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Alshevskaya AA, Lopatnikova JA, Zhukova JV, Perik-Zavodskaia OY, Alrhmoun S, Obleukhova IA, Matveeva AK, Savenkova DA, Imatdinov IR, Yudkin DV, Sennikov SV. TNFR1 Absence Is Not Crucial for Different Types of Cell Reaction to TNF: A Study of the TNFR1-Knockout Cell Model. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:15. [PMID: 38651368 PMCID: PMC11036270 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the mechanisms regulating the biological activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in cells is the co-expression of TNFR1/TNFR2 receptors. A model with a differential level of receptor expression is required to evaluate the contribution of these mechanisms. AIM The development of a cellular model to compare the effects of TNF on cells depending on the presence of both receptors and TNFR2 alone. METHODS TNFR1 absence modifications of ZR-75/1 and K-562 cell lines were obtained by TNFR1 knockout. The presence of deletions was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and the absence of cell membrane receptor expression was confirmed by flow cytometry. The dose-dependent effect of TNF on intact and knockout cells was comparatively evaluated by the effect on the cell cycle, the type of cell death, and the profile of expressed genes. RESULTS Knockout of TNFR1 resulted in a redistribution of TNFR2 receptors with an increased proportion of TNFR2+ cells in both lines and a multidirectional change in the density of expression in the lines (increased in K562 and decreased in ZR75/1). The presence of a large number of cells with high TNFR2 density in the absence of TNFR1 in the K562 cells was associated with greater sensitivity to TNF-stimulating doses and increased proliferation but did not result in a significant change in cell death parameters. A twofold increase in TNFR2+ cell distribution in this cell line at a reduced expression density in ZR75/1 cells was associated with a change in sensitivity to low cytokine concentrations in terms of proliferation; an overall increase in cell death, most pronounced at standard stimulating concentrations; and increased expression of the lymphocyte-activation gene groups, host-pathogen interaction, and innate immunity. CONCLUSIONS The absence of TNFR1 leads to different variants of compensatory redistribution of TNFR2 in cellular models, which affects the type of cell response and the threshold level of sensitivity. The directionality of cytokine action modulation and sensitivity to TNF levels depends not only on the fraction of cells expressing TNFR2 but also on the density of expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina A. Alshevskaya
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.A.); (J.A.L.); (J.V.Z.); (S.A.)
| | - Julia A. Lopatnikova
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.A.); (J.A.L.); (J.V.Z.); (S.A.)
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (I.A.O.)
| | - Julia V. Zhukova
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.A.); (J.A.L.); (J.V.Z.); (S.A.)
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (I.A.O.)
| | - Olga Y. Perik-Zavodskaia
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (I.A.O.)
| | - Saleh Alrhmoun
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.A.); (J.A.L.); (J.V.Z.); (S.A.)
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (I.A.O.)
| | - Irina A. Obleukhova
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (I.A.O.)
| | - Anna K. Matveeva
- Genome Research Department, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.M.); (D.A.S.); (I.R.I.); (D.V.Y.)
| | - Darya A. Savenkova
- Genome Research Department, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.M.); (D.A.S.); (I.R.I.); (D.V.Y.)
| | - Ilnaz R. Imatdinov
- Genome Research Department, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.M.); (D.A.S.); (I.R.I.); (D.V.Y.)
| | - Dmitry V. Yudkin
- Genome Research Department, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector”, Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (FBRI SRC VB “Vector”, Rospotrebnadzor), 630559 Koltsovo, Russia; (A.K.M.); (D.A.S.); (I.R.I.); (D.V.Y.)
| | - Sergey V. Sennikov
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov, First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.A.); (J.A.L.); (J.V.Z.); (S.A.)
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (I.A.O.)
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Zeng J, Loi GWZ, Saipuljumri EN, Romero Durán MA, Silva-García O, Perez-Aguilar JM, Baizabal-Aguirre VM, Lo CH. Peptide-based allosteric inhibitor targets TNFR1 conformationally active region and disables receptor-ligand signaling complex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2308132121. [PMID: 38551841 PMCID: PMC10998571 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308132121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 1 (TNFR1) plays a pivotal role in mediating TNF induced downstream signaling and regulating inflammatory response. Recent studies have suggested that TNFR1 activation involves conformational rearrangements of preligand assembled receptor dimers and targeting receptor conformational dynamics is a viable strategy to modulate TNFR1 signaling. Here, we used a combination of biophysical, biochemical, and cellular assays, as well as molecular dynamics simulation to show that an anti-inflammatory peptide (FKCRRWQWRMKK), which we termed FKC, inhibits TNFR1 activation allosterically by altering the conformational states of the receptor dimer without blocking receptor-ligand interaction or disrupting receptor dimerization. We also demonstrated the efficacy of FKC by showing that the peptide inhibits TNFR1 signaling in HEK293 cells and attenuates inflammation in mice with intraperitoneal TNF injection. Mechanistically, we found that FKC binds to TNFR1 cysteine-rich domains (CRD2/3) and perturbs the conformational dynamics required for receptor activation. Importantly, FKC increases the frequency in the opening of both CRD2/3 and CRD4 in the receptor dimer, as well as induces a conformational opening in the cytosolic regions of the receptor. This results in an inhibitory conformational state that impedes the recruitment of downstream signaling molecules. Together, these data provide evidence on the feasibility of targeting TNFR1 conformationally active region and open new avenues for receptor-specific inhibition of TNFR1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
| | - Gavin Wen Zhao Loi
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
| | - Eka Norfaishanty Saipuljumri
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
- School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore738964, Singapore
| | - Marco Antonio Romero Durán
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia58893, México
| | - Octavio Silva-García
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia58893, México
| | - Jose Manuel Perez-Aguilar
- School of Chemical Sciences, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, University City, Puebla72570, México
| | - Víctor M. Baizabal-Aguirre
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia58893, México
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore308232, Singapore
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吴 晨, 王 孟, 周 荣. [Recent research on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2024; 26:201-206. [PMID: 38436320 PMCID: PMC10921868 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2309039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children and adolescents, and its etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. Brain is the organ with the largest oxygen consumption in human body and is easily affected by oxidative imbalance. Oxidative stress has become the key research direction for the pathogenesis of ADHD, but there is still a lack of relevant studies in China. Based on the latest research findings in China and overseas, this article reviews the clinical and experimental studies on oxidative stress in ADHD and explores the association of oxidative stress with neurotransmitter imbalance, neuroinflammation, and cell apoptosis in the pathogenesis of ADHD, so as to provide new research ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of ADHD.
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Perik-Zavodskaia O, Alrhmoun S, Perik-Zavodskii R, Zhukova J, Lopatnikova J, Volynets M, Alshevskaya A, Sennikov S. Knockouts of TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B Genes in K562 Cell Line Lead to Diverse Long-Lasting Responses to TNF-α. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17169. [PMID: 38138998 PMCID: PMC10742831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This research delves into the intricate landscape of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling, a multi-functional cytokine known for its diverse cellular effects. Specifically, we investigate the roles of two TNF receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, in mediating TNF-α-induced transcriptional responses. Using human K562 cell lines with TNFR1 and TNFR2 knockouts, we explore changes in gene expression patterns following TNF-α stimulation. Our findings reveal distinct transcriptional profiles in TNFR1 and TNFR2 knockout cells, shedding light on the unique contributions of these receptors to TNF-α signaling. Notably, several key pathways associated with inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation exhibit altered regulation in the absence of TNFR1 or TNFR2. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms governing TNF-α signaling and its diverse cellular effects, with potential implications for targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Perik-Zavodskaia
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Saleh Alrhmoun
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
- Laboratory of Immune Engineering, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Roman Perik-Zavodskii
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
- Laboratory of Immune Engineering, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Julia Zhukova
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
- Laboratory of Immune Engineering, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Julia Lopatnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
- Laboratory of Immune Engineering, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Volynets
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
| | - Alina Alshevskaya
- Laboratory of Immune Engineering, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia (S.A.); (J.Z.); (J.L.); (M.V.)
- Laboratory of Immune Engineering, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
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5
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Su Z, Wu Y. How does the same ligand activate signaling of different receptors in TNFR superfamily: a computational study. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:657-671. [PMID: 36167956 PMCID: PMC10409953 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
TNFα is a highly pleiotropic cytokine inducing inflammatory signaling pathways. It is initially presented on plasma membrane of cells (mTNFα), and also exists in a soluble variant (sTNFα) after cleavage. The ligand is shared by two structurally similar receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. Interestingly, while sTNFα preferentially stimulates TNFR1, TNFR2 signaling can only be activated by mTNFα. How can two similar receptors respond to the same ligand in such a different way? We employed computational simulations in multiple scales to address this question. We found that both mTNFα and sTNFα can trigger the clustering of TNFR1. The size of clusters induced by sTNFα is constantly larger than the clusters induced by mTNFα. The systems of TNFR2, on the other hand, show very different behaviors. Only when the interactions between TNFR2 are very weak, mTNFα can trigger the receptors to form very large clusters. Given the same weak binding affinity, only small oligomers were obtained in the system of sTNFα. Considering that TNF-mediated signaling is modulated by the ligand-induced clustering of receptors on cell surface, our study provided the mechanistic foundation to the phenomenon that different isoforms of the ligand can lead to highly distinctive signaling patterns for its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqian Su
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Yinghao Wu
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Vunnam N, Yang M, Lo CH, Paulson C, Fiers WD, Huber E, Been M, Ferguson DM, Sachs JN. Zafirlukast Is a Promising Scaffold for Selectively Inhibiting TNFR1 Signaling. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:270-282. [PMID: 37363080 PMCID: PMC10288500 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. The biological effects of TNF are mediated by binding to TNF receptors, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), or TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), and this coupling makes TNFR1-specific inhibition by small-molecule therapies essential to avoid deleterious side effects. Recently, we engineered a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor for high-throughput screening of small molecules that modulate TNFR1 conformational states and identified zafirlukast as a compound that inhibits receptor activation, albeit at low potency. Here, we synthesized 16 analogues of zafirlukast and tested their potency and specificity for TNFR1 signaling. Using cell-based functional assays, we identified three analogues with significantly improved efficacy and potency, each of which induces a conformational change in the receptor (as measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in cells). The best analogue decreased NF-κB activation by 2.2-fold, IκBα efficiency by 3.3-fold, and relative potency by two orders of magnitude. Importantly, we showed that the analogues do not block TNF binding to TNFR1 and that binding to the receptor's extracellular domain is strongly cooperative. Despite these improvements, the best candidate's maximum inhibition of NF-κB is only 63%, leaving room for further improvements to the zafirlukast scaffold to achieve full inhibition and prove its potential as a therapeutic lead. Interestingly, while we find that the analogues also bind to TNFR2 in vitro, they do not inhibit TNFR2 function in cells or cause any conformational changes upon binding. Thus, these lead compounds should also be used as reagents to study conformational-dependent activation of TNF receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagamani Vunnam
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mu Yang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Carolyn Paulson
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - William D. Fiers
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Evan Huber
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - MaryJane Been
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - David M. Ferguson
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jonathan N. Sachs
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Chédotal H, Narayanan D, Povlsen K, Gotfredsen CH, Brambilla R, Gajhede M, Bach A, Clausen MH. Small-molecule modulators of tumor necrosis factor signaling. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103575. [PMID: 37003513 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a major role in immune system homeostasis and is involved in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, TNF and its receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, are relevant pharmacological targets. Biologics have been developed to block TNF-dependent signaling cascades, but they display serious side effects, and their pharmacological effectiveness decreases over time because of their immunogenicity. In this review, we present recent discoveries in small molecules targeting TNF and its receptors and discuss alternative strategies for modulating TNF signaling. Teaser: This review presents several recent and innovative strategies for the modulation of tumor necrosis factor function, with a focus on small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Chédotal
- Technical University of Denmark, Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katrine Povlsen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte H Gotfredsen
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Chemistry, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Roberta Brambilla
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, and BRIDGE - Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Mads H Clausen
- Technical University of Denmark, Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
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Gao M, Zhu H, Guo J, Lei Y, Sun W, Lin H. Tannic acid through ROS/TNF-α/TNFR 1 antagonizes atrazine induced apoptosis, programmed necrosis and immune dysfunction of grass carp hepatocytes. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:312-322. [PMID: 36220537 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATR) is a commonly used triazine herbicide, which will remain in the water source, soil and biological muscle tissue for a long time, threatening the survival of related organisms and future generations. Tannic acid (TAN), a glucosyl compound found in gallnuts, has previously been shown to antagonize heavy metal toxicity, antioxidant activity, and inflammation. However, it is unclear whether TAN can antagonize ATR-induced Grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cells) cytotoxicity. Therefore, we treated L8824 cells with 3 μg mL-1 ATR for 24 h to establish a toxic group model. The experimental data of flow cytometry and AO/EB staining together showed that the ratio of apoptosis and necrosis in L8824 cells after ATR exposure was significantly higher than that in the control group. Furthermore, RT-qPCR showed that inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, INF-γ) were up-regulated and antimicrobial peptides (hepcidin, β-defensin and LEAP2) were induced down-regulated in L8824 cells, leading to immune dysfunction. The measurement results of oxidative stress-related indicators showed that the levels of ROS and MDA increased after ATR exposure, the overall anti-oxidative system was down-regulated. Western blotting confirmed that TNF-α/TNFR 1-related genes were also up-regulated. This indicates that ATR stimulates oxidative stress in L8824 cells, which in turn promotes the binding of TNF-α to TNFR 1. In addition, TRADD, FADD, Caspase-3, P53, RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL were found to be significantly up-regulated by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. Conditioned after ATR exposure compared to controls. It indicates that ATR activates apoptosis and necrosis of TNF-α/TNFR 1 pathway by inducing oxidative stress in L8824 cells. Furthermore, the use of TAN (5 μM) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of ATR on L8824 cells mentioned above. In conclusion, TAN restrains ATR-induced apoptosis, programmed necrosis and immune dysfunction through the ROS/TNF-α/TNFR 1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Huijun Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Jinming Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Yutian Lei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Wenying Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Hongjin Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongiiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.
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Mechanism of Zhinao Capsule in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Network Pharmacology Analysis and Molecular Docking Validation. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:5708769. [PMID: 36032542 PMCID: PMC9410932 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5708769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine the active components of Zhinao capsule (ZNC) and the targets in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) so as to investigate and explore the mechanism of ZNC for AD. Methods The active components and targets of ZNC were determined from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database (TCMSP). The target genes of AD were searched for in GeneCards. Cytoscape was used to construct an herb-component-target-disease network. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the OmicShare. UCSF Chimera and SwissDock were used for molecular docking verification. Finally, four key target genes were validated by Western blotting. Results In total, 55 active components, 287 targets of active components, 1197 disease genes, and 134 common genes were screened, which were significantly enriched in 3975 terms of biological processes (BP), 284 terms of cellular components (CC), 433 terms of molecular functions (MF), and 245 signaling pathways. Caspase-3 (CASP3) and beta-sitosterol, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and quercetin, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and baicalein, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and quercetin showed good-to-better docking. Moreover, ZNC not only downregulated CASP3 and TNF-α protein expression but also upregulated the protein expression of VEGFA and MAPK1. Conclusions The active components of ZNC, such as beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and baicalein may act on multiple targets like CASP3, VEGFA, MAPK1, and TNF-α to affect T cell receptor (TCR), TNF, and MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving the treatment of AD. This study provides a scientific basis for further exploring the potential mechanism of ZNC in the treatment of AD and a reference for its clinical application.
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10
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Lo CH, Zeng J. Application of polymersomes in membrane protein study and drug discovery: Progress, strategies, and perspectives. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 8:e10350. [PMID: 36684106 PMCID: PMC9842050 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins (MPs) play key roles in cellular signaling pathways and are responsible for intercellular and intracellular interactions. Dysfunctional MPs are directly related to the pathogenesis of various diseases, and they have been exploited as one of the most sought-after targets in the pharmaceutical industry. However, working with MPs is difficult given that their amphiphilic nature requires protection from biological membrane or membrane mimetics. Polymersomes are bilayered nano-vesicles made of self-assembled block copolymers that have been widely used as cell membrane mimetics for MP reconstitution and in engineering of artificial cells. This review highlights the prevailing trend in the application of polymersomes in MP study and drug discovery. We begin with a review on the techniques for synthesis and characterization of polymersomes as well as methods of MP insertion to form proteopolymersomes. Next, we review the structural and functional analysis of the different types of MPs reconstituted in polymersomes, including membrane transport proteins, MP complexes, and membrane receptors. We then summarize the factors affecting reconstitution efficiency and the quality of reconstituted MPs for structural and functional studies. Additionally, we discuss the potential in using proteopolymersomes as platforms for high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery to identify modulators of MPs. We conclude by providing future perspectives and recommendations on advancing the study of MPs and drug development using proteopolymersomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore,Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA,Department of ChemistryBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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11
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Combarnous Y, Nguyen TMD. Membrane Hormone Receptors and Their Signaling Pathways as Targets for Endocrine Disruptors. J Xenobiot 2022; 12:64-73. [PMID: 35466213 PMCID: PMC9036253 DOI: 10.3390/jox12020007] [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: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine disruptors are mostly small organic molecules developed for numerous and very diverse industrial applications. They essentially act through nuclear receptors with small and hydrophobic endogenous ligands. Nevertheless, potential adverse effects through membrane hormone receptors cannot be ruled out, and have indeed been observed. The present paper reviews how orthosteric and allosteric binding sites of the different families of membrane receptors can be targets for man-made hydrophobic molecules (components of plastics, paints, flame retardants, herbicides, pesticides, etc.). We also review potential target proteins for such small hydrophobic molecules downstream of membrane receptors at the level of their intracellular signaling pathways. From the currently available information, although endocrine disruptors primarily affect nuclear receptors’ signaling, membrane receptors for hormones, cytokines, neuro-mediators, and growth factors can be affected as well and deserve attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Combarnous
- INRAe, CNRS, Tours University Joint Unit, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)24-7427-650
| | - Thi Mong Diep Nguyen
- INRAe, CNRS, Tours University Joint Unit, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, Quy Nhon 820000, Vietnam
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12
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Understanding the functional role of membrane confinements in TNF-mediated signaling by multiscale simulations. Commun Biol 2022; 5:228. [PMID: 35277586 PMCID: PMC8917213 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe interaction between TNFα and TNFR1 is essential in maintaining tissue development and immune responses. While TNFR1 is a cell surface receptor, TNFα exists in both soluble and membrane-bound forms. Interestingly, it was found that the activation of TNFR1-mediated signaling pathways is preferentially through the soluble form of TNFα, which can also induce the clustering of TNFR1 on plasma membrane of living cells. We developed a multiscale simulation framework to compare receptor clustering induced by soluble and membrane-bound ligands. Comparing with the freely diffusive soluble ligands, we hypothesize that the conformational dynamics of membrane-bound ligands are restricted, which affects the clustering of ligand-receptor complexes at cell-cell interfaces. Our simulation revealed that only small clusters can form if TNFα is bound on cell surface. In contrast, the clustering triggered by soluble TNFα is more dynamic, and the size of clusters is statistically larger. We therefore demonstrated the impact of membrane-bound ligand on dynamics of receptor clustering. Moreover, considering that larger TNFα-TNFR1 clusters is more likely to provide spatial platform for downstream signaling pathway, our studies offer new mechanistic insights about why the activation of TNFR1-mediated signaling pathways is not preferred by membrane-bound form of TNFα.
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13
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Lo CH. Recent advances in cellular biosensor technology to investigate tau oligomerization. Bioeng Transl Med 2021; 6:e10231. [PMID: 34589603 PMCID: PMC8459642 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule binding protein which plays an important role in physiological functions but it is also involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. While insoluble and β-sheet containing tau neurofibrillary tangles have been the histopathological hallmark of these diseases, recent studies suggest that soluble tau oligomers, which are formed prior to fibrils, are the primary toxic species. Substantial efforts have been made to generate tau oligomers using purified recombinant protein strategies to study oligomer conformations as well as their toxicity. However, no specific toxic tau species has been identified to date, potentially due to the lack of cellular environment. Hence, there is a need for cell-based models for direct monitoring of tau oligomerization and aggregation. This review will summarize the recent advances in the cellular biosensor technology, with a focus on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and split luciferase complementation approaches, to monitor formation of tau oligomers and aggregates in living cells. We will discuss the applications of the cellular biosensors in examining the heterogeneous tau conformational ensembles and factors affecting tau self-assembly, as well as detecting cell-to-cell propagation of tau pathology. We will also compare the advantages and limitations of each type of tau biosensors, and highlight their translational applications in biomarker development and therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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14
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Potent inhibitors of toxic alpha-synuclein identified via cellular time-resolved FRET biosensors. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2021; 7:52. [PMID: 34183676 PMCID: PMC8238948 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a high-throughput drug discovery platform, measuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with fluorescent alpha-synuclein (αSN) biosensors, to detect spontaneous pre-fibrillar oligomers in living cells. Our two αSN FRET biosensors provide complementary insight into αSN oligomerization and conformation in order to improve the success of drug discovery campaigns for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We measure FRET by fluorescence lifetime, rather than traditional fluorescence intensity, providing a structural readout with greater resolution and precision. This facilitates identification of compounds that cause subtle but significant conformational changes in the ensemble of oligomeric states that are easily missed using intensity-based FRET. We screened a 1280-compound small-molecule library and identified 21 compounds that changed the lifetime by >5 SD. Two of these compounds have nanomolar potency in protecting SH-SY5Y cells from αSN-induced death, providing a nearly tenfold improvement over known inhibitors. We tested the efficacy of several compounds in a primary mouse neuron assay of αSN pathology (phosphorylation of mouse αSN pre-formed fibrils) and show rescue of pathology for two of them. These hits were further characterized with biophysical and biochemical assays to explore potential mechanisms of action. In vitro αSN oligomerization, single-molecule FRET, and protein-observed fluorine NMR experiments demonstrate that these compounds modulate αSN oligomers but not monomers. Subsequent aggregation assays further show that these compounds also deter or block αSN fibril assembly.
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15
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Dykstra-Aiello C, Koh KMS, Nguyen J, Xue M, Roy S, Krueger JM. A wake-like state in vitro induced by transmembrane TNF/soluble TNF receptor reverse signaling. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 94:245-258. [PMID: 33571627 PMCID: PMC8058269 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) has sleep regulatory and brain development roles. TNF promotes sleep in vivo and in vitro while TNF inhibition diminishes sleep. Transmembrane (tm) TNF and the tmTNF receptors (Rs), are cleaved by tumor necrosis factor alpha convertase to produce soluble (s) TNF and sTNFRs. Reverse signaling occurs in cells expressing tmTNF upon sTNFR binding. sTNFR administration in vivo inhibits sleep, thus we hypothesized that a wake-like state in vitro would be induced by sTNFR-tmTNF reverse signaling. Somatosensory cortical neuron/glia co-cultures derived from male and female mice lacking both TNFRs (TNFRKO), or lacking TNF (TNFKO) and wildtype (WT) mice were plated onto six-well multi-electrode arrays. Daily one-hour electrophysiological recordings were taken on culture days 4 through 14. sTNFR1 (0.0, 0.3, 3, 30, 60, and 120 ng/µL) was administered on day 14. A final one-hour recording was taken on day 15. Four measures were characterized that are also used to define sleep in vivo: action potentials (APs), burstiness index (BI), synchronization of electrical activity (SYN), and slow wave power (SWP; 0.25-3.75 Hz). Development rates of these emergent electrophysiological properties increased in cells from mice lacking TNF or both TNFRs compared to cells from WT mice. Decreased SWP, after the three lowest doses (0.3, 3 and 30 ng/µL) of the sTNFR1, indicate a wake-like state in cells from TNFRKO mice. A wake-like state was also induced after 3 ng/µl sTNFR1 treatment in cells from TNFKO mice, which express the TNFR1 ligand, lymphotoxin alpha. Cells from WT mice showed no treatment effects. Results are consistent with prior studies demonstrating involvement of TNF in brain development, TNF reverse signaling, and sleep regulation in vivo. Further, the current demonstration of sTNFR1 induction of a wake-like state in vitro is consistent with the idea that small neuronal/glial circuits manifest sleep- and wake-like states analogous to those occurring in vivo. Finally, that sTNF forward signaling enhances sleep while sTNFR1 reverse signaling enhances a wake-like state is consistent with other sTNF/tmTNF/sTNFR1 brain actions having opposing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Dykstra-Aiello
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University-Spokane, WA, United States.
| | - Khia Min Sabrina Koh
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University-Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Joseph Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University-Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Mengran Xue
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Washington State University-Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Sandip Roy
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Washington State University-Pullman, WA, United States
| | - James M Krueger
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University-Spokane, WA, United States
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16
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Su Z, Dhusia K, Wu Y. A multiscale study on the mechanisms of spatial organization in ligand-receptor interactions on cell surfaces. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1620-1634. [PMID: 33868599 PMCID: PMC8026753 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding of cell surface receptors with extracellular ligands triggers distinctive signaling pathways, leading into the corresponding phenotypic variation of cells. It has been found that in many systems, these ligand-receptor complexes can further oligomerize into higher-order structures. This ligand-induced oligomerization of receptors on cell surfaces plays an important role in regulating the functions of cell signaling. The underlying mechanism, however, is not well understood. One typical example is proteins that belong to the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. Using a generic multiscale simulation platform that spans from atomic to subcellular levels, we compared the detailed physical process of ligand-receptor oligomerization for two specific members in the TNFR superfamily: the complex formed between ligand TNFα and receptor TNFR1 versus the complex formed between ligand TNFβ and receptor TNFR2. Interestingly, although these two systems share high similarity on the tertiary and quaternary structural levels, our results indicate that their oligomers are formed with very different dynamic properties and spatial patterns. We demonstrated that the changes of receptor’s conformational fluctuations due to the membrane confinements are closely related to such difference. Consistent to previous experiments, our simulations also showed that TNFR can preassemble into dimers prior to ligand binding, while the introduction of TNF ligands induced higher-order oligomerization due to a multivalent effect. This study, therefore, provides the molecular basis to TNFR oligomerization and reveals new insights to TNFR-mediated signal transduction. Moreover, our multiscale simulation framework serves as a prototype that paves the way to study higher-order assembly of cell surface receptors in many other bio-systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqian Su
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Kalyani Dhusia
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
| | - Yinghao Wu
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, United States
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17
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Fluorescence-Based TNFR1 Biosensor for Monitoring Receptor Structural and Conformational Dynamics and Discovery of Small Molecule Modulators. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2248:121-137. [PMID: 33185872 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1130-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) is a billion-dollar industry for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. As current therapeutics of anti-TNF leads to dangerous side effects due to global inhibition of the ligand, receptor-specific inhibition of TNFR1 signaling is an intensely pursued strategy. To monitor directly the structural changes of the receptor in living cells, we engineered a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor by fusing green and red fluorescent proteins to TNFR1. Expression of the FRET biosensor in living cells allows for detection of receptor-receptor interactions and receptor structural dynamics. Using the TNFR1 FRET biosensor, in conjunction with a high-precision and high-throughput fluorescence lifetime detection technology, we developed a time-resolved FRET-based high-throughput screening platform to discover small molecules that directly target and modulate TNFR1 functions. Using this method in screening multiple pharmaceutical libraries, we have discovered a competitive inhibitor that disrupts receptor-receptor interactions, and allosteric modulators that alter the structural states of the receptor. This enables scientists to conduct high-throughput screening through a biophysical approach, with relevance to compound perturbation of receptor structure, for the discovery of novel lead compounds with high specificity for modulation of TNFR1 signaling.
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18
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Lo CH, Pandey NK, Lim CKW, Ding Z, Tao M, Thomas DD, Langen R, Sachs JN. Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Huntingtin Exon 1 Aggregation by FRET-Based High-Throughput Screening in Living Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2286-2295. [PMID: 32568514 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is the most common inherited neurodegenerative disorder and one of the nine polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases. HD is characterized by the pathological aggregation of the misfolded huntingtin exon 1 protein (Httex1) with abnormally long polyQ expansion due to genetic mutation. While there is currently no effective treatment for HD, inhibition of aggregate formation represents a direct approach in mediating the toxicity associated with Httex1 misfolding. To exploit this therapeutic window, we engineered two fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based biosensors that monitor the aggregation of Httex1 with different expanded Q-lengths (Q39 and Q72) in living cells. These FRET biosensors, together with a high-precision fluorescence lifetime detection platform, enable high-throughput screening of small molecules that target Httex1 aggregation. We found six small molecules that decreased the FRET of the biosensors and reduced Httex1-Q72-induced neuronal cytotoxicity in N2a cells with nanomolar potency. Using advanced SPR and EPR techniques, we confirmed that the compounds directly bind to Httex1 fibrils and inhibit aggregate formation. This strategy in targeting the Httex1 aggregates can be applicable to other proteins involved in polyQ related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Nitin K. Pandey
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Colin Kin-Wye Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zhipeng Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Meixin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - David D. Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Photonic Pharma LLC, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55410, United States
| | - Ralf Langen
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Jonathan N. Sachs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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19
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Lo CH, Huber EC, Sachs JN. Conformational states of TNFR1 as a molecular switch for receptor function. Protein Sci 2020; 29:1401-1415. [PMID: 31960514 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) is a transmembrane receptor that plays a key role in the regulation of the inflammatory pathway. While inhibition of TNFR1 has been the focus of many studies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, activation of the receptor is important for the treatment of immunodeficiency diseases such as HIV and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease where a boost in immune signaling is required. In addition, activation of other TNF receptors such as death receptor 5 or FAS receptor is important for cancer therapy. Here, we used a previously established TNFR1 fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor together with a fluorescence lifetime technology as a high-throughput screening platform to identify a novel small molecule that activates TNFR1 by increasing inter-monomeric spacing in a ligand-independent manner. This shows that the conformational rearrangement of pre-ligand assembled receptor dimers can determine the activity of the receptor. By probing the interaction between the receptor and its downstream signaling molecule (TRADD) our findings support a new model of TNFR1 activation in which varying conformational states of the receptor act as a molecular switch in determining receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Hung Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Evan C Huber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jonathan N Sachs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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