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Jumppanen M, Kinnunen SM, Zore M, Välimäki MJ, Talman V, Gennäs GBA, Ruskoaho HJ, Yli-Kauhaluoma J. Affinity chromatography reveals direct binding of the GATA4-NKX2-5 interaction inhibitor (3i-1000) with GATA4. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8938. [PMID: 38637629 PMCID: PMC11026519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a serious medical condition with a poor prognosis. Current treatments can only help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of heart failure. However, there is currently no cure to prevent and reverse cardiac remodeling. Transcription factors are in a central role in various cellular processes, and in the heart, GATA4 and NKX2-5 transcription factors mediate hypertrophic responses and remodeling. We have identified compounds that modulate the synergistic interaction of GATA4 and NKX2-5 and shown that the most promising compound (1, 3i-1000) is cardioprotective in vitro and in vivo. However, direct evidence of its binding site and mechanism of action has not been available. Due to the disordered nature of transcription factors, classical target engagement approaches cannot be utilized. Here, we synthesized a small-molecule ligand-binding pulldown probe of compound 1 to utilize affinity chromatography alongside CETSA, AlphaScreen, and molecular modeling to study ligand binding. These results provide the first evidence of direct physical binding of compound 1 selectively to GATA4. While developing drugs that target transcription factors presents challenges, advances in technologies and knowledge of intrinsically disordered proteins enable the identification of small molecules that can selectively target transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Jumppanen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini M Kinnunen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matej Zore
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika J Välimäki
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gustav Boije Af Gennäs
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki J Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5 E, (P.O. Box 56), FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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Suominen A, Saldo Rubio G, Ruohonen S, Szabó Z, Pohjolainen L, Ghimire B, Ruohonen ST, Saukkonen K, Ijas J, Skarp S, Kaikkonen L, Cai M, Wardlaw SL, Ruskoaho H, Talman V, Savontaus E, Kerkelä R, Rinne P. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone alleviates pathological cardiac remodeling via melanocortin 5 receptor. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1987-2014. [PMID: 38454158 PMCID: PMC11014855 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) regulates diverse physiological functions by activating melanocortin receptors (MC-R). However, the role of α-MSH and its possible target receptors in the heart remain completely unknown. Here we investigate whether α-MSH could be involved in pathological cardiac remodeling. We found that α-MSH was highly expressed in the mouse heart with reduced ventricular levels after transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Administration of a stable α-MSH analog protected mice against TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. In vitro experiments revealed that MC5-R in cardiomyocytes mediates the anti-hypertrophic signaling of α-MSH. Silencing of MC5-R in cardiomyocytes induced hypertrophy and fibrosis markers in vitro and aggravated TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in vivo. Conversely, pharmacological activation of MC5-R improved systolic function and reduced cardiac fibrosis in TAC-operated mice. In conclusion, α-MSH is expressed in the heart and protects against pathological cardiac remodeling by activating MC5-R in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that analogs of naturally occurring α-MSH, that have been recently approved for clinical use and have agonistic activity at MC5-R, may be of benefit in treating heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Suominen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Guillem Saldo Rubio
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saku Ruohonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lotta Pohjolainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bishwa Ghimire
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi T Ruohonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Karla Saukkonen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jani Ijas
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sini Skarp
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Leena Kaikkonen
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Minying Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sharon L Wardlaw
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eriika Savontaus
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Risto Kerkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Petteri Rinne
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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3
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Pohjolainen L, Kinnunen SM, Auno S, Kiriazis A, Pohjavaara S, Kari-Koskinen J, Zore M, Jumppanen M, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Talman V, Ruskoaho H, Välimäki MJ. Switching of hypertrophic signalling towards enhanced cardiomyocyte identity and maturity by a GATA4-targeted compound. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:5. [PMID: 38167208 PMCID: PMC10763434 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of heart failure is constantly increasing, and the prognosis of patients remains poor. New treatment strategies to preserve cardiac function and limit cardiac hypertrophy are therefore urgently needed. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are increasingly used as an experimental platform for cardiac in vitro studies. However, in contrast to adult cardiomyocytes, hiPSC-CMs display immature morphology, contractility, gene expression and metabolism and hence express a naive phenotype that resembles more of a foetal cardiomyocyte. METHODS A library of 14 novel compounds was synthesized in-house and screened for GATA4-NKX2-5 reporter activity and cellular toxicity. The most potent compound, 3i-1262, along with previously reported GATA4-acting compounds, were selected to investigate their effects on hypertrophy induced by endothelin-1 or mechanical stretch. Morphological changes and protein expression were characterized using immunofluorescence staining and high-content analysis. Changes in gene expression were studied using qPCR and RNA sequencing. RESULTS The prototype compound 3i-1262 inhibited GATA4-NKX2-5 synergy in a luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, the isoxazole compound 3i-1262 inhibited the hypertrophy biomarker B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) by reducing BNP promoter activity and proBNP expression in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes and hiPSC-CMs, respectively. Treatment with 3i-1262 increased metabolic activity and cardiac troponin T expression in hiPSC-CMs without affecting GATA4 protein levels. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that 3i-1262 induces gene expression related to metabolic activity and cell cycle exit, indicating a change in the identity and maturity status of hiPSC-CMs. The biological processes that were enriched in upregulated genes in response to 3i-1262 were downregulated in response to mechanical stretch, and conversely, the downregulated processes in response to 3i-1262 were upregulated in response to mechanical stretch. CONCLUSIONS There is currently a lack of systematic understanding of the molecular modulation and control of hiPSC-CM maturation. In this study, we demonstrated that the GATA4-interfering compound 3i-1262 reorganizes the cardiac transcription factor network and converts hypertrophic signalling towards enhanced cardiomyocyte identity and maturity. This conceptually unique approach provides a novel structural scaffold for further development as a modality to promote cardiomyocyte specification and maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Pohjolainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini M Kinnunen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Samuli Auno
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexandros Kiriazis
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Saana Pohjavaara
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Kari-Koskinen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matej Zore
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikael Jumppanen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika J Välimäki
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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Chaudhari U, Pohjolainen L, Ruskoaho H, Talman V. Genome-wide profiling of miRNA-gene regulatory networks in mouse postnatal heart development-implications for cardiac regeneration. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1148618. [PMID: 37283582 PMCID: PMC10241105 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1148618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background After birth, mammalian cardiomyocytes substantially lose proliferative capacity with a concomitant switch from glycolytic to oxidative mitochondrial energy metabolism. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and thus control various cellular processes. Their roles in the postnatal loss of cardiac regeneration are however still largely unclear. Here, we aimed to identify miRNA-gene regulatory networks in the neonatal heart to uncover role of miRNAs in regulation of cell cycle and metabolism. Methods and results We performed global miRNA expression profiling using total RNA extracted from mouse ventricular tissue samples collected on postnatal day 1 (P01), P04, P09, and P23. We used the miRWalk database to predict the potential target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs and our previously published mRNA transcriptomics data to identify verified target genes that showed a concomitant differential expression in the neonatal heart. We then analyzed the biological functions of the identified miRNA-gene regulatory networks using enriched Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses. Altogether 46 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the distinct stages of neonatal heart development. For twenty miRNAs, up- or downregulation took place within the first 9 postnatal days thus correlating temporally with the loss of cardiac regeneration. Importantly, for several miRNAs, including miR-150-5p, miR-484, and miR-210-3p there are no previous reports about their role in cardiac development or disease. The miRNA-gene regulatory networks of upregulated miRNAs negatively regulated biological processes and KEGG pathways related to cell proliferation, while downregulated miRNAs positively regulated biological processes and KEGG pathways associated with activation of mitochondrial metabolism and developmental hypertrophic growth. Conclusion This study reports miRNAs and miRNA-gene regulatory networks with no previously described role in cardiac development or disease. These findings may help in elucidating regulatory mechanism of cardiac regeneration and in the development of regenerative therapies.
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Lautala S, Provenzani R, Tarvainen I, Sirna K, Karhu ST, Grazhdankin E, Lehtinen AK, Sa'd H, Koivuniemi A, Xhaard H, Tuominen RK, Talman V, Bunker A, Yli-Kauhaluoma J. Expanding the Paradigm of Structure-Based Drug Design: Molecular Dynamics Simulations Support the Development of New Pyridine-Based Protein Kinase C-Targeted Agonists. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4588-4602. [PMID: 37010933 PMCID: PMC10108360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) modulators hold therapeutic potential for various diseases, including cancer, heart failure, and Alzheimer's disease. Targeting the C1 domain of PKC represents a promising strategy; the available protein structures warrant the design of PKC-targeted ligands via a structure-based approach. However, the PKC C1 domain penetrates the lipid membrane during binding, complicating the design of drug candidates. The standard docking-scoring approach for PKC lacks information regarding the dynamics and the membrane environment. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with PKC, ligands, and membranes have been used to address these shortcomings. Previously, we observed that less computationally intensive simulations of just ligand-membrane interactions may help elucidate C1 domain-binding prospects. Here, we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new pyridine-based PKC agonists implementing an enhanced workflow with ligand-membrane MD simulations. This workflow holds promise to expand the approach in drug design for ligands targeted to weakly membrane-associated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Lautala
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riccardo Provenzani
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilari Tarvainen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katia Sirna
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Tuuli Karhu
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Evgeni Grazhdankin
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti K Lehtinen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanan Sa'd
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Queen Rania Street, 11942 Amman, Jordan
| | - Artturi Koivuniemi
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri Xhaard
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56 (Viikinkaari 5 E), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Majid QA, Orsolits B, Pohjolainen L, Kovács Z, Földes G, Talman V. Application of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology for Cardiovascular Regenerative Pharmacology. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2454:163-196. [PMID: 33755910 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2021_369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality in the western world. Myocardial infarction is among the most prevalent and results in significant cell loss within the myocardium. Similarly, numerous drugs have been identified as having cardiotoxic side effects. The adult human heart is however unable to instigate an effective repair mechanism and regenerate the myocardium in response to such damage. This is in large part due to the withdrawal of cardiomyocytes (CMs) from the cell cycle. Thus, identifying, screening, and developing agents that could enhance the proliferative capacity of CMs holds great potential in cardiac regeneration. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and their cardiovascular derivatives are excellent tools in the search for such agents. This chapter outlines state-of-the art techniques for the two-dimensional differentiation and attainment of hiPSC-derived CMs and endothelial cells (ECs). Bioreactor systems and three-dimensional spheroids derived from hiPSC-cardiovascular derivatives are explored as platforms for drug discovery before focusing on relevant assays that can be employed to assess cell proliferation and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qasim A Majid
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Barbara Orsolits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lotta Pohjolainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zsófia Kovács
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Földes
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Huethorst E, Mortensen P, Simitev RD, Gao H, Pohjolainen L, Talman V, Ruskoaho H, Burton FL, Gadegaard N, Smith GL. Conventional rigid 2D substrates cause complex contractile signals in monolayers of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. J Physiol 2021; 600:483-507. [PMID: 34761809 PMCID: PMC9299844 DOI: 10.1113/jp282228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CM) in monolayers interact mechanically via cell–cell and cell–substrate adhesion. Spatiotemporal features of contraction were analysed in hiPSC‐CM monolayers (1) attached to glass or plastic (Young's modulus (E) >1 GPa), (2) detached (substrate‐free) and (3) attached to a flexible collagen hydrogel (E = 22 kPa). The effects of isoprenaline on contraction were compared between rigid and flexible substrates. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, further gene expression and computational studies were performed. HiPSC‐CM monolayers exhibited multiphasic contractile profiles on rigid surfaces in contrast to hydrogels, substrate‐free cultures or single cells where only simple twitch‐like time‐courses were observed. Isoprenaline did not change the contraction profile on either surface, but its lusitropic and chronotropic effects were greater in hydrogel compared with glass. There was no significant difference between stiff and flexible substrates in regard to expression of the stress‐activated genes NPPA and NPPB. A computational model of cell clusters demonstrated similar complex contractile interactions on stiff substrates as a consequence of cell‐to‐cell functional heterogeneity. Rigid biomaterial surfaces give rise to unphysiological, multiphasic contractions in hiPSC‐CM monolayers. Flexible substrates are necessary for normal twitch‐like contractility kinetics and interpretation of inotropic interventions.
![]() Key points Spatiotemporal contractility analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC‐CM) monolayers seeded on conventional, rigid surfaces (glass or plastic) revealed the presence of multiphasic contraction patterns across the monolayer with a high variability, despite action potentials recorded in the same areas being identical. These multiphasic patterns are not present in single cells, in detached monolayers or in monolayers seeded on soft substrates such as a hydrogel, where only ‘twitch’‐like transients are observed. HiPSC‐CM monolayers that display a high percentage of regions with multiphasic contraction have significantly increased contractile duration and a decreased lusotropic drug response. There is no indication that the multiphasic contraction patterns are associated with significant activation of the stress‐activated NPPA or NPPB signalling pathways. A computational model of cell clusters supports the biological findings that the rigid surface and the differential cell–substrate adhesion underly multiphasic contractile behaviour of hiPSC‐CMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Huethorst
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter Mortensen
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Radostin D Simitev
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hao Gao
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lotta Pohjolainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Francis L Burton
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nikolaj Gadegaard
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Godfrey L Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Tarvainen I, Nunn RC, Tuominen RK, Jäntti MH, Talman V. Protein kinase A Mediated Effects of Protein kinase C Partial Agonist HMI-1a3 in Colorectal Cancer Cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 380:54-62. [PMID: 34697230 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer in men and the second in women. The global burden of colorectal cancer is projected to increase to over 2 million new cases with over 1 million deaths within the next 10 years and there is a great need for new compounds with novel mechanisms of action. Our group has developed PKC modulating isophthalic acid derivatives that induce cytotoxicity towards human cervical and prostate cancer cell lines. In this study, we investigated the effects of 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate 1a3 (HMI-1a3) on colorectal cancer cell lines (Caco2, Colo205 and HT29). HMI-1a3 inhibited cell proliferation, decreased cell viability and induced an apoptotic response in all studied cell lines. These effects, however, were independent of PKC. Using serine/threonine kinome profiling and pharmacological kinase inhibitors we identified activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway as a new mechanism-of-action for HMI-1a3-induced anti-cancer activity in colorectal cancer cell lines. Our current results strengthen the hypothesis for HMI-1a3 as a potential anti-cancer agent against various malignancies. Significance Statement Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common solid organ malignancy. Here, we demonstrate that the protein kinase C (PKC) C1 domain-targeted isophthalatic acid derivative HMI-1a3 has anti-cancer activity on CRC cell lines independently of PKC. We identified protein kinase A (PKA) activation as a mechanism of HMI-1a3 induced anti-cancer effects. Our results reveal a new anti-cancer mechanism of action for the partial PKC agonist HMI-1a3 and thus provide new insights for the development of PKC and PKA modulators for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Virpi Talman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Pohjolainen L, Easton J, Solanki R, Ruskoaho H, Talman V. Pharmacological Protein Kinase C Modulators Reveal a Pro-hypertrophic Role for Novel Protein Kinase C Isoforms in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:553852. [PMID: 33584253 PMCID: PMC7874215 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.553852] [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: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes (CMs) is initially a compensatory mechanism to cardiac overload, but when prolonged, it leads to maladaptive myocardial remodeling, impairing cardiac function and causing heart failure. A key signaling molecule involved in cardiac hypertrophy is protein kinase C (PKC). However, the role of different PKC isoforms in mediating the hypertrophic response remains controversial. Both classical (cPKC) and novel (nPKC) isoforms have been suggested to play a critical role in rodents, whereas the role of PKC in hypertrophy of human CMs remains to be determined. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of two different types of PKC activators, the isophthalate derivative HMI-1b11 and bryostatin-1, on CM hypertrophy and to elucidate the role of cPKCs and nPKCs in endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced hypertrophy in vitro. Methods and Results: We used neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) to study the effects of pharmacological PKC modulators and ET-1. We used quantitative reverse transcription PCR to quantify hypertrophic gene expression and high-content analysis (HCA) to investigate CM morphology. In both cell types, ET-1, PKC activation (bryostatin-1 and HMI-1b11) and inhibition of cPKCs (Gö6976) increased hypertrophic gene expression. In NRVMs, these treatments also induced a hypertrophic phenotype as measured by increased recognition, intensity and area of α-actinin and F-actin fibers. Inhibition of all PKC isoforms with Gö6983 inhibited PKC agonist-induced hypertrophy, but could not fully block ET-1-induced hypertrophy. The mitogen-activated kinase kinase 1/2 inhibitor U0126 inhibited PKC agonist-induced hypertrophy fully and ET-1-induced hypertrophy partially. While ET-1 induced a clear increase in the percentage of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide-positive hiPSC-CMs, none of the phenotypic parameters used in HCA directly correlated with gene expression changes or with phenotypic changes observed in NRVMs. Conclusion: This work shows similar hypertrophic responses to PKC modulators in NRVMs and hiPSC-CMs. Pharmacological PKC activation induces CM hypertrophy via activation of novel PKC isoforms. This pro-hypertrophic effect of PKC activators should be considered when developing PKC-targeted compounds for e.g. cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, this study provides further evidence on distinct PKC-independent mechanisms of ET-1-induced hypertrophy both in NRVMs and hiPSC-CMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Pohjolainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Easton
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reesha Solanki
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Karhu ST, Ruskoaho H, Talman V. Distinct Regulation of Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation and Transdifferentiation by Classical and Novel Protein Kinase C Isoforms: Possible Implications for New Antifibrotic Therapies. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 99:104-113. [PMID: 33239332 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by accumulation and activation of fibroblasts and excessive production of extracellular matrix, which results in myocardial stiffening and eventually leads to heart failure. Although previous work suggests that protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms play a role in cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, the results are conflicting. Moreover, the potential of targeting PKC with pharmacological tools to inhibit pathologic fibrosis has not been fully evaluated. Here we investigated the effects of selected PKC agonists and inhibitors on cardiac fibroblast (CF) phenotype, proliferation, and gene expression using primary adult mouse CFs, which spontaneously transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts in culture. A 48-hour exposure to the potent PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) at 10 nM concentration reduced the intensity of α-smooth muscle actin staining by 56% and periostin mRNA levels by 60% compared with control. The decreases were inhibited with the pan-PKC inhibitor Gö6983 and the inhibitor of classical PKC isoforms Gö6976, suggesting that classical PKCs regulate CF transdifferentiation. PMA also induced a 33% decrease in 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive CFs, which was inhibited with Gö6983 but not with Gö6976, indicating that novel PKC isoforms (nPKCs) regulate CF proliferation. Moreover, PMA downregulated the expression of collagen-encoding genes Col1a1 and Col3a1 nPKC-dependently, showing that PKC activation attenuates matrix synthesis in CFs. The partial PKC agonist isophthalate derivative bis(1-ethylpentyl) 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate induced parallel changes in phenotype, cell cycle activity, and gene expression. In conclusion, our results reveal distinct PKC-dependent regulation of CF transdifferentiation and proliferation and suggest that PKC agonists exhibit potential as an antifibrotic treatment. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process that contributes to the development of heart failure. The molecular mechanisms regulating fibrosis in the heart are, however, not fully understood, which hinders the development of new therapies. Here, we demonstrate that classical and novel protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms distinctly regulate cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation and proliferation, the two central processes in fibrosis. Our results indicate that pharmacological PKC activation may be a promising strategy to inhibit myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tuuli Karhu
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Lautala S, Provenzani R, Koivuniemi A, Kulig W, Talman V, Róg T, Tuominen RK, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Bunker A. Rigorous Computational Study Reveals What Docking Overlooks: Double Trouble from Membrane Association in Protein Kinase C Modulators. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:5624-5633. [PMID: 32915560 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing protein kinase C (PKC) activity is of potential therapeutic value. Its activation involves an interaction between the C1 domain and diacylglycerol (DAG) at intracellular membrane surfaces; DAG mimetics hold promise as new drugs. We previously developed the isophthalate derivative HMI-1a3, an effective but highly lipophilic (clogP = 6.46) DAG mimetic. Although a less lipophilic pyrimidine analog, PYR-1gP (clogP = 3.30), gave positive results in computational docking, it unexpectedly presented greatly diminished binding to PKC in vitro. Through more rigorous computational molecular modeling, we reveal that, unlike HMI-1a3, PYR-1gP forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond, which both obstructs binding and reorients PYR-1gP in the membrane in a fashion that prevents it from correctly accessing the PKC C1 domain. Our results highlight the great value of molecular dynamics simulations as a key component for the drug design process of ligands targeting weakly membrane-associated proteins, where simulation in the relevant membrane environment is crucial for obtaining biologically applicable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Lautala
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riccardo Provenzani
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Artturi Koivuniemi
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Waldemar Kulig
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 64, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, Viikinkaari 5 E, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Torrieri G, Ferreira MP, Shahbazi MA, Talman V, Carvalho C, Karhu T, Pinto JF, Hirvonen J, Ruskoaho HJ, Balasubramanian V, Santos HA. Abstract 221: Tannic Acid Coated Nanoparticles for Cardiac Regeneration. Circ Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1161/res.127.suppl_1.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The advance of nanomedicines has recently offered novel approaches to tackle cardiovascular diseases and, in particular, myocardial infarction (MI). However, the constant pumping of the heart and the still poor knowledge of targetable moieties, prevented the application of nanomedicines in the cardiovascular field to rise. Tannic acid, a polyphenol derived from plants, has showed affinity for components of the extracellular matrix, in particular elastin, allowing the retention of protein aggregates in the cardiac tissue. Here, we explored the heart targeting abilities of tannic acid by using it to coat spermine modified-acetalated dextran (AcDXSp) nanoparticles (NPs). Briefly, particles were prepared by single emulsion technique and then coated with tannic acid by complexation of the polyphenol with Fe
3+
ions, resulting in the formation of a capsule around the AcDXSp NPs. The nanoparticles were loaded with two small hydrophobic compounds, CHIR99021 and SB431542, which were both proven to increase the efficiency of direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. The biocompatibility of the nanosystem and cellular uptake were performed on both primary rat cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. The nanoparticles were taken-up by both the cell types and were safe towards primary cardiomyocytes, while the tannic acid coating showed anti-fibrotic effects on primary fibroblasts. Anti-fibrotic effect was further confirmed by RT-qPCR and the effect of the loaded compounds was assessed by β-catenin and Smad3 immunostainings, which demonstrated the ability of the system to induce direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. In particular, the system stabilized β-catenin and prevented the translocation of Smad3 to the nucleus of myo(fibroblasts). In conclusion this nanosystems exhibited potential to tackle the negative fibrosis process occurring after myocardial infarction by both contrasting it, due to the anti-fibrotic effects showed by the tannic acid coating and by potentially regenerating the cardiac tissue, due to the efficient direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes exerted by the loaded drugs.
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13
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Piironen K, Haapala M, Talman V, Järvinen P, Sikanen T. Cell adhesion and proliferation on common 3D printing materials used in stereolithography of microfluidic devices. Lab Chip 2020; 20:2372-2382. [PMID: 32500123 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00114g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has recently emerged as a cost-effective alternative for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. The feature resolution of stereolithography-based 3D printing is particularly well suited for manufacturing of continuous flow cell culture platforms. Poor cell adhesion or material-induced cell death may, however, limit the introduction of new materials to microfluidic cell culture. In this work, we characterized four commercially available materials commonly used in stereolithography-based 3D printing with respect to long-term (2 month) cell survival on native 3D printed surfaces. Cell proliferation rates, along with material-induced effects on apoptosis and cell survival, were examined in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Additionally, the feasibility of Dental SG (material with the most favored properties) for culturing of human hepatocytes and human-induced pluripotent stem cells was evaluated. The strength of cell adhesion to Dental SG was further examined over a shear force gradient of 1-89 dyne per cm2 by using a custom-designed microfluidic shear force assay incorporating a 3D printed, tilted and tapered microchannel sealed with a polydimethylsiloxane lid. According to our results, autoclavation of the devices prior to cell seeding played the most important role in facilitating long-term cell survival on the native 3D printed surfaces with the shear force threshold in the range of 3-8 dyne per cm2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Piironen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, FI-00014, Finland.
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14
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Tarvainen I, Zimmermann T, Heinonen P, Jäntti MH, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Talman V, Franzyk H, Tuominen RK, Christensen SB. Missing Selectivity of Targeted 4β-Phorbol Prodrugs Expected to be Potential Chemotherapeutics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:671-677. [PMID: 32435369 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting cytotoxic 4β-phorbol esters toward cancer tissue was attempted by conjugating a 4β-pborbol derivative with substrates for the proteases prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expressed in cancer tissue. The hydrophilic peptide moiety was hypothesized to prevent penetration of the prodrugs into cells and prevent interaction with PKC. Cleavage of the peptide in cancer tumors was envisioned to release lipophilic cytotoxins, which subsequently penetrate into cancer cells. The 4β-phorbol esters were prepared from 4β-phorbol isolated from Croton tiglium seeds, while the peptides were prepared by solid-phase synthesis. Cellular assays revealed activation of PKC by the prodrugs and efficient killing of both peptidase positive as well as peptidase negative cells. Consequently no selectivity for enzyme expressing cells was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilari Tarvainen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomáš Zimmermann
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pia Heinonen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Helena Jäntti
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Henrik Franzyk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raimo K. Tuominen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Søren Brøgger Christensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Torrieri G, Fontana F, Figueiredo P, Liu Z, Ferreira MPA, Talman V, Martins JP, Fusciello M, Moslova K, Teesalu T, Cerullo V, Hirvonen J, Ruskoaho H, Balasubramanian V, Santos HA. Dual-peptide functionalized acetalated dextran-based nanoparticles for sequential targeting of macrophages during myocardial infarction. Nanoscale 2020; 12:2350-2358. [PMID: 31930241 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr09934d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The advent of nanomedicine has recently started to innovate the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, in particular myocardial infarction. Although current approaches are very promising, there is still an urgent need for advanced targeting strategies. In this work, the exploitation of macrophage recruitment is proposed as a novel and synergistic approach to improve the addressability of the infarcted myocardium achieved by current peptide-based heart targeting strategies. For this purpose, an acetalated dextran-based nanosystem is designed and successfully functionalized with two different peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and linTT1, which target, respectively, cardiac cells and macrophages associated with atherosclerotic plaques. The biocompatibility of the nanocarrier is screened on both macrophage cell lines and primary macrophages, showing high safety, in particular after functionalization of the nanoparticles' surface. Furthermore, the system shows higher association versus uptake ratio towards M2-like macrophages (approximately 2-fold and 6-fold increase in murine and human primary M2-like macrophages, respectively, compared to M1-like). Overall, the results demonstrate that the nanosystem has potential to exploit the "hitchhike" effect on M2-like macrophages and potentially improve, in a dual targeting strategy, the ability of the ANP peptide to target infarcted heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Torrieri
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Flavia Fontana
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Patrícia Figueiredo
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Zehua Liu
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mónica P A Ferreira
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00140, Helsinki, Finland and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - João P Martins
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Manlio Fusciello
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00140, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karina Moslova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, 50411, Estonia and Cancer Research Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00140, Helsinki, Finland and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouni Hirvonen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00140, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vimalkumar Balasubramanian
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland. and Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Talman V, Teppo J, Pöhö P, Movahedi P, Vaikkinen A, Karhu ST, Trošt K, Suvitaival T, Heikkonen J, Pahikkala T, Kotiaho T, Kostiainen R, Varjosalo M, Ruskoaho H. Molecular Atlas of Postnatal Mouse Heart Development. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 7:e010378. [PMID: 30371266 PMCID: PMC6474944 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms mediating postnatal loss of cardiac regeneration in mammals are not fully understood. We aimed to provide an integrated resource of mRNA, protein, and metabolite changes in the neonatal heart for identification of metabolism‐related mechanisms associated with cardiac regeneration. Methods and Results Mouse ventricular tissue samples taken on postnatal day 1 (P01), P04, P09, and P23 were analyzed with RNA sequencing and global proteomics and metabolomics. Gene ontology analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, and fuzzy c‐means clustering were used to identify up‐ or downregulated biological processes and metabolic pathways on all 3 levels, and Ingenuity pathway analysis (Qiagen) was used to identify upstream regulators. Differential expression was observed for 8547 mRNAs and for 1199 of 2285 quantified proteins. Furthermore, 151 metabolites with significant changes were identified. Differentially regulated metabolic pathways include branched chain amino acid degradation (upregulated at P23), fatty acid metabolism (upregulated at P04 and P09; downregulated at P23) as well as the HMGCS (HMG‐CoA [hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A] synthase)–mediated mevalonate pathway and ketogenesis (transiently activated). Pharmacological inhibition of HMGCS in primary neonatal cardiomyocytes reduced the percentage of BrdU‐positive cardiomyocytes, providing evidence that the mevalonate and ketogenesis routes may participate in regulating the cardiomyocyte cell cycle. Conclusions This study is the first systems‐level resource combining data from genomewide transcriptomics with global quantitative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics analyses in the mouse heart throughout the early postnatal period. These integrated data of molecular changes associated with the loss of cardiac regeneration may open up new possibilities for the development of regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Talman
- 1 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Jaakko Teppo
- 2 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland.,3 Institute of Biotechnology and HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Päivi Pöhö
- 2 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Parisa Movahedi
- 4 Department of Future Technologies Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences University of Turku Finland
| | - Anu Vaikkinen
- 2 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - S Tuuli Karhu
- 1 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland
| | | | | | - Jukka Heikkonen
- 4 Department of Future Technologies Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences University of Turku Finland
| | - Tapio Pahikkala
- 4 Department of Future Technologies Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences University of Turku Finland
| | - Tapio Kotiaho
- 2 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland.,6 Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Risto Kostiainen
- 2 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- 3 Institute of Biotechnology and HiLIFE Helsinki Institute of Life Science University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- 1 Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Faculty of Pharmacy University of Helsinki Finland
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Jumppanen M, Kinnunen SM, Välimäki MJ, Talman V, Auno S, Bruun T, Boije Af Gennäs G, Xhaard H, Aumüller IB, Ruskoaho H, Yli-Kauhaluoma J. Synthesis, Identification, and Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of GATA4 and NKX2-5 Protein-Protein Interaction Modulators. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8284-8310. [PMID: 31431011 PMCID: PMC7076710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Transcription factors GATA4 and NKX2-5
directly interact and synergistically
activate several cardiac genes and stretch-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Previously, we identified phenylisoxazole carboxamide 1 as a hit compound, which inhibited the GATA4–NKX2-5 transcriptional
synergy. Here, the chemical space around the molecular structure of 1 was explored by synthesizing and characterizing 220 derivatives
and structurally related compounds. In addition to the synergistic
transcriptional activation, selected compounds were evaluated for
their effects on transcriptional activities of GATA4 and NKX2-5 individually
as well as potential cytotoxicity. The structure–activity relationship
(SAR) analysis revealed that the aromatic isoxazole substituent in
the southern part regulates the inhibition of GATA4–NKX2-5
transcriptional synergy. Moreover, inhibition of GATA4 transcriptional
activity correlated with the reduced cell viability. In summary, comprehensive
SAR analysis accompanied by data analysis successfully identified
potent and selective inhibitors of GATA4–NKX2-5 transcriptional
synergy and revealed structural features important for it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Virpi Talman
- Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine , National Heart and Lung Institute , Du Cane Road , London W12 0NN , United Kingdom
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Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used anticancer drug which, unfortunately, induces dose-related cardiotoxicity. A deep understanding of DOX’s toxicity is still unclear, partly because most
in vitro
studies have evaluated the effects of short-term high-dose DOX treatments. Thus, a more precise model of DOX cardiotoxicity is needed to more accurately simulate clinical scenario.
The first aim of this study was to establish an
in vitro
model of long-term low-dose administration of DOX utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). The second aim was to investigate if novel GATA4-targeted compounds can protect CMs from DOX toxicity.
Acute toxicity was studied in both primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCs) and hiPSC-CMs. The cells were exposed to 0.1-3 μM DOX for 48 h, after which the lactate dehydrogenase and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were carried out. To study long-term toxicity, hiPSC-CMs were exposed to 100 nM DOX for up to 14 days. MTT assay and high-content analysis were carried out after 4, 7 and 14-day exposures. The effect of the test compound was studied by exposing the cells simultaneously to DOX and the compound.
A 48-hour exposure to DOX at 1 and 3 μM concentrations induced more than 62% reductions in both NRVC and hiPSC-CM viability, whereas a 14-day exposure to 100 nM DOX induced a 26% reduction in hiPSC-CM viability. A 4-day exposure to 100 nM DOX induced a 3.1-fold increase in the percentage of cells positive for pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP) compared to control. When the cells were exposed simultaneously to 100 nM DOX and the test compound (10 μM), the percentage of proBNP+ cells increased only 1.4-fold compared to control. However, over 14-day exposure the compound at 10 μM concentration reduced hiPSC-CM viability 50% compared to control.
A long-term exposure of hiPSC-CMs can be utilized as an
in vitro
model to investigate the mechanisms of delayed DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The GATA4-targeted test compound exhibited cardioprotective potential against subacute DOX toxicity. Over chronic exposure the compound was, however, toxic to CMs, indicating that further structural optimization is required to develop non-toxic derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuuli Karhu
- Drug Rsch Program and Div of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini Kinnunen
- Drug Rsch Program and Div of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Rsch Program and Div of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Drug Rsch Program and Div of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Univ of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Sarajärvi T, Jäntti M, Paldanius KMA, Natunen T, Wu JC, Mäkinen P, Tarvainen I, Tuominen RK, Talman V, Hiltunen M. Protein kinase C -activating isophthalate derivatives mitigate Alzheimer's disease-related cellular alterations. Neuropharmacology 2018; 141:76-88. [PMID: 30138694 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal protein kinase C (PKC) function contributes to many pathophysiological processes relevant for Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing. Phorbol esters and other PKC activators have been demonstrated to enhance the secretion of soluble APPα (sAPPα), reduce the levels of β-amyloid (Aβ), induce synaptogenesis, and promote neuroprotection. We have previously described isophthalate derivatives as a structurally simple family of PKC activators. Here, we characterised the effects of isophthalate derivatives HMI-1a3 and HMI-1b11 on neuronal viability, neuroinflammatory response, processing of APP and dendritic spine density and morphology in in vitro. HMI-1a3 increased the viability of embryonic primary cortical neurons and decreased the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator TNFα, but not that of nitric oxide, in mouse neuron-BV2 microglia co-cultures upon LPS- and IFN-γ-induced neuroinflammation. Furthermore, both HMI-1a3 and HMI-1b11 increased the levels of sAPPα relative to total sAPP and the ratio of Aβ42/Aβ40 in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Finally, bryostatin-1, but not HMI-1a3, increased the number of mushroom spines in proportion to total spine density in mature mouse hippocampal neuron cultures. These results suggest that the PKC activator HMI-1a3 exerts neuroprotective functions in the in vitro models relevant for AD by reducing the production of TNFα and increasing the secretion of neuroprotective sAPPα.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sarajärvi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - M Jäntti
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - K M A Paldanius
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - T Natunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J C Wu
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - P Mäkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - I Tarvainen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R K Tuominen
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - V Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Hiltunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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20
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Abstract
The heart is a complex organ consisting of various cell types, each of which plays an important role in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The cells communicate with each other through direct cell-cell interactions and paracrine signaling, and both homotypic and heterotypic cell interactions contribute to the organized structure and proper function of the heart. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) and endothelial cells (ECs) are two of the most abundant cardiac cell types and they also play central roles in both cardiac remodeling and regeneration. The postnatal cell cycle withdrawal of CMs, which takes place within days or weeks after birth, represents the major barrier for regeneration in adult mammalian hearts, as adult CMs exhibit a very low proliferative capacity. Recent evidence highlights the importance of ECs not only as the most abundant cell type in the heart but also as key players in post-infarction remodeling and regeneration. In this MiniReview, we focus on blood vascular ECs and CMs and their roles and interactions in cardiac physiology and pathologies, with a special emphasis on cardiac regeneration. We summarize the known mediators of the bidirectional CM-EC interactions and discuss the related recent advances in the development of therapies aiming to promote heart repair and regeneration targeting these two cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Jäntti MH, Talman V, Räsänen K, Tarvainen I, Koistinen H, Tuominen RK. Anticancer activity of the protein kinase C modulator HMI-1a3 in 2D and 3D cell culture models of androgen-responsive and androgen-unresponsive prostate cancer. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:817-828. [PMID: 29744295 PMCID: PMC5929934 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Although it has a relatively high 5‐year survival rate, development of resistance to standard androgen‐deprivation therapy is a significant clinical problem. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. The protein kinase C (PKC) family is a putative prostate cancer drug target, but so far no PKC‐targeting drugs are available for clinical use. By contrast to the standard approach of developing PKC inhibitors, we have developed isophthalate derivatives as PKC agonists. In this study, we have characterized the effects of the most potent isophthalate, 5‐(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate 1a3 (HMI‐1a3), on three prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) using both 2D and 3D cell culture models. In 2D cell culture, HMI‐1a3 reduced cell viability or proliferation in all cell lines as determined by the metabolic activity of the cells (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide assay) and thymidine incorporation. However, the mechanism of action in LNCaP cells was different to that in DU145 or PC3 cells. In LNCaP cells, HMI‐1a3 induced a PKC‐dependent activation of caspase 3/7, indicating an apoptotic response, whereas in DU145 and PC3 cells, it induced senescence, which was independent of PKC. This was observed as typical senescent morphology, increased β‐galactosidase activity, and upregulation of the senescence marker p21 and downregulation of E2F transcription factor 1. Using a multicellular spheroid model, we further showed that HMI‐1a3 affects the growth of LNCaP and DU145 cells in a 3D culture, emphasizing its potential as a lead compound for cancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria H Jäntti
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Kati Räsänen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry Medicum University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Finland
| | - Ilari Tarvainen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy University of Helsinki Finland
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry Medicum University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy University of Helsinki Finland
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22
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Provenzani R, Tarvainen I, Brandoli G, Lempinen A, Artes S, Turku A, Jäntti MH, Talman V, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Tuominen RK, Boije af Gennäs G. Scaffold hopping from (5-hydroxymethyl) isophthalates to multisubstituted pyrimidines diminishes binding affinity to the C1 domain of protein kinase C. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195668. [PMID: 29641588 PMCID: PMC5895059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms play a pivotal role in the regulation of numerous cellular functions, making them extensively studied and highly attractive drug targets. Utilizing the crystal structure of the PKCδ C1B domain, we have developed hydrophobic isophthalic acid derivatives that modify PKC functions by binding to the C1 domain of the enzyme. In the present study, we aimed to improve the drug-like properties of the isophthalic acid derivatives by increasing their solubility and enhancing the binding affinity. Here we describe the design and synthesis of a series of multisubstituted pyrimidines as analogs of C1 domain–targeted isophthalates and characterize their binding affinities to the PKCα isoform. In contrast to our computational predictions, the scaffold hopping from phenyl to pyrimidine core diminished the binding affinity. Although the novel pyrimidines did not establish improved binding affinity for PKCα compared to our previous isophthalic acid derivatives, the present results provide useful structure-activity relationship data for further development of ligands targeted to the C1 domain of PKC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Provenzani
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilari Tarvainen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giulia Brandoli
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Lempinen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Artes
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ainoleena Turku
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Helena Jäntti
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
| | - Raimo K. Tuominen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gustav Boije af Gennäs
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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23
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Pohjolainen L, Kinnunen S, Ruskoaho H, Talman V. 8Identification of cardiomyocyte-specific lncRNAs as potential regulators of cardiac regeneration. Cardiovasc Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy060.001] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L Pohjolainen
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Kinnunen
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Ruskoaho
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Talman
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
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24
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Karhu ST, Valimaki M, Jumppanen M, Pohjolainen L, Leigh R, Foldes G, Boije Af Gennas G, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Ruskoaho H, Talman V. P293Toxicity profiling of cardiac transcription factor-targeted compounds in various cardiac and stem cell types reveals cell type- and compound-dependent toxicity. Cardiovasc Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy060.210] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S T Karhu
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Valimaki
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Jumppanen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Pohjolainen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Leigh
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - G Foldes
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - G Boije Af Gennas
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Yli-Kauhaluoma
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Ruskoaho
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Talman
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Research Program and Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Helsinki, Finland
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25
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Talman V, Teppo J, Poho P, Movahedi P, Vaikkinen A, Pahikkala T, Kotiaho T, Kostiainen R, Varjosalo M, Ruskoaho H. P85Combined transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics analysis identifies metabolic pathways associated with the loss of cardiac regeneration. Cardiovasc Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy060.049] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V Talman
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Teppo
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy and Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Poho
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Movahedi
- University of Turku, Department of Future Technologies, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - A Vaikkinen
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Pahikkala
- University of Turku, Department of Future Technologies, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Turku, Finland
| | - T Kotiaho
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Kostiainen
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Varjosalo
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Ruskoaho
- University of Helsinki, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helsinki, Finland
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26
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Välimäki MJ, Tölli MA, Kinnunen SM, Aro J, Serpi R, Pohjolainen L, Talman V, Poso A, Ruskoaho HJ. Discovery of Small Molecules Targeting the Synergy of Cardiac Transcription Factors GATA4 and NKX2-5. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7781-7798. [PMID: 28858485 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors are pivotal regulators of gene transcription, and many diseases are associated with the deregulation of transcriptional networks. In the heart, the transcription factors GATA4 and NKX2-5 are required for cardiogenesis. GATA4 and NKX2-5 interact physically, and the activation of GATA4, in cooperation with NKX2-5, is essential for stretch-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Here, we report the identification of four small molecule families that either inhibit or enhance the GATA4-NKX2-5 transcriptional synergy. A fragment-based screening, reporter gene assay, and pharmacophore search were utilized for the small molecule screening, identification, and optimization. The compounds modulated the hypertrophic agonist-induced cardiac gene expression. The most potent hit compound, N-[4-(diethylamino)phenyl]-5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazole-4-carboxamide (3, IC50 = 3 μM), exhibited no activity on the protein kinases involved in the regulation of GATA4 phosphorylation. The identified and chemically and biologically characterized active compound, and its derivatives may provide a novel class of small molecules for modulating heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika J Välimäki
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.,Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu , Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Marja A Tölli
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu , Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Sini M Kinnunen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.,Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu , Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Jani Aro
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu , Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Raisa Serpi
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu , Oulu FI-90014, Finland
| | - Lotta Pohjolainen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , Helsinki FI-00014, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland , Kuopio FI-70211, Finland
| | - Heikki J Ruskoaho
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki , Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.,Research Unit of Biomedicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Oulu , Oulu FI-90014, Finland
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27
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Ferreira MPA, Ranjan S, Kinnunen S, Correia A, Talman V, Mäkilä E, Barrios-Lopez B, Kemell M, Balasubramanian V, Salonen J, Hirvonen J, Ruskoaho H, Airaksinen AJ, Santos HA. Drug-Loaded Multifunctional Nanoparticles Targeted to the Endocardial Layer of the Injured Heart Modulate Hypertrophic Signaling. Small 2017; 13:1701276. [PMID: 28714245 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201701276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. Severe myocardial ischemia results in a massive loss of myocytes and acute myocardial infarction, the endocardium being the most vulnerable region. At present, current therapeutic lines only ameliorate modestly the quality of life of these patients. Here, an engineered nanocarrier is reported for targeted drug delivery into the endocardial layer of the left ventricle for cardiac repair. Biodegradable porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles are functionalized with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which is known to be expressed predominantly in the endocardium of the failing heart. The ANP-PSi nanoparticles exhibit improved colloidal stability and enhanced cellular interactions with cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes with minimal toxicity. After confirmation of good retention of the radioisotope 111-Indium in relevant physiological buffers over 4 h, in vivo single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging and autoradiography demonstrate increased accumulation of ANP-PSi nanoparticles in the ischemic heart, particularly in the endocardial layer of the left ventricle. Moreover, ANP-PSi nanoparticles loaded with a novel cardioprotective small molecule attenuate hypertrophic signaling in the endocardium, demonstrating cardioprotective potential. These results provide unique insights into the development of nanotherapies targeted to the injured region of the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica P A Ferreira
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Sanjeev Ranjan
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Sini Kinnunen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Alexandra Correia
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Virpi Talman
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Ermei Mäkilä
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
- Laboratory of Industrial Physics, Department of Physics, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20014, Finland
| | | | - Marianna Kemell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Vimalkumar Balasubramanian
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Jarno Salonen
- Laboratory of Industrial Physics, Department of Physics, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20014, Finland
| | - Jouni Hirvonen
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Anu J Airaksinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
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28
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Abstract
Ischemic cell death during a myocardial infarction leads to a multiphase reparative response in which the damaged tissue is replaced with a fibrotic scar produced by fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. This also induces geometrical, biomechanical, and biochemical changes in the uninjured ventricular wall eliciting a reactive remodeling process that includes interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Although the initial reparative fibrosis is crucial for preventing rupture of the ventricular wall, an exaggerated fibrotic response and reactive fibrosis outside the injured area are detrimental as they lead to progressive impairment of cardiac function and eventually to heart failure. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the mechanisms of both reparative and reactive cardiac fibrosis in response to myocardial infarction, discuss the potential of inducing cardiac regeneration through direct reprogramming of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, and review the currently available and potential future therapeutic strategies to inhibit cardiac fibrosis. Graphical abstract Reparative response following a myocardial infarction. Hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte death leads to the activation of myofibroblasts and a reparative fibrotic response in the injured area. Right top In adult mammals, the fibrotic scar formed at the infarcted area is permanent and promotes reactive fibrosis in the uninjured myocardium. Right bottom In teleost fish and newts and in embryonic and neonatal mammals, the initial formation of a fibrotic scar is followed by regeneration of the cardiac muscle tissue. Induction of post-infarction cardiac regeneration in adult mammals is currently the target of intensive research and drug discovery attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Talman
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Heikki Ruskoaho
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
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29
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Talman V, Pascale A, Jäntti M, Amadio M, Tuominen RK. Protein Kinase C Activation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Alzheimer's Disease: Is there a Role for Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision-like Proteins? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2016; 119:149-60. [PMID: 27001133 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It affects predominantly brain areas that are critical for memory and learning and is characterized by two main pathological hallmarks: extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Protein kinase C (PKC) has been classified as one of the cognitive kinases controlling memory and learning. By regulating several signalling pathways involved in amyloid and tau pathologies, it also plays an inhibitory role in AD pathophysiology. Among downstream targets of PKC are the embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV)-like RNA-binding proteins that modulate the stability and the translation of specific target mRNAs involved in synaptic remodelling linked to cognitive processes. This MiniReview summarizes the current evidence on the role of PKC and ELAV-like proteins in learning and memory, highlighting how their derangement can contribute to AD pathophysiology. This last aspect emphasizes the potential of pharmacological activation of PKC as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Talman
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Jäntti
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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30
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Rossi D, Talman V, Gennäs GBA, Marra A, Picconi P, Nasti R, Serra M, Ann J, Amadio M, Pascale A, Tuominen RK, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Lee J, Collina S. Beyond the affinity for protein kinase C: exploring 2-phenyl-3-hydroxypropyl pivalate analogues as C1 domain-targeting ligands. Med Chem Commun 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4md00564c] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the past fifteen years, we reported the design and synthesis of different series of compounds targeting the C1 domain of protein kinase C (PKC) that were based on various templates.
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31
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Talman V, Gateva G, Ahti M, Ekokoski E, Lappalainen P, Tuominen RK. Evidence for a role of MRCK in mediating HeLa cell elongation induced by the C1 domain ligand HMI-1a3. Eur J Pharm Sci 2014; 55:46-57. [PMID: 24486483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a central mediator of signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis. Therefore, C1 domain, the DAG binding site within protein kinase C (PKC) and other DAG effector proteins, is considered a potential cancer drug target. Derivatives of 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalic acid are a novel group of C1 domain ligands with antiproliferative and differentiation-inducing effects. Our previous work showed that these isophthalate derivatives exhibit antiproliferative and elongation-inducing effects in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. In this study we further characterized the effects of bis(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl) 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate (HMI-1a3) on HeLa cell proliferation and morphology. HMI-1a3-induced cell elongation was accompanied with loss of focal adhesions and actin stress fibers, and exposure to HMI-1a3 induced a prominent relocation of cofilin-1 into the nucleus regardless of cell phenotype. The antiproliferative and morphological responses to HMI-1a3 were not modified by pharmacological inhibition or activation of PKC, or by RNAi knock-down of specific PKC isoforms, suggesting that the effects of HMI-1a3 were not mediated by PKC. Genome-wide gene expression microarray and gene set enrichment analysis suggested that, among others, HMI-1a3 induces changes in small GTPase-mediated signaling pathways. Our experiments revealed that the isophthalates bind also to the C1 domains of β2-chimaerin, protein kinase D (PKD) and myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinase (MRCK), which are potential mediators of small GTPase signaling and cytoskeletal reorganization. Pharmacological inhibition of MRCK, but not that of PKD attenuated HMI-1a3-induced cell elongation, suggesting that MRCK participates in mediating the effects of HMI-1a3 on HeLa cell morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Talman
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Gergana Gateva
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja Ahti
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Ekokoski
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Lappalainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raimo K Tuominen
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Talman V, Amadio M, Osera C, Sorvari S, Boije Af Gennäs G, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, Rossi D, Govoni S, Collina S, Ekokoski E, Tuominen RK, Pascale A. The C1 domain-targeted isophthalate derivative HMI-1b11 promotes neurite outgrowth and GAP-43 expression through PKCα activation in SH-SY5Y cells. Pharmacol Res 2013; 73:44-54. [PMID: 23643828 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine phosphotransferases ubiquitously expressed and involved in multiple cellular functions, such as proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. The C1 domain of PKC represents an attractive drug target, especially for developing PKC activators. Dialkyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalates are a novel group of synthetic C1 domain ligands that exhibit antiproliferative effect in HeLa cervical carcinoma cells. Here we selected two isophthalates, HMI-1a3 and HMI-1b11, and characterized their effects in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Both of the active isophthalates exhibited significant antiproliferative and differentiation-inducing effects. Since HMI-1b11 did not impair cell survival even at the highest concentration tested (20μM), and supported neurite growth and differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells, we focused on studying its downstream signaling cascades and effects on gene expression. Consistently, genome-wide gene expression microarray and gene set enrichment analysis indicated that HMI-1b11 (10μM) induced changes in genes mainly related to cell differentiation. In particular, further studies revealed that HMI-1b11 exposure induced up-regulation of GAP-43, a marker for neurite sprouting and neuronal differentiation. These effects were induced by a 7-min HMI-1b11 treatment and specifically depended on PKCα activation, since pretreatment with the selective inhibitor Gö6976 abolished the up-regulation of GAP-43 protein observed at 12h. In parallel, we found that a 7-min exposure to HMI-1b11 induced PKCα accumulation to the cytoskeleton, an effect that was again prevented by pretreatment with Gö6976. Despite similar binding affinities to PKC, the isophthalates had different effects on PKC-dependent ERK1/2 signaling: HMI-1a3-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was transient, while HMI-1b11 induced a rapid but prolonged ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Overall our data are in accordance with previous studies showing that activation of the PKCα and ERK1/2 pathways participate in regulating neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, since PKC has been classified as one of the cognitive kinases, and activation of PKC is considered a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cognitive disorders, our findings suggest that HMI-1b11 represents a promising lead compound in research aimed to prevent or counteract memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Talman
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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Kiriazis A, Boije af Gennäs G, Talman V, Ekokoski E, Ruotsalainen T, Kylänlahti I, Rüffer T, Wissel G, Xhaard H, Lang H, Tuominen RK, Yli-Kauhaluoma J. Stereoselective synthesis of (3-aminodecahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-2-yl)methanols targeted to the C1 domain of protein kinase C. Tetrahedron 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2011.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Boije af Gennas G, Talman V, Yli-Kauhaluoma J, K Tuominen R, Ekokoski E. Current Status and Future Prospects of C1 Domain Ligands as Drug Candidates. Curr Top Med Chem 2011; 11:1370-92. [DOI: 10.2174/156802611795589584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [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: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Boije af Gennäs G, Talman V, Aitio O, Ekokoski E, Finel M, Tuominen RK, Yli-Kauhaluoma J. Design, synthesis, and biological activity of isophthalic acid derivatives targeted to the C1 domain of protein kinase C. J Med Chem 2009; 52:3969-81. [PMID: 19438240 DOI: 10.1021/jm900229p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a widely studied molecular target for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. We have approached the issue of modifying PKC function by targeting the C1 domain in the regulatory region of the enzyme. Using the X-ray crystal structure of the PKC delta C1b domain, we have discovered conveniently synthesizable derivatives of dialkyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate that can act as potential C1 domain ligands. Structure-activity studies confirmed that the important functional groups predicted by modeling were indispensable for binding to the C1 domain and that the modifications of these groups diminished binding. The most promising compounds were able to displace radiolabeled phorbol ester ([(3)H]PDBu) from PKC alpha and delta at K(i) values in the range of 200-900 nM. Furthermore, the active isophthalate derivatives could modify PKC activation in living cells either by inducing PKC-dependent ERK phosphorylation or by inhibiting phorbol-induced ERK phosphorylation. In conclusion, we report here, for the first time, that derivatives of isophthalic acid represent an attractive novel group of C1 domain ligands that can be used as research tools or further modified for potential drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Boije af Gennäs
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Tammela P, Ekokoski E, García-Horsman A, Talman V, Finel M, Tuominen R, Vuorela P. Screening of natural compounds and their derivatives as potential protein kinase C inhibitors. Drug Dev Res 2005. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.10399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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