family may provide new and yet unexplored chemotypes for the development of minor groove binders to be evaluated as anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Beatrice Amato
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Luca Secco
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Marta Gambirasi
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Alberta Bergamo
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Institute
of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Basovizza, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Covaceuszach S, Lamba D. The NGF R100W Mutation, Associated with Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy Type V, Specifically Affects the Binding Energetic Landscapes of NGF and of Its Precursor proNGF and p75NTR. Biology 2023; 12:biology12030364. [PMID: 36979056 PMCID: PMC10045213 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030364] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), the prototype of the neurotrophin family, stimulates morphological differentiation and regulates neuronal gene expression by binding to TrkA and p75NTR receptors. It plays a critical role in maintaining the function and phenotype of peripheral sensory and sympathetic neurons and in mediating pain transmission and perception during adulthood. A point mutation in the NGFB gene (leading to the amino acid substitution R100W) is responsible for Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathy type V (HSAN V), leading to a congenital pain insensitivity with no clear cognitive impairments, but with alterations in the NGF/proNGF balance. The available crystal structures of the p75NTR/NGF and 2p75NTR/proNGF complexes offer a starting point for Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations in order to capture the impact of the R100W mutation on their binding energetic landscapes and to unveil the molecular determinants that trigger their different physiological and pathological outcomes. The present in silico studies highlight that the stability and the binding energetic fingerprints in the 2p75NTR/proNGF complex is not affected by R100W mutation, which on the contrary, deeply affects the energetic landscape, and thus the stability in the p75NTR/NGF complex. Overall, these findings present insights into the structural basis of the molecular mechanisms beyond the clinical manifestations of HSAN V patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario “Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi”, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Paoletti F, Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Calabrese AN, Novak U, Konarev P, Grdadolnik J, Lamba D, Golič Grdadolnik S. Distinct conformational changes occur within the intrinsically unstructured pro-domain of pro-Nerve Growth Factor in the presence of ATP and Mg 2. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4563. [PMID: 36605018 PMCID: PMC9878617 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4563] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), the prototypical neurotrophic factor, is involved in the maintenance and growth of specific neuronal populations, whereas its precursor, proNGF, is involved in neuronal apoptosis. Binding of NGF or proNGF to TrkA, p75NTR , and VP10p receptors triggers complex intracellular signaling pathways that can be modulated by endogenous small-molecule ligands. Here, we show by isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR that ATP binds to the intrinsically disordered pro-peptide of proNGF with a micromolar dissociation constant. We demonstrate that Mg2+ , known to play a physiological role in neurons, modulates the ATP/proNGF interaction. An integrative structural biophysics analysis by small angle X-ray scattering and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry unveils that ATP binding induces a conformational rearrangement of the flexible pro-peptide domain of proNGF. This suggests that ATP may act as an allosteric modulator of the overall proNGF conformation, whose likely distinct biological activity may ultimately affect its physiological homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paoletti
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory DepartmentNational Institute of ChemistryLjubljanaSlovenia
| | | | - Alberto Cassetta
- Institute of Crystallography—C.N.R.—Trieste OutstationTriesteItaly
| | - Antonio N. Calabrese
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Urban Novak
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory DepartmentNational Institute of ChemistryLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Petr Konarev
- A.V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics”Russian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Jože Grdadolnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory DepartmentNational Institute of ChemistryLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Institute of Crystallography—C.N.R.—Trieste OutstationTriesteItaly
- Interuniversity Consortium “Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute”RomeItaly
| | - Simona Golič Grdadolnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory DepartmentNational Institute of ChemistryLjubljanaSlovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Covaceuszach S, Peche LY, Konarev PV, Grdadolnik J, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Untangling the Conformational Plasticity of V66M Human proBDNF Polymorphism as a Modifier of Psychiatric Disorder Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126596. [PMID: 35743044 PMCID: PMC9224406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genetic variant BDNF (V66M) represents the first example of neurotrophin family member that has been linked to psychiatric disorders. In order to elucidate structural differences that account for the effects in cognitive function, this hproBDNF polymorph was expressed, refolded, purified, and compared directly to the WT variant for the first time for differences in their 3D structures by DSF, limited proteolysis, FT-IR, and SAXS measurements in solution. Our complementary studies revealed a deep impact of V66M polymorphism on hproBDNF conformations in solution. Although the mean conformation in solution appears to be more compact in the V66M variant, overall, we demonstrated a large increase in flexibility in solution upon V66M mutation. Thus, considering that plasticity in IDR is crucial for protein function, the observed alterations may be related to the functional alterations in hproBDNF binding to its receptors p75NTR, sortilin, HAP1, and SorCS2. These effects can provoke altered intracellular neuronal trafficking and/or affect proBDNF physiological functions, leading to many brain-associated diseases and conditions such as cognitive impairment and anxiety. The structural alterations highlighted in the present study may pave the way to the development of drug discovery strategies to provide greater therapeutic responses and of novel pharmacologic strategy in human populations with this common polymorphism, ultimately guiding personalized medicine for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Leticia Yamila Peche
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Petr Valeryevich Konarev
- A.V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119333 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Joze Grdadolnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- European Brain Research Institute, 00161 Roma, Italy;
- Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
- Consorzio Interuniversitario “Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi”, 00136 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Semrau MS, Lolli G, Storici P, Giachin G, Covaceuszach S. Structural characterization of the PTG and PTG/PP1 complex. Acta Crystallogr A Found Adv 2021. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767321088437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
|
7
|
Covaceuszach S, Peche L, Konarev P, Lamba D. A combined evolutionary and structural approach to disclose the primary structural determinants essential for proneurotrophins biological functions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2891-2904. [PMID: 34094000 PMCID: PMC8144349 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophins, i.e., Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin 3 (NT3) and Neurotrophin 4 (NT4), are known to play a range of crucial functions in the developing and adult peripheral and central nervous systems. Initially synthesized as precursors, i.e., proneurotrophins (proNTs), that are cleaved to release C-terminal mature forms, they act through two types of receptors, the specific Trk receptors (Tropomyosin-related kinases) and the pan-neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, to initiate survival and differentiative responses. Recently, all the proNTs but proNT4 have been demonstrated to be not just inactive precursors, but signaling ligands that mediate opposing actions in fundamental aspects of the nervous system with respect to the mature counterparts through dual-receptor complexes formation with a member of the VPS10 family and p75NTR. Despite the functional relevance, the molecular determinants underpinning the interactions between the pro-domains and their receptors are still elusive probably due to their intrinsically disordered nature. Here we present an evolutionary approach coupled to an experimental study aiming to uncover the structural and dynamical basis of the biological function displayed by proNGF, proBDNF and proNT3 but missing in proNT4. A bioinformatic analysis allowed to elucidate the functional adaptability of the proNTs family in vertebrates, identifying conserved key structural features. The combined biochemical and SAXS experiments shed lights on the structure and dynamic behavior of the human proNTs in solution, giving insights on the evolutionary conserved structural motifs, essential for the multifaceted roles of proNTs in physiological as well as in pathological contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | - L.Y. Peche
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | - P.V. Konarev
- A.V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - D. Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium “Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute”, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paoletti F, Merzel F, Cassetta A, Ogris I, Covaceuszach S, Grdadolnik J, Lamba D, Golič Grdadolnik S. Endogenous modulators of neurotrophin signaling: Landscape of the transient ATP-NGF interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2938-2949. [PMID: 34136093 PMCID: PMC8164016 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.009] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
High-resolution solution NMR structure of rhNGF has been determined. Quinary interactions characterize ATP binding to rhNGF. SPR, ITC and STD-NMR reveal ATP binding to rhNGF with mM affinity. NMR and MD analysis pinpoint to the presence of two binding sites of ATP on rhNGF. Stoichiometry of ATP-Mg2+ or Zn2+-rhNGF mixtures affects KD affinity to TrkA/p75NTR.
The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) neurotrophin acts in the maintenance and growth of neuronal populations. Despite the detailed knowledge of NGF’s role in neuron physiology, the structural and mechanistic determinants of NGF bioactivity modulated by essential endogenous ligands are still lacking. We present the results of an integrated structural and advanced computational approach to characterize the extracellular ATP-NGF interaction. We mapped by NMR the interacting surface and ATP orientation on NGF and revealed the functional role of this interaction in the binding to TrkA and p75NTR receptors by SPR. The role of divalent ions was explored in conjunction with ATP. Our results pinpoint ATP as a likely transient molecular modulator of NGF signaling, in health and disease states.
Collapse
Key Words
- ARIA, Ambiguous Restraints for Iterative Assignment
- ATP modulation
- BDNF, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor
- CARA, Computer Aided Resonance Assignment
- CS-E, Chrondroitin Sulfate E
- CSP, Chemical Shift Perturbation
- DSF, Differential Scanning Fluorimetry
- EI-MS, Electron Ionization Mass Spectrometry
- Endogenous ligands
- FGF2, Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
- FT-IR, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
- HBD, Heparin Binding Domain
- HSQC, Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence
- ITC, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
- MALDI-TOF MS, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry
- MD, Molecular Dynamics
- MS, Mass Spectrometry
- NGF interactions
- NGF, Nerve Growth Factor
- NMR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- NOE, Nuclear Overhouser Effect
- NOESY, Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy
- NT, NeuroTrophin
- Neurotrophins
- P20, Polysorbate 20
- PME, Particle Mesh Ewald
- RMSD, Root Mean Square Deviation
- SAR, Structure-Activity Relationship
- SPR, Surface Plasmon Resonance
- STD, Saturation-Transfer Difference
- TrkA, Tyrosine Kinase Receptor A
- TrkA, p75NTR receptors
- p75NTR, p75 NeuroTrophin Receptor
- proNGF, proNGF – NGF precursor
- rh-proNGF, recombinant human proNGF – NGF precursor
- rhNGF, recombinant human NGF
- rmNGF, recombinant mouse NGF
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paoletti
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franci Merzel
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alberto Cassetta
- Institute of Crystallography - C.N.R.- Trieste Outstation. Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S.14 - Km. 163.5, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Iza Ogris
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Institute of Crystallography - C.N.R.- Trieste Outstation. Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S.14 - Km. 163.5, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Jože Grdadolnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Institute of Crystallography - C.N.R.- Trieste Outstation. Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S.14 - Km. 163.5, I-34149 Trieste, Italy.,Interuniversity Consortium "Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute", Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, I-00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Simona Golič Grdadolnik
- Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics, Theory Department, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maso L, Trande M, Liberi S, Moro G, Daems E, Linciano S, Sobott F, Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Fasolato S, Moretto LM, De Wael K, Cendron L, Angelini A. Unveiling the binding mode of perfluorooctanoic acid to human serum albumin. Protein Sci 2021; 30:830-841. [PMID: 33550662 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a toxic compound that is absorbed and distributed throughout the body by noncovalent binding to serum proteins such as human serum albumin (hSA). Though the interaction between PFOA and hSA has been already assessed using various analytical techniques, a high resolution and detailed analysis of the binding mode is still lacking. We report here the crystal structure of hSA in complex with PFOA and a medium-chain saturated fatty acid (FA). A total of eight distinct binding sites, four occupied by PFOAs and four by FAs, have been identified. In solution binding studies confirmed the 4:1 PFOA-hSA stoichiometry and revealed the presence of one high and three low affinity binding sites. Competition experiments with known hSA-binding drugs allowed locating the high affinity binding site in sub-domain IIIA. The elucidation of the molecular basis of the interaction between PFOA and hSA might provide not only a better assessment of the absorption and elimination mechanisms of these compounds in vivo but also have implications for the development of novel molecular receptors for diagnostic and biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Maso
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Matteo Trande
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
| | - Stefano Liberi
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
| | - Giulia Moro
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy.,Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elise Daems
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sara Linciano
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
| | - Frank Sobott
- Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology and School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Alberto Cassetta
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR, Trieste Outstation, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Ligia M Moretto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy
| | - Karolien De Wael
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Angelini
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Mestre, Italy.,European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Venice, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moro G, Bottari F, Liberi S, Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Angelini A, De Wael K, Moretto LM. Covalent immobilization of delipidated human serum albumin on poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic) acid film for the impedimetric detection of perfluorooctanoic acid. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 134:107540. [PMID: 32361666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The immobilization of biomolecules at screen printed electrodes for biosensing applications is still an open challenge. To enrich the toolbox of bioelectrochemists, graphite screen printed electrodes (G-SPE) were modified with an electropolymerized film of pyrrole-2-carboxilic acid (Py-2-COOH), a pyrrole derivative rich in carboxylic acid functional groups. These functionalities are suitable for the covalent immobilization of biomolecular recognition layers. The electropolymerization was first optimized to obtain stable and conductive polymeric films, comparing two different electrolytes: sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium perchlorate. The G-SPE modified with Py-2-COOH in 0.1 M SDS solution showed the required properties and were further tested. A proof-of-concept study for the development of an impedimetric sensor for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was carried out using the delipidated human serum albumin (hSA) as bioreceptor. The data interpretation was supported by size exclusion chromatography and small-angle X-ray scattering (SEC-SAXS) analysis of the bioreceptor-target complex and the preliminary results suggest the possibility to further develop this biosensing strategy for toxicological and analytical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Moro
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy; AXES Research Group, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; NANOlab Center of Excellence, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Fabio Bottari
- AXES Research Group, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; NANOlab Center of Excellence, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefano Liberi
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR, Trieste Outstation, Italy SS 14 km 163.5, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alberto Cassetta
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR, Trieste Outstation, Italy SS 14 km 163.5, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Angelini
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy; European Centre for Living Technology (ECLT), Ca' Bottacin, Dorsoduro 3911, Calle Crosera, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Karolien De Wael
- AXES Research Group, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; NANOlab Center of Excellence, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ligia Maria Moretto
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Mestre, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Signorino G, Covaceuszach S, Bozzi M, Hübner W, Mönkemöller V, Konarev PV, Cassetta A, Brancaccio A, Sciandra F. Cover Image, Volume 39, Issue 2. Hum Mutat 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.23391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
12
|
Signorino G, Covaceuszach S, Bozzi M, Hübner W, Mönkemöller V, Konarev PV, Cassetta A, Brancaccio A, Sciandra F. A dystroglycan mutation (p.Cys667Phe) associated to muscle-eye-brain disease with multicystic leucodystrophy results in ER-retention of the mutant protein. Hum Mutat 2017; 39:266-280. [PMID: 29134705 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Dystroglycan (DG) is a cell adhesion complex composed by two subunits, the highly glycosylated α-DG and the transmembrane β-DG. In skeletal muscle, DG is involved in dystroglycanopathies, a group of heterogeneous muscular dystrophies characterized by a reduced glycosylation of α-DG. The genes mutated in secondary dystroglycanopathies are involved in the synthesis of O-mannosyl glycans and in the O-mannosylation pathway of α-DG. Mutations in the DG gene (DAG1), causing primary dystroglycanopathies, destabilize the α-DG core protein influencing its binding to modifying enzymes. Recently, a homozygous mutation (p.Cys699Phe) hitting the β-DG ectodomain has been identified in a patient affected by muscle-eye-brain disease with multicystic leucodystrophy, suggesting that other mechanisms than hypoglycosylation of α-DG could be implicated in dystroglycanopathies. Herein, we have characterized the DG murine mutant counterpart by transfection in cellular systems and high-resolution microscopy. We observed that the mutation alters the DG processing leading to retention of its uncleaved precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum. Accordingly, small-angle X-ray scattering data, corroborated by biochemical and biophysical experiments, revealed that the mutation provokes an alteration in the β-DG ectodomain overall folding, resulting in disulfide-associated oligomerization. Our data provide the first evidence of a novel intracellular mechanism, featuring an anomalous endoplasmic reticulum-retention, underlying dystroglycanopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Signorino
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Bozzi
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.,Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare - CNR c/o Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Hübner
- Biomolecular Photonics, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Petr V Konarev
- A.V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre "Crystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 59, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alberto Cassetta
- Istituto di Cristallografia - CNR, Trieste Outstation, Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Brancaccio
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare - CNR c/o Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.,School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Sciandra
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare - CNR c/o Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Covaceuszach S, Bozzi M, Bigotti MG, Sciandra F, Konarev PV, Brancaccio A, Cassetta A. The effect of the pathological V72I, D109N and T190M missense mutations on the molecular structure of α-dystroglycan. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186110. [PMID: 29036200 PMCID: PMC5643065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystroglycan (DG) is a highly glycosylated protein complex that links the cytoskeleton with the extracellular matrix, mediating fundamental physiological functions such as mechanical stability of tissues, matrix organization and cell polarity. A crucial role in the glycosylation of the DG α subunit is played by its own N-terminal region that is required by the glycosyltransferase LARGE. Alteration in this O-glycosylation deeply impairs the high affinity binding to other extracellular matrix proteins such as laminins. Recently, three missense mutations in the gene encoding DG, mapped in the α-DG N-terminal region, were found to be responsible for hypoglycosylated states, causing congenital diseases of different severity referred as primary dystroglycanopaties.To gain insight on the molecular basis of these disorders, we investigated the crystallographic and solution structures of these pathological point mutants, namely V72I, D109N and T190M. Small Angle X-ray Scattering analysis reveals that these mutations affect the structures in solution, altering the distribution between compact and more elongated conformations. These results, supported by biochemical and biophysical assays, point to an altered structural flexibility of the mutant α-DG N-terminal region that may have repercussions on its interaction with LARGE and/or other DG-modifying enzymes, eventually reducing their catalytic efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Bozzi
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica Clinica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare—CNR c/o Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Sciandra
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare—CNR c/o Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Petr V. Konarev
- A.V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrea Brancaccio
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare—CNR c/o Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Cassetta
- Istituto di Cristallografia–CNR, Trieste Outstation, Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Covaceuszach S, Bozzi M, Bigotti MG, Sciandra F, Konarev PV, Brancaccio A, Cassetta A. Structural flexibility of human α-dystroglycan. FEBS Open Bio 2017; 7:1064-1077. [PMID: 28781947 PMCID: PMC5537065 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystroglycan (DG), composed of α and β subunits, belongs to the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex. α-DG is an extracellular matrix protein that undergoes a complex post-translational glycosylation process. The bifunctional glycosyltransferase like-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (LARGE) plays a crucial role in the maturation of α-DG, enabling its binding to laminin. We have already structurally analyzed the N-terminal region of murine α-DG (α-DG-Nt) and of a pathological single point mutant that may affect recognition of LARGE, although the structural features of the potential interaction between LARGE and DG remain elusive. We now report on the crystal structure of the wild-type human α-DG-Nt that has allowed us to assess the reliability of our murine crystallographic structure as a α-DG-Nt general model. Moreover, we address for the first time both structures in solution. Interestingly, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reveals the existence of two main protein conformations ensembles. The predominant species is reminiscent of the crystal structure, while the less populated one assumes a more extended fold. A comparative analysis of the human and murine α-DG-Nt solution structures reveals that the two proteins share a common interdomain flexibility and population distribution of the two conformers. This is confirmed by the very similar stability displayed by the two orthologs as assessed by biochemical and biophysical experiments. These results highlight the need to take into account the molecular plasticity of α-DG-Nt in solution, as it can play an important role in the functional interactions with other binding partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Manuela Bozzi
- Istituto di Biochimica e Biochimica ClinicaUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomaItaly
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento MolecolareCNR c/o Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomaItaly
| | | | - Francesca Sciandra
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento MolecolareCNR c/o Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomaItaly
| | - Petr Valeryevich Konarev
- Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography of Federal Scientific Research Centre“Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
- National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”MoscowRussia
| | - Andrea Brancaccio
- Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento MolecolareCNR c/o Università Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomaItaly
- School of BiochemistryUniversity of BristolUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Devescovi G, Kojic M, Covaceuszach S, Cámara M, Williams P, Bertani I, Subramoni S, Venturi V. Negative Regulation of Violacein Biosynthesis in Chromobacterium violaceum. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:349. [PMID: 28326068 PMCID: PMC5339254 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In Chromobacteium violaceum, the purple pigment violacein is under positive regulation by the N-acylhomoserine lactone CviI/R quorum sensing system and negative regulation by an uncharacterized putative repressor. In this study we report that the biosynthesis of violacein is negatively controlled by a novel repressor protein, VioS. The violacein operon is regulated negatively by VioS and positively by the CviI/R system in both C. violaceum and in a heterologous Escherichia coli genetic background. VioS does not regulate the CviI/R system and apart from violacein, VioS, and quorum sensing regulate other phenotypes antagonistically. Quorum sensing regulated phenotypes in C. violaceum are therefore further regulated providing an additional level of control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Devescovi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Milan Kojic
- Laboratory for Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Cristallografia, U.O.S di Trieste Trieste, Italy
| | - Miguel Cámara
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Williams
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham Nottingham, UK
| | - Iris Bertani
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Sujatha Subramoni
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Venturi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Paoletti F, de Chiara C, Kelly G, Covaceuszach S, Malerba F, Yan R, Lamba D, Cattaneo A, Pastore A. Conformational Rigidity within Plasticity Promotes Differential Target Recognition of Nerve Growth Factor. Front Mol Biosci 2016; 3:83. [PMID: 28083536 PMCID: PMC5183593 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2016.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), the prototype of the neurotrophin family, is essential for maintenance and growth of different neuronal populations. The X-ray crystal structure of NGF has been known since the early '90s and shows a β-sandwich fold with extensive loops that are involved in the interaction with its binding partners. Understanding the dynamical properties of these loops is thus important for molecular recognition. We present here a combined solution NMR/molecular dynamics study which addresses the question of whether and how much the long loops of NGF are flexible and describes the N-terminal intrinsic conformational tendency of the unbound NGF molecule. NMR titration experiments allowed identification of a previously undetected epitope of the anti-NGF antagonist antibody αD11 which will be of crucial importance for future drug lead discovery. The present study thus recapitulates all the available structural information and unveils the conformational versatility of the relatively rigid NGF loops upon functional ligand binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paoletti
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | | | - Geoff Kelly
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Biomedical NMR Centre, The Francis Crick Institute London, UK
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sede Secondaria di Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Robert Yan
- Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sede Secondaria di Basovizza Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research, Rita Levi-Montalcini FoundationRome, Italy; Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- Maurice Wohl Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondon, UK; Molecular Medicine Department, University of PaviaPavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
da Silva DP, Patel HK, González JF, Devescovi G, Meng X, Covaceuszach S, Lamba D, Subramoni S, Venturi V. Studies on synthetic LuxR solo hybrids. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2015; 5:52. [PMID: 26151032 PMCID: PMC4471428 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A sub-group of LuxR family of proteins that plays important roles in quorum sensing, a process of cell-cell communication, is widespread in proteobacteria. These proteins have a typical modular structure consisting of N-ter autoinducer binding and C-ter helix-turn-helix (HTH) DNA binding domains. The autoinducer binding domain recognizes signaling molecules which are most often N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) but could also be other novel and yet unidentified molecules. In this study we carried out a series of specific domain swapping and promoter activation experiments as a first step to engineer synthetic signaling modules, taking advantage of the modularity and the versatile/diverse signal specificities of LuxR proteins. In our experiments the N-ter domains from different LuxR homologs were either interchanged or placed in tandem followed by a C-ter domain. The rational design of the hybrid proteins was supported by a structure-based homology modeling studies of three members of the LuxR family (i.e., LasR, RhlR, and OryR being chosen for their unique ligand binding specificities) and of selected chimeras. Our results reveal that these LuxR homologs were able to activate promoter elements that were not their usual targets; we also show that hybrid LuxR proteins retained the ability to recognize the signal specific for their N- ter autoinducer binding domain. However, the activity of hybrid LuxR proteins containing two AHL binding domains in tandem appears to depend on the organization and nature of the introduced domains. This study represents advances in the understanding of the modularity of LuxR proteins and provides additional possibilities to use hybrid proteins in both basic and applied synthetic biology based research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Passos da Silva
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy ; Centro de Ciencias da Saude, Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hitendra K Patel
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Juan F González
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Devescovi
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Xianfa Meng
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Unità Organizzativa di Supporto di Basovizza (Trieste), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Trieste, Italy
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Unità Organizzativa di Supporto di Basovizza (Trieste), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Trieste, Italy
| | - Sujatha Subramoni
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Venturi
- Bacteriology and Plant Bacteriology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Covaceuszach S, Konarev PV, Cassetta A, Paoletti F, Svergun DI, Lamba D, Cattaneo A. The conundrum of the high-affinity NGF binding site formation unveiled? Biophys J 2015; 108:687-97. [PMID: 25650935 PMCID: PMC4317559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.11.3485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The homodimer NGF (nerve growth factor) exerts its neuronal activity upon binding to either or both distinct transmembrane receptors TrkA and p75(NTR). Functionally relevant interactions between NGF and these receptors have been proposed, on the basis of binding and signaling experiments. Namely, a ternary TrkA/NGF/p75(NTR) complex is assumed to be crucial for the formation of the so-called high-affinity NGF binding sites. However, the existence, on the cell surface, of direct extracellular interactions is still a matter of controversy. Here, supported by a small-angle x-ray scattering solution study of human NGF, we propose that it is the oligomerization state of the secreted NGF that may drive the formation of the ternary heterocomplex. Our data demonstrate the occurrence in solution of a concentration-dependent distribution of dimers and dimer of dimers. A head-to-head molecular assembly configuration of the NGF dimer of dimers has been validated. Overall, these findings prompted us to suggest a new, to our knowledge, model for the transient ternary heterocomplex, i.e., a TrkA/NGF/p75(NTR) ligand/receptors molecular assembly with a (2:4:2) stoichiometry. This model would neatly solve the problem posed by the unconventional orientation of p75(NTR) with respect to TrkA, as being found in the crystal structures of the TrkA/NGF and p75(NTR)/NGF complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | - Petr V Konarev
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Crystallography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alberto Cassetta
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Dmitri I Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Outstation, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- European Brain Research Institute, Roma, Italy; Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Patel HK, Ferrante P, Covaceuszach S, Lamba D, Scortichini M, Venturi V. The kiwifruit emerging pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae does not produce AHLs but possesses three luxR solos. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87862. [PMID: 24498215 PMCID: PMC3909224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is an emerging phytopathogen causing bacterial canker disease in kiwifruit plants worldwide. Quorum sensing (QS) gene regulation plays important roles in many different bacterial plant pathogens. In this study we analyzed the presence and possible role of N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing in Psa. It was established that Psa does not produce AHLs and that a typical complete LuxI/R QS system is absent in Psa strains. Psa however possesses three putative luxR solos designated here as PsaR1, PsaR2 and PsaR3. PsaR2 belongs to the sub-family of LuxR solos present in many plant associated bacteria (PAB) that binds and responds to yet unknown plant signal molecules. PsaR1 and PsaR3 are highly similar to LuxRs which bind AHLs and are part of the canonical LuxI/R AHL QS systems. Mutation in all the three luxR solos of Psa showed reduction of in planta survival and also showed additive effect if more than one solo was inactivated in double mutants. Gene promoter analysis revealed that the three solos are not auto-regulated and investigated their possible role in several bacterial phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Ferrante
- Research Centre for Fruit Crops, Agricultural Research Council, Roma, Italy
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, U.O.S di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, U.O.S di Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Scortichini
- Research Centre for Fruit Crops, Agricultural Research Council, Roma, Italy
- Research Unit for Fruit Trees, Agricultural Research Council, Caserta, Italy
| | - Vittorio Venturi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chiusaroli R, Visentini M, Galimberti C, Casseler C, Mennuni L, Covaceuszach S, Lanza M, Ugolini G, Caselli G, Rovati LC, Visintin M. Targeting of ADAMTS5's ancillary domain with the recombinant mAb CRB0017 ameliorates disease progression in a spontaneous murine model of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2013; 21:1807-10. [PMID: 23954517 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE ADAMTS5 (aggrecanase-2) has been demonstrated to be crucial in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), by use of several mouse mutants carrying either truncated, catalytically inactive enzymes or aggrecanase-resistant mutant aggrecan. We have selected recombinant monoclonal antibodies directed against ADAMTS5, by using Intracellular Antibody Capture Technology (IACT). CRB0017 revealed very high affinity for the enzyme in Biacore analyses and very good specificity in a panel of binding assays. Therefore, we tested CRB0017 in a relevant spontaneous OA model, the STR/ort mouse. DESIGN STR/ort male mice were recruited at 5 months of age, and treated intra-articularly in each knee with CRB0017 1.2 μg, CRB0017 12 μg, or vehicle. After 6 weeks, the intra-articular administration of CRB0017 was repeated with the same doses. After 3 months from recruitment, the animals were sacrificed and the femorotibial joints processed for histology and scored in a blind fashion according to both Mankin's and the OARSI methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS All histological scores were significantly decreased in the CRB0017 12 μg/knee group compared to vehicle, while administration of CRB0017 1.2 μg was associated with a trend to a decrease in the same parameters. Therefore, CRB0017 administered twice in 3 months could modify the course of OA in the STR/ort mouse, by delaying cartilage breakdown as assessed histologically. The procedure of blind scoring of the histological samples clearly showed that knee intra-articular administration of CRB0017, an anti-ADAMTS5 antibody, dose-dependently improved disease progression in a relevant animal model of OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Chiusaroli
- R&D Division, Rottapharm S.p.A., 20900 Monza, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Covaceuszach S, Degrassi G, Venturi V, Lamba D. Structural insights into a novel interkingdom signaling circuit by cartography of the ligand-binding sites of the homologous quorum sensing LuxR-family. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:20578-96. [PMID: 24132148 PMCID: PMC3821632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141020578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have identified a novel interkingdom signaling circuit, via plant signaling molecules, and a bacterial sub-family of LuxR proteins, bridging eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Indeed pivotal plant-bacteria interactions are regulated by the so called Plant Associated Bacteria (PAB) LuxR solo regulators that, although closely related to the quorum sensing (QS) LuxR family, do not bind or respond to canonical quorum sensing N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), but only to specific host plant signal molecules. The large body of structural data available for several members of the QS LuxR family complexed with different classes of ligands (AHLs and other compounds), has been exploited to dissect the cartography of their regulatory domains through structure-based multiple sequence alignments, structural superimposition and a comparative analysis of the contact residues involved in ligand binding. In the absence of experimentally determined structures of members of the PAB LuxR solos subfamily, an homology model of its prototype OryR is presented, aiming to elucidate the architecture of its ligand-binding site. The obtained model, in combination with the cartography of the regulatory domains of the homologous QS LuxRs, provides novel insights into the 3D structure of its ligand-binding site and unveils the probable molecular determinants responsible for differences in selectivity towards specific host plant signal molecules, rather than to canonical QS compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Covaceuszach
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Area Science Park-Basovizza, S.S. n° 14 Km 163.5, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Giuliano Degrassi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; E-Mail:
- IBIOBA-CONICET-ICGEB, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Scientific and Technological Center, Godoy Cruz 2390, C1425FQD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vittorio Venturi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; E-Mail:
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (V.V.); (D.L.); Tel.: +39-40-3757319 (V.V.); +39-40-3758514 (D.L.); Fax: +39-40-226555 (V.V.); +39-40-9221126 (D.L.)
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Area Science Park-Basovizza, S.S. n° 14 Km 163.5, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; E-Mail:
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (V.V.); (D.L.); Tel.: +39-40-3757319 (V.V.); +39-40-3758514 (D.L.); Fax: +39-40-226555 (V.V.); +39-40-9221126 (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Covaceuszach S, Marinelli S, Krastanova I, Ugolini G, Pavone F, Lamba D, Cattaneo A. Single cycle structure-based humanization of an anti-nerve growth factor therapeutic antibody. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32212. [PMID: 22403636 PMCID: PMC3293900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Most forms of chronic pain are inadequately treated by present therapeutic options. Compelling evidence has accumulated, demonstrating that Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a key modulator of inflammatory and nociceptive responses, and is a promising target for the treatment of human pathologies linked to chronic and inflammatory pain. There is therefore a growing interest in the development of therapeutic molecules antagonising the NGF pathway and its nociceptor sensitization actions, among which function-blocking anti-NGF antibodies are particularly relevant candidates. In this respect, the rat anti-NGF αD11 monoclonal antibody (mAb) is a potent antagonist, able to effectively antagonize rodent and human NGF in a variety of in vitro and in vivo systems. Here we show that mAb αD11 displays a significant analgesic effect in two different models of persistent pain in mice, with a remarkable long-lasting activity. In order to advance αD11 mAb towards its clinical application in man, anti-NGF αD11 mAb was humanized by applying a novel single cycle strategy based on the a priori experimental determination of the crystal and molecular structure of the parental Fragment antigen-binding (Fab). The humanized antibody (hum-αD11) was tested in vitro and in vivo, showing that the binding mode and the NGF neutralizing biological activities of the parental antibody are fully preserved, with even a significant affinity improvement. The results firmly establish hum-αD11 as a lead candidate for clinical applications in a therapeutic area with a severe unmet medical need. More generally, the single-cycle structure-based humanization method represents a considerable improvement over the standard humanization methods, which are intrinsically empirical and require several refinement cycles.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Analgesics/chemistry
- Analgesics/immunology
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Analgesics/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/chemistry
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Antibody Specificity
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Drug Design
- Formaldehyde/adverse effects
- Humans
- Mice
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Nerve Growth Factor/chemistry
- Nerve Growth Factor/immunology
- Neuralgia/chemically induced
- Neuralgia/drug therapy
- Protein Conformation
- Rats
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Covaceuszach
- Lay Line Genomics, SpA, Roma, Italy
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Marinelli
- Istituto di Biologia Cellulare e Neurobiologia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Roma, Italy
| | - Ivet Krastanova
- Structural Biology Laboratory, Sincrotrone Trieste, S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Flaminia Pavone
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | - Doriano Lamba
- Istituto di Cristallografia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- European Brain Research Institute, Roma, Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Covaceuszach S, Capsoni S, Marinelli S, Pavone F, Ceci M, Ugolini G, Vignone D, Amato G, Paoletti F, Lamba D, Cattaneo A. In vitro receptor binding properties of a “painless” NGF mutein, linked to hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy type V. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 391:824-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.11.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
24
|
Covaceuszach S, Capsoni S, Ugolini G, Spirito F, Vignone D, Cattaneo A. Development of a non invasive NGF-based therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2009; 6:158-70. [PMID: 19355851 DOI: 10.2174/156720509787602870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) deficits are linked to Alzheimer's Disease (AD), due to the role of NGF on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN). We have further established that a disequilibrium in NGF signaling and/or processing from its precursor proNGF is also directly and causally related to the aberrant activation of an amyloidogenic route to neurodegeneration. The therapeutic potential of using human NGF to provide a long-lasting cholinergic trophic support, thereby preventing or slowing cognitive decline in AD patients, has therefore a strong rationale. However, a simple and practical means of delivering NGF to the brain in a safe and long-term manner, limiting the undesired adverse effects of NGF in activating nociceptive responses, has represented a significant challenge. For this reason, pilot clinical studies have been performed so far with invasive approaches requiring neurosurgery. We obtained a proof of principle, in neurodegeneration animal models, of an alternative, non-invasive delivery of NGF through an intranasal route, which facilitates access of NGF to the central nervous system (CNS), while minimizing the biodistribution of NGF to compartments where it activates undesired effects, such as pain. The ideal NGF product for a non invasive NGF-based therapy would be a recombinant NGF that, while exhibiting an identical biological activity to that of human NGF, can be traced, against the endogenous NGF, in order to optimize the therapeutical dose range and meet the required therapeutic window. We describe an engineered mutein of hNGF, hNGF-61, that is selectively recognized, against endogenous NGF, by a specific antibody. hNGF-61 mutein has an identical potency and bioactivity profile as hNGF, in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, hNGF-61 and hNGF are equally effective in rescuing the behavioral and neurodegenerative phenotype in adult and aged AD11 anti-NGF mice. Finally, we demonstrated that intranasally delivered hNGF-61 is significantly more effective than ocularly applied hNGF-61, to determine phenotypic rescue in AD11 mice. The development of hNGF-61 towards clinical applications in AD patients is under way.
Collapse
|
25
|
Paoletti F, Covaceuszach S, Konarev PV, Gonfloni S, Malerba F, Schwarz E, Svergun DI, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Intrinsic structural disorder of mouse proNGF. Proteins 2009; 75:990-1009. [PMID: 19089979 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The unprocessed precursor of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), proNGF, has additional functions, besides its initially described role as a chaperone for NGF folding. The precursor protein endows apoptotic and/or neurotrophic properties, in contrast to the mature part. The structural and molecular basis for such distinct activities are presently unknown. Aiming to gain insights into the specific molecular interactions that govern rm-proNGF biological activities versus those of its mature counterpart, a structural study by synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in solution was carried out. The different binding properties of the two proteins were investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using, as structural probes, a panel of anti-NGF antibodies and the soluble forms of TrkA and p75(NTR) receptors. SAXS measurements revealed the rm-proNGF to be dimeric and anisometric, with the propeptide domain being intrinsically unstructured. Ab initio reconstructions assuming twofold symmetry generated two types of structural models, a globular "crab-like" and an elongated shape that resulted in equally good fits of the scattering data. A novel method accounting for possible coexistence of different conformations contributing to the experimental scattering pattern, with no symmetry constraints, suggests the "crab-like" to be a more likely proNGF conformation. To exploit the potential of chemical stabilizers affecting the existing conformational protein populations, SAXS data were also collected in the presence of ammonium sulphate. An increase of the proNGF compactness was observed. SPR data pinpoints that the propeptide of proNGF may act as an intrinsically unstructured protein domain, characterized by a molecular promiscuity in the interaction/binding to multiple partners (TrkA and p75(NTR) receptors and a panel of neutralizing anti-NGF antibodies) depending on the physiological conditions of the cell. These data provide a first insight into the structural basis for the selectivity of mouse short proNGF, versus NGF, towards its binding partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paoletti
- SISSA-ISAS, Building Q1, Area Science Park - Basovizza, S.S 14 Km 163.5, 34012 Trieste, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Capsoni S, Covaceuszach S, Ugolini G, Spirito F, Vignone D, Stefanini B, Amato G, Cattaneo A. Delivery of NGF to the Brain: Intranasal versus Ocular Administration in Anti-NGF Transgenic Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 16:371-88. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-2009-0953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Lay Line Genomics S.p.A., Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (Foundation EBRI Rita Levi Montalcini), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Domenico Vignone
- Lay Line Genomics S.p.A., Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (Foundation EBRI Rita Levi Montalcini), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Amato
- Lay Line Genomics S.p.A., Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (Foundation EBRI Rita Levi Montalcini), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- European Brain Research Institute (Foundation EBRI Rita Levi Montalcini), Rome, Italy
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Capsoni S, Covaceuszach S, Ugolini G, Spirito F, Vignone D, Stefanini B, Amato G, Cattaneo A. P2‐424: Delivery of NGF to the brain: Intranasal versus ocular administration in transgenic mice. Alzheimers Dement 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2008.05.1503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Lay Line Genomics S.p.A.RomeItaly
- European Brain Research InstituteRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | - Domenico Vignone
- Lay Line Genomics S.p.A.RomeItaly
- European Brain Research InstituteRomeItaly
| | | | - Gianluca Amato
- Lay Line Genomics S.p.A.RomeItaly
- European Brain Research InstituteRomeItaly
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Konarev PV, Gonfloni S, Rudolph R, Svergun DI, Lamba D, Cattaneo A. Dissecting NGF interactions with TrkA and p75 receptors by structural and functional studies of an anti-NGF neutralizing antibody. J Mol Biol 2008; 381:881-96. [PMID: 18635195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2008] [Revised: 05/30/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibody alphaD11 is a potent antagonist that neutralizes the biological functions of its antigen in vivo. NGF antagonism is expected to be a highly effective and safe therapeutic approach in many pain states. A comprehensive functional and structural analysis of alphaD11 monoclonal antibody was carried out, showing its ability to neutralize NGF binding to either tropomyosine receptor kinase A (TrkA) or p75 receptors. The 3-D structure of the alphaD11 Fab fragment was solved at 1.7 A resolution. A computational docking model of the alphaD11 Fab-NGF complex, based on epitope mapping using a pool of 44 NGF mutants and experimentally validated by small-angle X-ray scattering, provided the structural basis for identifying the residues involved in alphaD11 Fab binding. The present study pinpoints loop II of NGF to be an important structural determinant for NGF biological activity mediated by TrkA receptor.
Collapse
|
29
|
Ugolini G, Marinelli S, Covaceuszach S, Cattaneo A, Pavone F. The function neutralizing anti-TrkA antibody MNAC13 reduces inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:2985-90. [PMID: 17301229 PMCID: PMC1815293 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0611253104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is involved in pain transduction mechanisms and plays a key role in many persistent pain states, notably those associated with inflammation. On this basis, both the NGF ligand and its receptor TrkA (tyrosine kinase A) represent an eligible target for pain therapy. Although the direct involvement of NGF in pain modulation is well established, the effect of a direct functional block of the TrkA receptor is still unknown. In this study, we have demonstrated that MNAC13, the only anti-TrkA monoclonal antibody for which function neutralizing properties have been clearly shown both in vitro and in vivo, induces analgesia in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, with a surprisingly long-lasting effect in the latter. The formalin-evoked pain licking responses are significantly reduced by the MNAC13 antibody in CD1 mice. Remarkably, treatment with the anti-TrkA antibody also produces a significant antiallodynic effect on neuropathic pain: repeated i.p. injections of MNAC13 induce significant functional recovery in mice subjected to sciatic nerve ligation, with effects persisting after administration. Furthermore, a clear synergistic effect is observed when MNAC13 is administered in combination with opioids, at doses that are not efficacious per se. This study represents a direct demonstration that neutralizing antibodies directed against the TrkA receptor may display potent analgesic effects in inflammatory and chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Marinelli
- *Lay Line Genomics, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Neuroscience, Psychobiology, and Psychopharmacology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; and
| | | | - Antonino Cattaneo
- *Lay Line Genomics, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Institute of Neuroscience, Psychobiology, and Psychopharmacology, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
The unprocessed pro-form of the NGF (nerve growth factor), proNGF (NGF precursor, without signal peptide), has been suggested to have additional functions distinct from its role as a promoter of protein folding, i.e. apoptosis and/or neurotrophic activity. Aiming to gain insights into the specific molecular interactions that mediate proNGF biological activity and into the structural determinants stabilizing its pro-region, rm-proNGF (recombinant mouse proNGF) was expressed in Escherichia coli, refolded in vitro and characterized by physicochemical methods. X-ray solution scattering measurements (small angle X-ray scattering) revealed that rm-proNGF is dimeric in solution and appears to be anisometric when compared with the compact structure of the NGF dimer. Two structural models, a globular crab-like shape and an elongated rod-like shape, equally fit to the experimental results, pointing to an intrinsically structural disordered pro-region of NGF. The models obtained allowed the interpretation of TrkA (tropomyosin receptor kinase A) binding and activation assays in cell cultures, shedding new light on the key role of proNGF in neuronal survival and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Paoletti
- SISSA/ISAS (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati/International School of Advanced Studies), Trieste, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Paoletti F, Covaceuszach S, Schwarz E, Stubbs M, Rudolph R, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Towards a comprehension of the structure of mouse proNGF. Acta Crystallogr A 2005. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767305090008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
32
|
Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Unraveling the binding mode of the neutralizing neuroantibody αD11 to NGF. Acta Crystallogr A 2005. [DOI: 10.1107/s010876730509001x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
33
|
Covaceuszach S, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Neutralization of NGF-TrkA receptor interaction by the novel antagonistic anti-TrkA monoclonal antibody MNAC13: A structural insight. Proteins 2004; 58:717-27. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.20366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
34
|
Brancucci A, Kuczewski N, Covaceuszach S, Cattaneo A, Domenici L. Nerve growth factor favours long-term depression over long-term potentiation in layer II-III neurones of rat visual cortex. J Physiol 2004; 559:497-506. [PMID: 15243137 PMCID: PMC1665129 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.068049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been shown to regulate plasticity in the visual cortex of monocularly deprived animals. However, to date, few attempts have been made to investigate the role of NGF in synaptic plasticity at the cellular level. In the study reported here we looked at the effects of exogenously applied NGF on synaptic plasticity of layer II-III regular spiking (RS) neurones in visual cortex of 16- to 18-day-old rats. We found that local application of NGF converted high frequency stimulation (HFS)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) into long-term depression (LTD). We showed that this shift of synaptic plasticity was also obtained with bath application of NGF during HFS. Application of NGF subsequent to HFS left LTP unaffected, conferring temporal constraints on NGF efficacy. NGF effects on LTP were mediated by TrkA receptors. Indeed, blockade of TrkA by monoclonal antibody prevented NGF from inducing LTD following HFS. Low frequency stimulation (LFS) elicited LTD in RS cells. We found that NGF or blockade of NGF signalling by anti-TrkA antibody did not change the amplitude of the LTD induced by LFS. Thus, the NGF effect is selective for synaptic modifications induced by HFS in RS cells. The present results indicate that NGF may modulate the sign of long-term changes of synaptic efficacy in response to high frequency inputs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Brancucci
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA-ISAS), Neuroscience Program, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Covaceuszach S, Cassetta A, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Purification, crystallization, X-ray diffraction analysis and phasing of a Fab fragment of monoclonal neuroantibody αD11 against nerve growth factor. Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 2004; 60:1323-7. [PMID: 15213405 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444904011485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2004] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The rat monoclonal neuroantibody alphaD11 is a potent antagonist that prevents the binding of nerve growth factor (NGF) to its tyrosine kinase A receptor (TrkA) in a variety of systems, most notably in two in vivo systems linked to crucial pathological states, such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV infection. To provide further insights into the mechanism of action of this potentially therapeutic monoclonal antibody, structural studies of the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of alphaD11 were performed. alphaD11 IgG2a immunoglobulin was obtained from hybridomas by in vitro tissue culture. The alphaD11 Fab crystallizes in two crystal forms. Form I belongs to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 42.7, b = 50.6, c = 102.7 A, alpha = 82.0, beta = 89.1, gamma = 86.0 degrees. With two molecules in the asymmetric unit, V(M) is 2.3 A(3) Da(-1) and the solvent content is 46%. A complete data set has been collected at 2.7 A resolution on beamline XRD-1 (ELETTRA, Trieste, Italy). Form II belongs to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 114.8, b = 69.4, c = 64.10 A, beta = 117.0 degrees. With one molecule in the asymmetric unit, V(M) is 2.4 A(3) Da(-1) and the solvent content is 48%. A complete data set has been collected at 1.7 A resolution on beamline ID14-1 (ESRF, Grenoble, France). Phasing was successfully performed by Patterson search techniques and refinement of the structures is currently under way. Crystal forms I and II display a close-packing pattern.
Collapse
|
36
|
Garaci E, Aquaro S, Lapenta C, Amendola A, Spada M, Covaceuszach S, Perno CF, Belardelli F. Anti-nerve growth factor Ab abrogates macrophage-mediated HIV-1 infection and depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes in hu-SCID mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:8927-32. [PMID: 12853577 PMCID: PMC166415 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1332627100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection by HIV-1 causes persistent, long-term high virus production in macrophages. Major evidence, both in humans and in primate models, shows the crucial role of macrophages in sustaining virus production and in mediating a cytopathic effect on bystander CD4+ T lymphocytes and neuronal cells. In the present study, we used severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice engrafted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL-SCID mice) to investigate the in vivo effect of HIV-1-infected macrophages on virus spread and CD4+ T lymphocyte depletion, and the ability of a mAb against nerve growth factor (NGF, a neurokine essential for the survival of HIV-1-infected macrophages) to suppress the pathogenetic events mediated by infected macrophages. Injection of mice with as few as 500 HIV-exposed macrophages causes (i) complete depletion of several millions of autologous CD4+ T lymphocytes, (ii) sustained HIV viremia, and (iii) spreading of HIV-1 DNA in mouse lymphoid organs. In contrast, in vivo treatment with an anti-NGF Ab completely abrogates all effects mediated by HIV-infected macrophages. Taken together, the results demonstrate the remarkable power of macrophages in sustaining in vivo HIV-1 infection, and that such a phenomenon can be specifically abrogated by an anti-NGF Ab. This may open new perspectives of experimental approaches aimed at selectively eliminating persistently infected macrophages from the bodies of HIV-infected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Garaci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Margotti E, Covaceuszach S, Tongiorgi E, Cattaneo A, Domenici L. TRKB signalling controls the expression of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the visual cortex. Eur J Neurosci 2002; 16:1067-74. [PMID: 12383235 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2002.02183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are multimeric proteins, the biological and functional characteristics of which depend on differential subunit assembly during postnatal development. In the present paper, we investigated whether the expression of NMDAR subunits NR1, NR2A, NR2B is influenced by neurotrophins in rat visual cortex. We used a soluble form of the TrkB receptor engineered as an immunoadhesin (TrkB-IgG) in order to block TrkB ligands. TrkB-IgG was released through a cannula implanted in the occipital pole and connected to a mini-osmotic pump. TrkB-IgG was continuously released from postnatal day 20-21 (P20-21) to P36-37. In a different group of animals used as controls, osmotic pumps were filled with saline. Different antibodies were used to stain neurons expressing NR1, NR2A and NR2B. We counted the number of neurons stained for NR2A and NR2B subunits and expressed this as percentage with respect to the total number of cresyl-violet stained neurons in each cortical layer. In the visual cortex of TrkB-IgG-treated rats, the percentage of neurons expressing NR2A was significantly increased in all cortical layers. Concerning the NR2B subunit, the percentage of stained neurons was not significantly different between TrkB-IgG-treated and control rats. The staining level for both NR2A and NR2B, but not NR1, was reduced in all cortical layers in TrkB-IgG-treated animals. In agreement with this result, the endogenous levels of NR2A and NR2B subunits were reduced in TrkB-IgG-treated animals as shown by Western blotting. Thus, TrkB signalling controls the cellular expression of NMDAR subunits in visual cortical neurons during postnatal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Margotti
- Neuroscience Program, International School for Advanced Studies (S.I.S.S.A), via Beirut 2-4, 34014, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
In this study we report the expression of TrkA receptor within the rat visual cortex during postnatal development and in adulthood, using a specific monoclonal antibody which recognizes the extracellular domain of TrkA receptor. TrkA was not detected by immunohistochemistry at postnatal day 13 (P13), i.e. before eye opening. At P22 TrkA was mostly localised in cortical fibre-like processes. At P39 and P90, TrkA-positive neuronal cell bodies in supragranular and infragranular layers were found. Using double immunohistochemistry, labelled cells were identified as intrinsic cholinergic neurones, and as interneurones expressing calbindin and neuropeptide Y. We conclude that TrkA is expressed in visual cortical neurones during postnatal development and in adulthood and that its pattern of expression is developmentally regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tropea
- Cognitive Neuroscience Sector, Neuroscience Program, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 2-4, 34014 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Covaceuszach S, Cattaneo A, Lamba D. Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of the Fab fragment from MNAC13, a novel antagonistic anti-tyrosine kinase A receptor monoclonal antibody. Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr 2001; 57:1307-9. [PMID: 11526327 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444901010666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2001] [Accepted: 06/26/2001] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The monoclonal antibody MNAC13 is a potent antagonist that prevents the binding of nerve-growth factor (NGF) to its tyrosine kinase A receptor (TrkA) in a variety of systems. Structural studies of the FabMNAC13 fragment were performed to gain insights into the mechanism of action of this potentially therapeutic monoclonal antibody. The optimal conditions for crystallization of FabMNAC13 were determined. Crystals appeared as prismatic bundles, displayed P2(1)2(1)2(1) space-group symmetry and diffracted to a resolution of 1.8 A. The unit-cell parameters were determined to be a = 52.73, b = 67.55, c = 111.43 A. The data set was 99.5% complete. Molecular replacement was performed, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.55 and an R value of 0.40. The structure refinement is now in progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Covaceuszach
- Neuroscience Program and Biophysics Unit Istituto Nazionale Fisica della Materia, International School for Advanced Studies, Via Beirut 2/4, I-34014 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mantovani F, Covaceuszach S, Rustighi A, Sgarra R, Heath C, Goodwin GH, Manfioletti G. NF-kappaB mediated transcriptional activation is enhanced by the architectural factor HMGI-C. Nucleic Acids Res 1998; 26:1433-9. [PMID: 9490789 PMCID: PMC147413 DOI: 10.1093/nar/26.6.1433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [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: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High mobility group I proteins (HMGI, HMGY and HMGI-C) are a family of low molecular mass non-histone nuclear proteins which constitute an important component of the active chromatin structure. Two members of this family, HMGI and HMGY, have been demonstrated to contribute to the transcriptional regulation of several promoters by interacting with the DNA and with different transcription factors. On the contrary, very little is known about the third member, HMGI-C, which plays an important role during embryonic growth and in the process of cell transformation, its gene being rearranged in a large number of mesenchimal tumors. In this paper we show for the first time that HMGI-C is also able to function as architectural factor, enhancing the activity of a transcription factor, NF-kappaB, through the PRDII element of the beta-interferon enhancer. Moreover we show that this enhancement is absolutely dependent on the binding of HMGI-C to its target sequence. The demonstration that HMGI-C is able to modulate transcription is thus an important initial step in the identification of genes regulated by this factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Mantovani
- Dipartimento di Biochimica, Biofisica e Chimica delle Macromolecole, Università di Trieste, via Giorgieri, 134127 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|