Molecular cloning of the human gene encoding lanosterol synthase from a liver cDNA library

Chemical Inhibition of Sterol Biosynthesis

Cholesterol is an essential molecule of life, and its synthesis can be inhibited by both genetic and nongenetic mechanisms. Hundreds of chemicals that we are exposed to in our daily lives can alter sterol biosynthesis. These also encompass various classes of FDA-approved medications, including (but not limited to) commonly used antipsychotic, antidepressant, antifungal, and cardiovascular medications. These medications can interfere with various enzymes of the post-lanosterol biosynthetic pathway, giving rise to complex biochemical changes throughout the body. The consequences of these short- and long-term homeostatic disruptions are mostly unknown. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature and built a catalogue of chemical agents capable of inhibiting post-lanosterol biosynthesis. This process identified significant gaps in existing knowledge, which fall into two main areas: mechanisms by which sterol biosynthesis is altered and consequences that arise from the inhibitions of the different steps in the sterol biosynthesis pathway. The outcome of our review also reinforced that sterol inhibition is an often-overlooked mechanism that can result in adverse consequences and that there is a need to develop new safety guidelines for the use of (novel and already approved) medications with sterol biosynthesis inhibiting side effects, especially during pregnancy.

Metabolic Injury of Hepatocytes Promotes Progression of NAFLD and AALD

Nonalcoholic liver disease is a component of metabolic syndrome associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Excessive alcohol consumption may accelerate the progression of steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. While simple steatosis is considered a benign condition, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with inflammation and fibrosis may progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular cancer. Studies in rodent experimental models and primary cell cultures have demonstrated several common cellular and molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis and regression of liver fibrosis. Chronic injury and death of hepatocytes cause the recruitment of myeloid cells, secretion of inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines, and activation of myofibroblasts, resulting in liver fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of metabolically injured hepatocytes in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and alcohol-associated liver disease. Specifically, the role of chemokine production and de novo lipogenesis in the development of steatotic hepatocytes and the pathways of steatosis regulation are discussed.

Inverse Molecular Docking Elucidating the Anticarcinogenic Potential of the Hop Natural Product Xanthohumol and Its Metabolites

Natural products from plants exert a promising potential to act as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic agents. Xanthohumol, a natural compound from hops, is indeed known for its anticarcinogenic properties. Xanthohumol is converted into three metabolites: isoxanthohumol (non-enzymatically) as well as 8- and 6-prenylnaringenin (enzymatically). An inverse molecular docking approach was applied to xanthohumol and its three metabolites to discern their potential protein targets. The aim of our study was to disclose the potential protein targets of xanthohumol and its metabolites in order to expound on the potential anticarcinogenic mechanisms of xanthohumol based on the found target proteins. The investigated compounds were docked into the predicted binding sites of all human protein structures from the Protein Data Bank, and the best docking poses were examined. Top scoring human protein targets with successfully docked compounds were identified, and their experimental connection with the anticarcinogenic function or cancer was investigated. The obtained results were carefully checked against the existing experimental findings from the scientific literature as well as further validated using retrospective metrics. More than half of the human protein targets of xanthohumol with the highest docking scores have already been connected with the anticarcinogenic function, and four of them (including two important representatives of the matrix metalloproteinase family, MMP-2 and MMP-9) also have a known experimental correlation with xanthohumol. Another important protein target is acyl-protein thioesterase 2, to which xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol, and 6-prenylnaringenin were successfully docked with the lowest docking scores. Moreover, the results for the metabolites show that their most promising protein targets are connected with the anticarcinogenic function as well. We firmly believe that our study can help to elucidate the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of xanthohumol and its metabolites as after consumption, all four compounds can be simultaneously present in the organism.

Nutrigenetic Interactions Might Modulate the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Status in Mastiha-Supplemented Patients With NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease with no therapeutic consensus. Oxidation and inflammation are hallmarks in the progression of this complex disease, which also involves interactions between the genetic background and the environment. Mastiha is a natural nutritional supplement known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated how a 6-month Mastiha supplementation (2.1 g/day) could impact the antioxidant and inflammatory status of patients with NAFLD, and whether genetic variants significantly mediate these effects. We recruited 98 patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and NAFLD and randomly allocated them to either the Mastiha or the placebo group for 6 months. The anti-oxidative and inflammatory status was assessed at baseline and post-treatment. Genome-wide genetic data was also obtained from all participants, to investigate gene-by-Mastiha interactions. NAFLD patients with severe obesity (BMI > 35kg/m²) taking the Mastiha had significantly higher total antioxidant status (TAS) compared to the corresponding placebo group (P value=0.008). We did not observe any other significant change in the investigated biomarkers as a result of Mastiha supplementation alone. We identified several novel gene-by-Mastiha interaction associations with levels of cytokines and antioxidant biomarkers. Some of the identified genetic loci are implicated in the pathological pathways of NAFLD, including the lanosterol synthase gene (LSS) associated with glutathione peroxidase activity (Gpx) levels, the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier-1 gene (MPC1) and the sphingolipid transporter-1 gene (SPNS1) associated with hemoglobin levels, the transforming growth factor‐beta‐induced gene (TGFBI) and the micro-RNA 129-1 (MIR129-1) associated with IL-6 and the granzyme B gene (GZMB) associated with IL-10 levels. Within the MAST4HEALTH randomized clinical trial (NCT03135873, www.clinicaltrials.gov) Mastiha supplementation improved the TAS levels among NAFLD patients with severe obesity. We identified several novel genome-wide significant nutrigenetic interactions, influencing the antioxidant and inflammatory status in NAFLD.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) using PacBio sequencing and Hi-C technology

The Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is the only fox species occurring in the Arctic and has adapted to its extreme climatic conditions. Currently, the molecular basis of its adaptation to the extreme climate has not been characterized. Here, we applied PacBio sequencing and chromosome structure capture technique to assemble the first V. lagopus genome assembly, which is assembled into chromosome fragments. The genome assembly has a total length of 2.345 Gb with a contig N50 of 31.848 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 131.537 Mb, consisting of 25 pseudochromosomal scaffolds. The V. lagopus genome had approximately 32.33% repeat sequences. In total, 21,278 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 99.14% were functionally annotated. Compared with 12 other mammals, V. lagopus was most closely related to V. Vulpes with an estimated divergence time of ~7.1 Ma. The expanded gene families and positively selected genes potentially play roles in the adaptation of V. lagopus to Arctic extreme environment. This high-quality assembled genome will not only promote future studies of genetic diversity and evolution in foxes and other canids but also provide important resources for conservation of Arctic species.

Regulation of lipid metabolism by the unfolded protein response

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the site of protein folding and secretion, Ca²⁺ storage and lipid synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Disruption to protein folding or Ca²⁺ homeostasis in the ER leads to the accumulation of unfolded proteins, a condition known as ER stress. This leads to activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway in order to restore protein homeostasis. Three ER membrane proteins, namely inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), protein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK) and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), sense the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins and are activated, initiating an integrated transcriptional programme. Recent literature demonstrates that activation of these sensors can alter lipid enzymes, thus implicating the UPR in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Given the presence of ER stress and UPR activation in several diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the growing recognition of altered lipid metabolism in disease, it is timely to consider the role of the UPR in the regulation of lipid metabolism. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the impact of the three arms of the UPR on the synthesis, function and regulation of fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol.

Inhibition of Phytosterol Biosynthesis by Azasterols

Inhibitors of enzymes in essential cellular pathways are potent probes to decipher intricate physiological functions of biomolecules. The analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana sterol profiles upon treatment with a series of azasterols reveals a specific in vivo inhibition of SMT2, a plant sterol-C-methyltransferase acting as a branch point between the campesterol and sitosterol biosynthetic segments in the pathway. Side chain azasteroids that modify sitosterol homeostasis help to refine its particular function in plant development.

Nature-driven approaches to non-natural terpene analogues

The reactions catalysed by terpene synthases belong to the most complex and fascinating cascade-type transformations in Nature.

Transcriptome analyses of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis, Ypsilandra thibetica, and Polygonatum kingianum characterize their steroidal saponin biosynthesis pathway

Steroidal saponins, one of the most diverse groups of plant-derived natural products, elicit biological and pharmacological activities; however, the genes involved in their biosynthesis and the corresponding biosynthetic pathway in monocotyledon plants remain unclear. This study aimed to identify genes involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins by performing a comparative analysis among transcriptomes of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (PPC), Ypsilandra thibetica (YT), and Polygonatum kingianum (PK). De novo transcriptome assemblies generated 57,537, 140,420, and 151,773 unigenes from PPC, YT, and PK, respectively, of which 56.54, 47.81, and 44.30% were successfully annotated, respectively. Among the transcriptomes for PPC, YT, and PK, we identified 194, 169, and 131; 17, 14, and 26; and, 80, 122, and 113 unigenes corresponding to terpenoid backbone biosynthesis; sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis; and, steroid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. These genes are putatively involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol that is the primary precursor of steroidal saponins. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that lanosterol synthase may be exclusive to dicotyledon plant species, and the cytochrome P450 unigenes were closely related to clusters CYP90B1 and CYP734A1, which are UDP-glycosyltransferases unigenes homologous with the UGT73 family. Thus, unigenes of β-glucosidase may be candidate genes for catalysis of later period modifications of the steroidal saponin skeleton. Our data provide evidence to support the hypothesis that monocotyledons biosynthesize steroidal saponins from cholesterol via the cycloartenol pathway.

Perturbation-Based Proteomic Correlation Profiling as a Target Deconvolution Methodology

Molecular target identification of small molecules, so-called target deconvolution, is a major obstacle to phenotype-based drug discovery. Here, we developed an approach called perturbation-based proteomic correlation profiling (PPCP) utilizing the correlation between protein quantity and binding activity of compounds under cellular perturbation by gene silencing and successfully identified lanosterol synthase as a molecular target of TGF-β pathway inhibitor. This PPCP concept was extended to the use of a cell line panel and provides a new option for target deconvolution.

Virus-induced gene silencing of the two squalene synthase isoforms of apple tree (Malus × domestica L.) negatively impacts phytosterol biosynthesis, plastid pigmentation and leaf growth

The use of a VIGS approach to silence the newly characterized apple tree SQS isoforms points out the biological function of phytosterols in plastid pigmentation and leaf development. Triterpenoids are beneficial health compounds highly accumulated in apple; however, their metabolic regulation is poorly understood. Squalene synthase (SQS) is a key branch point enzyme involved in both phytosterol and triterpene biosynthesis. In this study, two SQS isoforms were identified in apple tree genome. Both isoforms are located at the endoplasmic reticulum surface and were demonstrated to be functional SQS enzymes using an in vitro activity assay. MdSQS1 and MdSQS2 display specificities in their expression profiles with respect to plant organs and environmental constraints. This indicates a possible preferential involvement of each isoform in phytosterol and/or triterpene metabolic pathways as further argued using RNAseq meta-transcriptomic analyses. Finally, a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach was used to silence MdSQS1 and MdSQS2. The concomitant down-regulation of both MdSQS isoforms strongly affected phytosterol synthesis without alteration in triterpene accumulation, since triterpene-specific oxidosqualene synthases were found to be up-regulated to compensate metabolic flux reduction. Phytosterol deficiencies in silenced plants clearly disturbed chloroplast pigmentation and led to abnormal development impacting leaf division rather than elongation or differentiation. In conclusion, beyond the characterization of two SQS isoforms in apple tree, this work brings clues for a specific involvement of each isoform in phytosterol and triterpene pathways and emphasizes the biological function of phytosterols in development and chloroplast integrity. Our report also opens the door to metabolism studies in Malus domestica using the apple latent spherical virus-based VIGS method.

Accurate prediction of functional effects for variants by combining gradient tree boosting with optimal neighborhood properties

Single amino acid variations (SAVs) potentially alter biological functions, including causing diseases or natural differences between individuals. Identifying the relationship between a SAV and certain disease provides the starting point for understanding the underlying mechanisms of specific associations, and can help further prevention and diagnosis of inherited disease.We propose PredSAV, a computational method that can effectively predict how likely SAVs are to be associated with disease by incorporating gradient tree boosting (GTB) algorithm and optimally selected neighborhood features. A two-step feature selection approach is used to explore the most relevant and informative neighborhood properties that contribute to the prediction of disease association of SAVs across a wide range of sequence and structural features, especially some novel structural neighborhood features. In cross-validation experiments on the benchmark dataset, PredSAV achieves promising performances with an AUC score of 0.908 and a specificity of 0.838, which are significantly better than that of the other existing methods. Furthermore, we validate the capability of our proposed method by an independent test and gain a competitive advantage as a result. PredSAV, which combines gradient tree boosting with optimally selected neighborhood features, can return reliable predictions in distinguishing between disease-associated and neutral variants. Compared with existing methods, PredSAV shows improved specificity as well as increased overall performance.

Plant terpenes: defense responses, phylogenetic analysis, regulation and clinical applications

The terpenoids constitute the largest class of natural products and many interesting products are extensively applied in the industrial sector as flavors, fragrances, spices and are also used in perfumery and cosmetics. Many terpenoids have biological activities and also used for medical purposes. In higher plants, the conventional acetate-mevalonic acid pathway operates mainly in the cytosol and mitochondria and synthesizes sterols, sesquiterpenes and ubiquinones mainly. In the plastid, the non-mevalonic acid pathway takes place and synthesizes hemi-, mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenes along with carotenoids and phytol tail of chlorophyll. In this review paper, recent developments in the biosynthesis of terpenoids, indepth description of terpene synthases and their phylogenetic analysis, regulation of terpene biosynthesis as well as updates of terpenes which have entered in the clinical studies are reviewed thoroughly.

Malformation syndromes caused by disorders of cholesterol synthesis

Cholesterol homeostasis is critical for normal growth and development. In addition to being a major membrane lipid, cholesterol has multiple biological functions. These roles include being a precursor molecule for the synthesis of steroid hormones, neuroactive steroids, oxysterols, and bile acids. Cholesterol is also essential for the proper maturation and signaling of hedgehog proteins, and thus cholesterol is critical for embryonic development. After birth, most tissues can obtain cholesterol from either endogenous synthesis or exogenous dietary sources, but prior to birth, the human fetal tissues are dependent on endogenous synthesis. Due to the blood-brain barrier, brain tissue cannot utilize dietary or peripherally produced cholesterol. Generally, inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis lead to both a deficiency of cholesterol and increased levels of potentially bioactive or toxic precursor sterols. Over the past couple of decades, a number of human malformation syndromes have been shown to be due to inborn errors of cholesterol synthesis. Herein, we will review clinical and basic science aspects of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, desmosterolosis, lathosterolosis, HEM dysplasia, X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctata, Congenital Hemidysplasia with Ichthyosiform erythroderma and Limb Defects Syndrome, sterol-C-4 methyloxidase-like deficiency, and Antley-Bixler syndrome.

Umbelliferone aminoalkyl derivatives as inhibitors of human oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase

Human and murine lanosterol synthases (EC 5.4.99.7) were studied as targets of a series of umbelliferone aminoalkyl derivatives previously tested as inhibitors of oxidosqualene cyclases from other eukaryotes. Tests were carried out on cell cultures of human keratinocytes and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts incubated with radiolabeled acetate, and on homogenates prepared from yeast cells expressing human lanosterol synthase, incubated with radiolabeled oxidosqualene. In cell cultures of both human keratinocytes and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, the observed inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis was selective for oxidosqualene cyclase. The most active compounds bear an allylmethylamino chain in position-7 of the coumarin ring. The inhibition was critically dependent on the position and length of the inhibitor side chain, as well as on the type of aminoalkyl group inserted at the end of the same chain. Molecular docking analyses, carried out to clarify details of inhibitors/enzyme interactions, proved useful to explain the observed differences in inhibitory activities.

Dual biosynthetic pathways to phytosterol via cycloartenol and lanosterol in Arabidopsis

The differences between the biosynthesis of sterols in higher plants and yeast/mammals are believed to originate at the cyclization step of oxidosqualene, which is cyclized to cycloartenol in higher plants and lanosterol in yeast/mammals. Recently, lanosterol synthase genes were identified from dicotyledonous plant species including Arabidopsis, suggesting that higher plants possess dual biosynthetic pathways to phytosterols via lanosterol, and through cycloartenol. To identify the biosynthetic pathway to phytosterol via lanosterol, and to reveal the contributions to phytosterol biosynthesis via each cycloartenol and lanosterol, we performed feeding experiments by using [6-(13)C(2)H(3)]mevalonate with Arabidopsis seedlings. Applying (13)C-{(1)H}{(2)H} nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, the elucidation of deuterium on C-19 behavior of phytosterol provided evidence that small amounts of phytosterol were biosynthesized via lanosterol. The levels of phytosterol increased on overexpression of LAS1, and phytosterols derived from lanosterol were not observed in a LAS1-knockout plant. This is direct evidence to indicate that the biosynthetic pathway for phytosterol via lanosterol exists in plant cells. We designate the biosynthetic pathway to phytosterols via lanosterol "the lanosterol pathway." LAS1 expression is reported to be induced by the application of jasmonate and is thought to have evolved from an ancestral cycloartenol synthase to a triterpenoid synthase, such as beta-amyrin synthase and lupeol synthase. Considering this background, the lanosterol pathway may contribute to the biosynthesis of not only phytosterols, but also steroids as secondary metabolites.

Lanosterol Synthase in Dicotyledonous Plants

Sterols are important as structural components of plasma membranes and precursors of steroidal hormones in both animals and plants. Plant sterols show a wide structural variety and significant structural differences from those of animals. To elucidate the origin of structural diversity in plant sterols, their biosynthesis has been extensively studied [Benveniste (2004) Annu. Rev. Plant. Biol. 55: 429, Schaller (2004) Plant Physiol. Biochem. 42: 465]. The differences in the biosynthesis of sterols between plants and animals begin at the step of cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene, which is cyclized to lanosterol in animals and to cycloartenol in plants. However, here we show that plants also have the ability to synthesize lanosterol directly from 2,3-oxidosqualene, which may lead to a new pathway to plant sterols. The Arabidopsis gene At3g45130, designated LAS1, encodes a functional lanosterol synthase in plants. A phylogenetic tree showed that LAS1 belongs to the previously uncharacterized branch of oxidosqualene cyclases, which differs from the cycloartenol synthase branch. Panax PNZ on the same branch was also shown to be a lanosterol synthase in a yeast heterologous expression system. The higher diversity of plant sterols may require two biosynthetic routes in steroidal backbone formation.

Lanosterol biosynthesis in plants

Plants biosynthesize sterols from cycloartenol using a pathway distinct from the animal and fungal route through lanosterol. Described herein are genome-mining experiments revealing that Arabidopsis encodes, in addition to cycloartenol synthase, an accurate lanosterol synthase (LSS)--the first example of lanosterol synthases cloned from a plant. The coexistence of cycloartenol synthase and lanosterol synthase implies specific roles for both cyclopropyl and conventional sterols in plants. Phylogenetic reconstructions reveal that lanosterol synthases are broadly distributed in eudicots but evolved independently from those in animals and fungi. Novel catalytic motifs establish that plant lanosterol synthases comprise a third catalytically distinct class of lanosterol synthase.

Characterizing Sterol Defect Suppressors Uncovers a Novel Transcriptional Signaling Pathway Regulating Zymosterol Biosynthesis

erg26-1ts cells harbor defects in the 4alpha-carboxysterol-C3 dehydrogenase activity necessary for conversion of 4,4-dimethylzymosterol to zymosterol. Mutant cells accumulate toxic 4-carboxysterols and are inviable at high temperature. A genetic screen aimed at cloning recessive mutations remediating the temperature sensitive growth defect has resulted in the isolation of four complementation groups, ets1-4 (erg26-1ts temperature sensitive suppressor). We describe the characterization of ets1-1 and ets2-1. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses demonstrate that erg26-1ts ets1-1 and erg26-1ts ets2-1 cells do not accumulate 4-carboxysterols, rather these cells have increased levels of squalene and squalene epoxide, respectively. ets1-1 and ets2-1 cells accumulate these same sterol intermediates. Chromosomal integration of ERG1 ERG7 at their loci in erg26-1ts ets1-1 and erg26-1ts and ets2-1 mutants, respectively, results in the loss of accumulation of squalene and squalene epoxide, re-accumulation of 4-carboxysterols and cell inviability at high temperature. Enzymatic assays demonstrate that mutants harboring the ets1-1 allele have decreased squalene epoxidase activity, while those containing the ets2-1 allele show weakened oxidosqualene cyclase activity. Thus, ETS1 and ETS2 are allelic to ERG1 and ERG7, respectively. We have mapped mutations within the erg1-1/ets1-1 (G247D) and erg7-1/ets2-1 (D530N, V615E) alleles that suppress the inviability of erg26-1ts at high temperature, and cause accumulation of sterol intermediates and decreased enzymatic activities. Finally using erg1-1 and erg7-1 mutant strains, we demonstrate that the expression of the ERG25/26/27 genes required for zymosterol biosynthesis are coordinately transcriptionally regulated, along with ERG1 and ERG7, in response to blocks in sterol biosynthesis. Transcriptional regulation requires the transcription factors, Upc2p and Ecm22p.

Umbelliferone aminoalkyl derivatives, a new class of squalene-hopene cyclase inhibitors

The synthesis is described of several aminoalkyl derivatives of coumarin, obtained in good yields under microwave or high-intensity ultrasound irradiation. These compounds proved uniformly active as inhibitors of squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC) from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius. Their design stemmed from our recent finding that the umbelliferone nucleus acquires inhibitory properties towards SHC when functionalized with a suitable chain such as the omega-epoxyfarnesyl group. Under our experimental conditions the most active ones, such as 7-(4'-allylmethylamino-but-2-ynyloxy)chromen-2-one (IC(50) 0.75 mM), approached the potency of anticholesteremic drug Ro 48-8071 (IC(50) 0.35 mM), an effective inhibitor of both squalene- and oxidosqualene-cyclases (OSC). Tests are in progress to determine their efficacy on different eukaryotic OSCs.

The monotopic membrane protein human oxidosqualene cyclase is active as monomer

The monotopic integral membrane protein 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) catalyzes the formation of lanosterol the first sterol precursor of cholesterol in mammals. Therefore, it is an important target for the development of new hypocholesterolemic drugs. Here, we report the overexpression and purification of functional human OSC (hOSC) in Pichia pastoris. The obtained IC(50) for the reference inhibitor Ro 48-8071 is nearly identical for the recombinant hOSC compared to OSC from human liver microsomes. The correlation of analytical ultracentrifugation data and activity measurements showed the highest enzymatic activity for the monomeric hOSC indicating that this would be the natural form. Furthermore, these data helped us to identify the detergent for a successful crystallization of the protein. The availability of this active recombinant human membrane protein is a very important step on the way to a more detailed functional and structural characterization of OSCs.

Farnesyloxycoumarins, a new class of squalene-hopene cyclase inhibitors

A few naturally occurring prenyl- and prenyloxycoumarins and several new related synthetic derivatives were evaluated as inhibitors of squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC), a useful model enzyme, to predict their interactions with oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC). Umbelliprenin-10',11'-monoepoxide (IC(50) 2.5 microM) and the corresponding 6',7'-10',11' diepoxide (IC(50) 1.5 microM) were the most active enzyme inhibitors.

On the origins of triterpenoid skeletal diversity

The triterpenoids are a large group of natural products derived from C(30) precursors. Nearly 200 different triterpene skeletons are known from natural sources or enzymatic reactions that are structurally consistent with being cyclization products of squalene, oxidosqualene, or bis-oxidosqualene. This review categorizes each of these structures and provides mechanisms for their formation.

Novel Squalene-Hopene Cyclase Inhibitors Derived from Hydroxycoumarins and Hydroxyacetophenones

Squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC) is a useful model enzyme for predicting molecular interactions with oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC). Structure--activity relationships were investigated for numerous coumarin-derived inhibitors of SHC, and structural simplifications are suggested. Both umbelliferone and 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone provide convenient starting nuclei for the design of SHC inhibitors. Derivatives bearing an omega-epoxyfarnesyl moiety or just a plain alkyl chain showed an inhibitory effect on a recombinant SHC from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius expressed in Escherichia coli.

Mutagenesis approaches to deduce structure-function relationships in terpene synthases

This review highlights mutagenesis studies of terpene synthases, specifically sesquiterpene synthases and oxidosqualene cyclases. Mutagenesis studies of these enzymes have provided mechanistic insights, structure-function relationships for specific enzymatic residues, novel terpene structures and enzymes with novel activities. The literature through 2002 is reviewed and 113 references cited.

Directed evolution experiments reveal mutations at cycloartenol synthase residue His477 that dramatically alter catalysis

[reaction: see text] Cycloartenol synthase cyclizes and rearranges oxidosqualene to the protosteryl cation and then specifically deprotonates from C-19. To identify mutants that deprotonate differently, randomly generated mutant cycloartenol synthases were selected in a yeast lanosterol synthase mutant. A novel His477Asn mutant was uncovered that produces 88% lanosterol and 12% parkeol. The His477Gln mutant produces 73% parkeol, 22% lanosterol, and 5% Delta(7)-lanosterol. These are the most accurate lanosterol synthase and parkeol synthase that have been generated by mutagenesis.

Directed evolution to generate cycloartenol synthase mutants that produce lanosterol

Cycloartenol synthase converts oxidosqualene to cycloartenol, a pentacyclic isomer of the animal and fungal sterol precursor lanosterol. We used directed evolution to find cycloartenol synthase residues that affect cyclopropyl ring formation, selecting randomly generated cycloartenol synthase mutants for their ability to genetically complement a yeast strain lacking lanosterol synthase. To increase the likelihood of finding novel mutations, the little-studied Dictyostelium discoideum cycloartenol synthase was used for the mutagenesis. Several catalytically important residues were identified. [reaction: see text]

Yeast oxidosqualene cyclase (Erg7p) is a major component of lipid particles

Oxidosqualene cyclase of the yeast encoded by the ERG7 gene converts oxidosqualene to lanosterol, the first cyclic component of sterol biosynthesis. In a previous study (Athenstaedt, K., Zweytick, D., Jandrositz, A, Kohlwein, S. D., and Daum, G. (1999) J. Bacteriol. 181, 6441-6448), Erg7p was identified as a component of yeast lipid particles. Here, we present evidence that Erg7p is almost exclusively associated with this compartment as shown by analysis of enzymatic activity, Western blot analysis, and in vivo localization of Erg7p-GFP. Occurrence of oxidosqualene cyclase in other organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum is negligible. In an erg7 deletion strain or in wild-type cells treated with an inhibitor of oxidosqualene cyclase, the substrate of Erg7p, oxidosqualene, accumulated mostly in lipid particles. Storage in lipid particles of this intermediate produced in excess may provide a possibility to exclude this membrane-perturbing component from other organelles. Thus, our data provide evidence that lipid particles are not only a depot for neutral lipids, but also participate in coordinate sterol metabolism and trafficking and serve as a storage site for compounds that may negatively affect membrane integrity.

Molecular cloning, expression, and site-directed mutations of oxidosqualene cyclase from Cephalosporium caerulens

A cDNA for oxidosqualene:lanosterol cyclase (OSLC) was cloned and sequenced from the fungus Cephalosporium caerulens, that produces a steroidal antibiotic, helvolic acid. A 2280 bp open reading frame encoded an M(r) 87078 protein with 760 amino acids. The cDNA was functionally expressed in the OSLC-deficient mutant GIL77 strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A truncated recombinant enzyme (Delta49N) starting from the second methionine (M50) residue was completely inactive, suggesting that ca. 30 additional hydrophilic amino acid residues at the N-terminal are essential for the folding of the enzyme. Furthermore, the active site residues, H234 and D456 (numbering in S. cerevisiae OSLC), were chosen for site-directed mutagenesis experiments; H234E, H234Y, H234F, D456E, D456N, and D456H mutants were inactive, while H234W and H234K mutants retained lanosterol-forming activity.

Trypanosome and animal lanosterol synthases use different catalytic motifs

[see reaction]. Animals, fungi, and some protozoa convert oxidosqualene to lanosterol in the ring-forming reaction in sterol biosynthesis. The Trypanosoma cruzi lanosterol synthase has now been cloned. The sequence shares with the T. brucei lanosterol synthase a tyrosine substitution for the catalytically important active-site threonine found in animal and fungal lanosterol synthases.

Cloning and characterization of the Dictyostelium discoideum cycloartenol synthase cDNA

Cycloartenol synthase converts oxidosqualene to cycloartenol, the first carbocyclic intermediate en route to sterols in plants and many protists. Presented here is the first cycloartenol synthase gene identified from a protist, the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. The cDNA encodes an 81-kDa predicted protein 50-52% identical to known higher plant cycloartenol synthases and 40-49% identical to known lanosterol synthases from fungi and mammals. The encoded protein expressed in transgenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae converted synthetic oxidosqualene to cycloartenol in vitro. This product was characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The predicted protein sequence diverges sufficiently from the known cycloartenol synthase sequences to dramatically reduce the number of residues that are candidates for the catalytic difference between cycloartenol and lanosterol formation.

Functional analysis of the DXDDTA motif in squalene-hopene cyclase by site-directed mutagenesis experiments: initiation site of the polycyclization reaction and stabilization site of the carbocation intermediate of the initially cyclized A-ring

In order to clarify the function of the DXDDTA motif in squalene-hopene cyclase and to identify the acidic amino acid residues crucial for the catalysis, site-directed mutagenesis experiments were carried out. The following results were found: (1) residues D374 and D376 work for the initiation of polyolefin cyclization which arises from the proton attack on the terminal double bond; (2) residue D377 stabilizes C-10 carbocation of the initially cyclized A-ring intermediate, leading to subsequent B-ring closure, which was further verified by isolating the partially cyclized monocyclic product; (3) residues D313 and D447 outside the DXDDTA motif were identified as new active sites; (4) the H451 residue is likely to work in the protonated form to enhance the acidity of the carboxyl groups of D374 and/or D376.

Kinetic studies on the function of all the conserved tryptophans involved inside and outside the QW motifs of squalene-hopene cyclase: stabilizing effect of the protein structure against thermal denaturation

Site-directed mutagenesis experiments were carried out to identify the responsibility of the eight QW motifs for the reaction catalyzed by squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC). Alterations of the conserved tryptophans, which are responsible for the stacking structure with glutamine, into aliphatic amino acids gave a significantly lower temperature for the catalytic optimum as for the mutageneses of QW motifs 4, 5a and 5b, which are specifically present in SHCs. However, there was no change in the optimal temperatures of the mutated SHCs targeted at the other five motifs 1, 2, 3, 5c and 6. Thus, reinforcement against heat denaturation can be proposed as a function of the three QW motifs 4, 5a and 5b, but no function could be identified for the QW motifs 1, 2, 3, 5c and 6, although they are commonly found in all the families of prokaryotic SHCs and eukaryotic oxidosqualene cyclases. On the other hand, the three conserved tryptophans of W169, W312 and W489, which are located inside the putative central cavity and outside the QW motifs, were identified as components of the active sites, but also had a function against thermal denaturation. The other two tryptophan residues of W142 and W558, which are located outside the QW motifs, were found not to be active sites, but also had a role for stabilizing the protein structure. It is noteworthy that the mutants replaced by phenylalanine had higher temperatures for the catalytic optimum than those replaced by aliphatic amino acids. The catalytic optimal pH values for all the mutants remained unchanged with an identical value of 6.0.