1
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Mwangi J, Kamau PM, Thuku RC, Lai R. Design methods for antimicrobial peptides with improved performance. Zool Res 2023; 44:1095-1114. [PMID: 37914524 PMCID: PMC10802102 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult. In this regard, developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broad-spectrum antipathogenic activity, hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application, with many already in the drug development pipeline. Their distinct properties, such as high target specificity, potency, and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms, make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Nonetheless, several challenges, such as high toxicity, lability to proteolytic degradation, low stability, poor pharmacokinetics, and high production costs, continue to hamper their clinical applicability. Therefore, recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance. By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity, such as amphipathicity, hydrophobicity, structural conformation, amino acid distribution, and composition, researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance. In this review, we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs, including rational design and de novo synthesis. We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools, utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Rebecca Caroline Thuku
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Centre for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511458, China. E-mail:
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2
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Preparation and Functional Identification of a Novel Conotoxin QcMNCL-XIII0.1 from Conus quercinus. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14020099. [PMID: 35202127 PMCID: PMC8877388 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are tools used by marine Conus snails to hunt and are a significant repository for marine drug research. Conotoxins highly selectively coordinate different subtypes of various ion channels, and a few have been used in pain management. Although more than 8000 conotoxin genes have been found, the biological activity and function of most have not yet been examined. In this report, we selected the toxin gene QcMNCL-XIII0.1 from our previous investigation and studied it in vitro. First, we successfully prepared active recombinant QcMNCL-XIII0.1 using a TrxA (Thioredoxin A)-assisted folding expression vector based on genetic engineering technology. Animal experiments showed that the recombinant QcMNCL-XIII0.1 exhibited nerve conduction inhibition similar to that of pethidine hydrochloride. With flow cytometry combined fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM, we found that 10 ng/μL recombinant QcMNCL-XIII0.1 inhibited the fluorescence intensity by 31.07% in the 293T cell model transfected with Cav3.1, implying an interaction between α1G T-type calcium channel protein and recombinant QcMNCL-XIII0.1. This toxin could be an important drug in biomedical research and medicine for pain control.
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3
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Tran HNT, Tran P, Deuis JR, McMahon KL, Yap K, Craik DJ, Vetter I, Schroeder CI. Evaluation of Efficient Non-reducing Enzymatic and Chemical Ligation Strategies for Complex Disulfide-Rich Peptides. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:2407-2419. [PMID: 34751572 PMCID: PMC10167913 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Double-knotted peptides identified in venoms and synthetic bivalent peptide constructs targeting ion channels are emerging tools for the study of ion channel pharmacology and physiology. These highly complex and disulfide-rich peptides contain two individual cystine knots, each comprising six cysteines and three disulfide bonds. Until now, native double-knotted peptides, such as Hi1a and DkTx, have only been isolated from venom or produced recombinantly, whereas engineered double-knotted peptides have successfully been produced through enzymatic ligation using sortase A to form a seamless amide bond at the ligation site between two knotted toxins, and by alkyne/azide click chemistry, joining two peptide knots via a triazole linkage. To further pursue these double-knotted peptides as pharmacological tools or probes for therapeutically relevant ion channels, we sought to identify a robust methodology resulting in a high yield product that lends itself to rapid production and facile mutational studies. In this study, we evaluated the ligation efficiency of enzymatic (sortase A5°, butelase 1, wild-type OaAEP 1, C247A-OaAEP 1, and peptiligase) and mild chemical approaches (α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine, KAHA) for forming a native amide bond linking the toxins while maintaining the native disulfide connectivity of each pre-folded peptide. We used two NaV1.7 inhibitors: PaurTx3, a spider-derived gating modifier peptide, and KIIIA, a small cone snail-derived pore blocker peptide, which have previously been shown to increase affinity and inhibitory potency on hNaV1.7 when ligated together. Correctly folded peptides were successfully ligated in varying yields, without disulfide bond shuffling or reduction, with sortase A5° being the most efficient, resulting in 60% ligation conversion within 15 min. In addition, electrophysiology studies demonstrated that for these two peptides, the amino acid composition of the linker did not affect the activity of the double-knotted peptides. This study demonstrates the powerful application of enzymes in efficiently ligating complex disulfide-rich peptides, paving the way for facile production of double-knotted peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue N T Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Poanna Tran
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kirsten L McMahon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Kuok Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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4
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Synthesis and evaluation of disulfide-rich cyclic α-conotoxin [S9A]TxID analogues as novel α3β4 nAChR antagonists. Bioorg Chem 2021; 112:104875. [PMID: 33823404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Head-to-tail cyclization is an effective strategy to improve the biological stability of peptides. The α-conotoxin [S9A]TxID is a peptide that inhibits α3β4 nAChR with high activity and selectivity. Herein, we established a method for cyclizing and oxidative folding of [S9A]TxID, and six cyclic analogues of [S9A]TxID were chemically synthesized with various linker lengths. We used the electrophysiology assay to measure activity values of these cyclic analogues, and obtained the most potent analogue c[S9A]TxID-6, which was more stable than native [S9A]TxID against proteinase K.
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5
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Turner A, Kaas Q, Craik DJ. Hormone-like conopeptides - new tools for pharmaceutical design. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:1235-1251. [PMID: 34095838 PMCID: PMC8126879 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00173b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conopeptides are a diverse family of peptides found in the venoms of marine cone snails and are used in prey capture and host defence. Because of their potent activity on a range of mammalian targets they have attracted interest as leads in drug design. Until recently most focus had been on studying conopeptides having activity at ion channels and related neurological targets but, with recent discoveries that some conopeptides might play hormonal roles, a new area of conopeptide research has opened. In this article we first summarize the canonical pharmaceutical families of Conus venom peptides and then focus on new research relating to hormone-like conopeptides and their potential applications. Finally, we briefly examine methods of chemically stabilizing conopeptides to improve their pharmacological properties. A summary is presented of conopeptides in clinical trials and a call for future work on hormone-like conopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin Turner
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland 4072 Australia
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6
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Luan X, Wu Y, Shen YW, Zhang H, Zhou YD, Chen HZ, Nagle DG, Zhang WD. Cytotoxic and antitumor peptides as novel chemotherapeutics. Nat Prod Rep 2020; 38:7-17. [PMID: 32776055 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00019a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Covering: up to 2020Treatment resistance and drug-induced refractory malignancies pose significant challenges for current chemotherapy drugs. There have been increasing research efforts aimed at developing novel chemotherapeutics, especially from natural products and related derivatives. Natural cytotoxic peptides, an emerging source of chemotherapeutics, have exhibited the advantage of overcoming drug resistance and displayed broad-spectrum antitumor activities in the clinic. This highlight examines the increasingly popular cytotoxic peptides from isolated natural products. In-depth review of several peptides provides examples for how this novel strategy can lead to the improved anti-tumor effects. The mechanisms and current application of representative natural cytotoxic peptides (NCPs) have also been discussed, with a particular focus on future directions for interdisciplinary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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7
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Frazier CL, Weeks AM. Engineered peptide ligases for cell signaling and bioconjugation. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1153-1165. [PMID: 32539119 PMCID: PMC8350744 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes that catalyze peptide ligation are powerful tools for site-specific protein bioconjugation and the study of cellular signaling. Peptide ligases can be divided into two classes: proteases that have been engineered to favor peptide ligation, and protease-related enzymes with naturally evolved peptide ligation activity. Here, we provide a review of key natural peptide ligases and proteases engineered to favor peptide ligation activity. We cover the protein engineering approaches used to generate and improve these tools, along with recent biological applications, advantages, and limitations associated with each enzyme. Finally, we address future challenges and opportunities for further development of peptide ligases as tools for biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara L. Frazier
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Amy M. Weeks
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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8
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Spider Venom: Components, Modes of Action, and Novel Strategies in Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analyses. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100611. [PMID: 31652611 PMCID: PMC6832493 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review gives an overview on the development of research on spider venoms with a focus on structure and function of venom components and techniques of analysis. Major venom component groups are small molecular mass compounds, antimicrobial (also called cytolytic, or cationic) peptides (only in some spider families), cysteine-rich (neurotoxic) peptides, and enzymes and proteins. Cysteine-rich peptides are reviewed with respect to various structural motifs, their targets (ion channels, membrane receptors), nomenclature, and molecular binding. We further describe the latest findings concerning the maturation of antimicrobial, and cysteine-rich peptides that are in most known cases expressed as propeptide-containing precursors. Today, venom research, increasingly employs transcriptomic and mass spectrometric techniques. Pros and cons of venom gland transcriptome analysis with Sanger, 454, and Illumina sequencing are discussed and an overview on so far published transcriptome studies is given. In this respect, we also discuss the only recently described cross contamination arising from multiplexing in Illumina sequencing and its possible impacts on venom studies. High throughput mass spectrometric analysis of venom proteomes (bottom-up, top-down) are reviewed.
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9
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Jin AH, Muttenthaler M, Dutertre S, Himaya SWA, Kaas Q, Craik DJ, Lewis RJ, Alewood PF. Conotoxins: Chemistry and Biology. Chem Rev 2019; 119:11510-11549. [PMID: 31633928 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The venom of the marine predatory cone snails (genus Conus) has evolved for prey capture and defense, providing the basis for survival and rapid diversification of the now estimated 750+ species. A typical Conus venom contains hundreds to thousands of bioactive peptides known as conotoxins. These mostly disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides act on a wide range of targets such as ion channels, G protein-coupled receptors, transporters, and enzymes. Conotoxins are of interest to neuroscientists as well as drug developers due to their exquisite potency and selectivity, not just against prey but also mammalian targets, thereby providing a rich source of molecular probes and therapeutic leads. The rise of integrated venomics has accelerated conotoxin discovery with now well over 10,000 conotoxin sequences published. However, their structural and pharmacological characterization lags considerably behind. In this review, we highlight the diversity of new conotoxins uncovered since 2014, their three-dimensional structures and folds, novel chemical approaches to their syntheses, and their value as pharmacological tools to unravel complex biology. Additionally, we discuss challenges and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Hua Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry , University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria
| | - Sebastien Dutertre
- Département des Acides Amines, Peptides et Protéines, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5247, Université Montpellier 2-Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique , Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron , Place Eugène Bataillon , 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5 , France
| | - S W A Himaya
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane Queensland 4072 , Australia
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10
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Morales Duque H, Campos Dias S, Franco OL. Structural and Functional Analyses of Cone Snail Toxins. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:md17060370. [PMID: 31234371 PMCID: PMC6628382 DOI: 10.3390/md17060370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails are marine gastropod mollusks with one of the most powerful venoms in nature. The toxins, named conotoxins, must act quickly on the cone snails´ prey due to the fact that snails are extremely slow, reducing their hunting capability. Therefore, the characteristics of conotoxins have become the object of investigation, and as a result medicines have been developed or are in the trialing process. Conotoxins interact with transmembrane proteins, showing specificity and potency. They target ion channels and ionotropic receptors with greater regularity, and when interaction occurs, there is immediate physiological decompensation. In this review we aimed to evaluate the structural features of conotoxins and the relationship with their target types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF 70.790-160, Brazil.
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS 79.117-900, Brazil.
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11
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Wulff H, Christophersen P, Colussi P, Chandy KG, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Antibodies and venom peptides: new modalities for ion channels. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:339-357. [PMID: 30728472 PMCID: PMC6499689 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels play fundamental roles in both excitable and non-excitable tissues and therefore constitute attractive drug targets for myriad neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases as well as for cancer and immunomodulation. However, achieving selectivity for specific ion channel subtypes with small-molecule drugs has been challenging, and there currently is a growing trend to target ion channels with biologics. One approach is to improve the pharmacokinetics of existing or novel venom-derived peptides. In parallel, after initial studies with polyclonal antibodies demonstrated the technical feasibility of inhibiting channel function with antibodies, multiple preclinical programmes are now using the full spectrum of available technologies to generate conventional monoclonal and engineered antibodies or nanobodies against extracellular loops of ion channels. After a summary of the current state of ion channel drug discovery, this Review discusses recent developments using the purinergic receptor channel P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7), the voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 and the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as examples of targeting ion channels with biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - K George Chandy
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Infection and Immunity Theme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology & Membrane Biology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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12
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Mansbach RA, Travers T, McMahon BH, Fair JM, Gnanakaran S. Snails In Silico: A Review of Computational Studies on the Conopeptides. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E145. [PMID: 30832207 PMCID: PMC6471681 DOI: 10.3390/md17030145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine cone snails are carnivorous gastropods that use peptide toxins called conopeptides both as a defense mechanism and as a means to immobilize and kill their prey. These peptide toxins exhibit a large chemical diversity that enables exquisite specificity and potency for target receptor proteins. This diversity arises in terms of variations both in amino acid sequence and length, and in posttranslational modifications, particularly the formation of multiple disulfide linkages. Most of the functionally characterized conopeptides target ion channels of animal nervous systems, which has led to research on their therapeutic applications. Many facets of the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for the specificity and virulence of conopeptides, however, remain poorly understood. In this review, we will explore the chemical diversity of conopeptides from a computational perspective. First, we discuss current approaches used for classifying conopeptides. Next, we review different computational strategies that have been applied to understanding and predicting their structure and function, from machine learning techniques for predictive classification to docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations for molecular-level understanding. We then review recent novel computational approaches for rapid high-throughput screening and chemical design of conopeptides for particular applications. We close with an assessment of the state of the field, emphasizing important questions for future lines of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Mansbach
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Timothy Travers
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
- Center for Nonlinear Studies, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Benjamin H McMahon
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Jeanne M Fair
- Biosecurity and Public Health Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - S Gnanakaran
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
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13
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Dai X, Böker A, Glebe U. Broadening the scope of sortagging. RSC Adv 2019; 9:4700-4721. [PMID: 35514663 PMCID: PMC9060782 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06705h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sortases are enzymes occurring in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria. Sortase A (SrtA), the best studied sortase class, plays a key role in anchoring surface proteins with the recognition sequence LPXTG covalently to oligoglycine units of the bacterial cell wall. This unique transpeptidase activity renders SrtA attractive for various purposes and motivated researchers to study multiple in vivo and in vitro ligations in the last decades. This ligation technique is known as sortase-mediated ligation (SML) or sortagging and developed to a frequently used method in basic research. The advantages are manifold: extremely high substrate specificity, simple access to substrates and enzyme, robust nature and easy handling of sortase A. In addition to the ligation of two proteins or peptides, early studies already included at least one artificial (peptide equipped) substrate into sortagging reactions - which demonstrates the versatility and broad applicability of SML. Thus, SML is not only a biology-related technique, but has found prominence as a major interdisciplinary research tool. In this review, we provide an overview about the use of sortase A in interdisciplinary research, mainly for protein modification, synthesis of protein-polymer conjugates and immobilization of proteins on surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Dai
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP Geiselbergstr. 69 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien und Polymertechnologie, Universität Potsdam 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
| | - Alexander Böker
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP Geiselbergstr. 69 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Polymermaterialien und Polymertechnologie, Universität Potsdam 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
| | - Ulrich Glebe
- Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP Geiselbergstr. 69 14476 Potsdam-Golm Germany
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14
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Abstract
Sortase A (SrtA) is an enzyme obtained from Staphylococcus aureus that catalyzes site-specific transpeptidation of surface proteins to the bacterial cell membrane. SrtA recognizes an LPXTG amino acid motif and cleaves between the Thr and Gly to form a thioester-linked acyl-enzyme intermediate. The intermediate is resolved in the presence of a nucleophilic N-terminal polyglycine resulting in ligation of the acyl donor to the polyglycine acceptor. Here we describe the application of SrtA as a tool for the cyclization of disulfide-rich peptides. Reactions are typically tailored to each disulfide-rich peptide with optimal conditions producing yields of 40-50% cyclized peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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15
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Cheng X, Hong H, Zhou Z, Wu Z. Enzymatic On-Resin Peptide Cleavage and in Situ Cyclization One-Pot Strategy for the Synthesis of Cyclopeptide and Cyclotide. J Org Chem 2018; 83:14078-14083. [PMID: 30277068 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b02032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A one-pot strategy combining sortase A mediated on-resin peptide cleavage and in situ cyclization was developed for the synthesis of cyclic peptides. This strategy was applied to synthesize head-to-tail cyclic antibacterial bovine lactoferricin peptide LFcinB20-35 in a yield of 67%. The one-pot strategy was compatible with an oxidative folding reaction, and complex cyclotides containing one or two disulfide bonds, such as sunflower trypsin inhibitors-1 and α-conotoxin MII, were successfully synthesized in one pot in a yield of 77% and 61%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Haofei Hong
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Zhifang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology , Jiangnan University , Wuxi 214122 , China
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Agwa AJ, Blomster LV, Craik DJ, King GF, Schroeder CI. Efficient Enzymatic Ligation of Inhibitor Cystine Knot Spider Venom Peptides: Using Sortase A To Form Double-Knottins That Probe Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel NaV1.7. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3309-3319. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akello J. Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Linda V. Blomster
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christina I. Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Armstrong DA, Kaas Q, Rosengren KJ. Prediction of disulfide dihedral angles using chemical shifts. Chem Sci 2018; 9:6548-6556. [PMID: 30310586 PMCID: PMC6115640 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc01423j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystine residues result from the formation of disulfide bonds between pairs of cysteine residues. This cross linking of the backbone is essential for the structure and activity of peptides and proteins. The conformation of a cystine side chain can be described using five dihedral angles, χ1, χ2, χ3, χ2', and χ1', with cystines favouring certain combinations of these angles. 2D NMR spectroscopy is ideally suited for structure determination of disulfide-rich peptides, because of their small size and constrained nature. However, only limited information of the cystine side chain conformation can be determined by NMR spectroscopy, leading to ambiguity in the deduced 3D structures. Resolving accurate structures is important as disulfide-rich peptides have proven to be promising drug candidates in a number of fields, either as bioactive leads or scaffolds. Using a database of NMR chemical shifts combined with crystallographic structures, we have developed a method called DISH that uses support vector machines to predict the dihedral angles of cysteine side chains. It is able to successfully predict χ2 angles with 91% accuracy, and has improved performance over existing prediction methods for χ1 angles, with 87% accuracy. For 81% of cysteine residues, DISH successfully predicted both the χ1 and χ2 angles. By revisiting published solution structures of peptides determined using NMR spectroscopy, we assessed the impact of additional cystine dihedral restraints on the quality of 3D models. DISH improved the resolution and accuracy, highlighting the potential for improving the understanding of structure-activity relationships and rational development of peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Armstrong
- The University of Queensland , Faculty of Medicine , School of Biomedical Sciences , Brisbane , Australia . ;
| | - Quentin Kaas
- The University of Queensland , Institute for Molecular Biosciences , Brisbane , Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- The University of Queensland , Faculty of Medicine , School of Biomedical Sciences , Brisbane , Australia . ;
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Yang M, Hong H, Liu S, Zhao X, Wu Z. Immobilization of Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A on Chitosan Particles and Its Applications in Peptide-to-Peptide Ligation and Peptide Cyclization. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23010192. [PMID: 29351256 PMCID: PMC6017383 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitosan macro-particles prepared by the neutralization method were applied to Sortase A (SrtA) immobilization using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the immobilization process. An average specific activity of 3142 U (mg protein)-1 was obtained under optimized immobilization conditions (chitosan concentration 3%, SrtA concentration 0.5 mg·mL-1, glutaraldehyde concentration 0.5%, crosslinking and immobilization at 20 °C, crosslinking for 3 h, and an immobilization time of 8 h). The transpeptidase activity of immobilized SrtA was proved by a peptide-to-peptide ligation with a conversion yield approximately at 80%, and the immobilized catalyst was successfully reused for five cycles without obvious activity loss. Moreover, the scale-up capability of using immobilized SrtA to catalyze a head-to-tail peptide cyclization was investigated in a batch reaction and the conversion yield was more than 95% when using 20 mg of peptide as a substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Haofei Hong
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Shaozhong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Xinrui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry & Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Wu X, Huang YH, Kaas Q, Harvey PJ, Wang CK, Tae HS, Adams DJ, Craik DJ. Backbone cyclization of analgesic conotoxin GeXIVA facilitates direct folding of the ribbon isomer. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:17101-17112. [PMID: 28851841 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.808386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotoxin GeXIVA inhibits the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and is analgesic in animal models of pain. α-Conotoxins have four cysteines that can have three possible disulfide connectivities: globular (CysI-CysIII and CysII-CysIV), ribbon (CysI-CysIV and CysII-CysIII), or bead (CysI-CysII and CysIII-CysIV). Native α-conotoxins preferably adopt the globular connectivity, and previous studies of α-conotoxins have focused on the globular isomers as the ribbon and bead isomers typically have lower potency at nAChRs than the globular form. A recent report showed that the bead and ribbon isomers of GeXIVA are more potent than the globular isomer, with low nanomolar half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Despite this high potency, the therapeutic potential of GeXIVA is limited, because like most peptides, it is susceptible to proteolytic degradation and is challenging to synthesize in high yield. Here we used backbone cyclization as a strategy to improve the folding yield as well as increase the serum stability of ribbon GeXIVA while preserving activity at the α9α10 nAChR. Specifically, cyclization of ribbon GeXIVA with a two-residue linker maintained the biological activity at the human α9α10 nAChR and improved stability in human serum. Short linkers led to selective formation of the ribbon disulfide isomer without requiring orthogonal protection. Overall, this study highlights the value of backbone cyclization in directing folding, improving yields, and stabilizing conotoxins with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosa Wu
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Quentin Kaas
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Peta J Harvey
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Conan K Wang
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - David J Adams
- the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia and
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Molecular Engineering of Conus Peptides as Therapeutic Leads. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1030:229-254. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-66095-0_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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