Proteolytic cleavage of N-Succ-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC by the proteasome in lens epithelium from clear and cataractous human lenses

Development of subunit selective substrates for Trichomonas vaginalis proteasome

The protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) causes trichomoniasis, the most common, non-viral, sexually transmitted infection in the world. Only two closely related drugs are approved for its treatment. The accelerating emergence of resistance to these drugs and lack of alternative treatment options poses an increasing threat to public health. There is an urgent need for novel effective anti-parasitic compounds. The proteasome is a critical enzyme for T. vaginalis survival and was validated as a drug target to treat trichomoniasis. However, to develop potent inhibitors of the T. vaginalis proteasome, it is essential that we understand which subunits should be targeted. Previously, we identified two fluorogenic substrates that were cleaved by T. vaginalis proteasome, however after isolating the enzyme complex and performing an in-depth substrate specificity study, we have now designed three fluorogenic reporter substrates that are each specific for one catalytic subunit. We screened a library of peptide epoxyketone inhibitors against the live parasite and evaluated which subunits are targeted by the top hits. Together we show that targeting of the β5 subunit of T. vaginalis is sufficient to kill the parasite, however, targeting of β5 plus either β1 or β2 results in improved potency.

Diabetogenic agent alloxan is a proteasome inhibitor

Alloxan has been used as a diabetogenic agent to induce diabetes. It selectively induces pancreatic β-cell death. The specific toxicity, however, is not fully understood. In this study, we observed the effect of alloxan on proteasome function. We found that alloxan caused the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins in NRK cells through the inhibition of the proteolytic activities of the proteasome. Biochemistry experiments with purified 26S and 20S proteasomes revealed that alloxan directly acts on the chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like peptidase activities. These results demonstrate that alloxan is a proteasome inhibitor, which suggests that its specific toxicity toward β-cell is at least in part through proteasome inhibition.

Calpain 10 homology modeling with CYGAK and increased lipophilicity leads to greater potency and efficacy in cells

Calpain 10 is a ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial and cytosolic Ca(2+)-regulated cysteine protease in which overexpression or knockdown leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. We previously identified a potent and specific calpain 10 peptide inhibitor (CYGAK), but it was not efficacious in cells. Therefore, we created a homology model using the calpain 10 amino acid sequence and calpain 1 3-D structure and docked CYGAK in the active site. Using this model we modified the inhibitor to improve potency 2-fold (CYGAbuK). To increase cellular efficacy, we created CYGAK-S-phenyl-oleic acid heterodimers. Using renal mitochondrial matrix CYGAK, CYGAK-OC, and CYGAK-ON had IC(50)'s of 70, 90, and 875 nM, respectively. Using isolated whole renal mitochondria CYGAK, CYGAK-OC, and CYGAK-ON had IC(50)'s of 95, 196, and >10,000 nM, respectively. Using renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC) in primary culture, 30 min exposures to CYGAK-OC and CYGAbuK-OC decreased cellular calpain activity approximately 20% at 1 μM, and concentrations up to 100 μM had no additional effect. RPTC treated with 10 μM CYGAK-OC for 24 h induced accumulation of ATP synthase β and NDUFB8, two calpain 10 substrates. In summary, we used molecular modeling to improve the potency of CYGAK, while creating CYGAK-oleic acid heterodimers to improve efficacy in cells. Since calpain 10 has been implicated in type 2 diabetes and renal aging, the use of this inhibitor may contribute to elucidating the role of calpain 10 in these and other diseases.

Role of the ubiquitin-proteasome in protein quality control and signaling: implication in the pathogenesis of eye diseases

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) plays important roles in many cellular functions, such as protein quality control, cell cycle control, and signal transduction. The selective degradation of aberrant proteins by the UPP is essential for the timely removal of potential cytotoxic damaged or otherwise abnormal proteins. Conversely, accumulation of the cytotoxic abnormal proteins in eye tissues is etiologically associated with many age-related eye diseases such as retina degeneration, cataract, and certain types of glaucoma. Age- or stress-induced impairment or overburdening of the UPP appears to contribute to the accumulation of abnormal proteins in eye tissues. Cell cycle and signal transduction are regulated by the conditional UPP-dependent degradation of the regulators of these processes. Impairment or overburdening of the UPP could also result in dysregulation of cell cycle control and signal transduction. The consequences of the improper cell cycle and signal transduction include defects in ocular development, wound healing, angiogenesis, or inflammatory responses. Methods that enhance or preserve UPP function or reduce its burden may be useful strategies for preventing age-related eye diseases.

Changes in Activity and Kinetic Properties of the Proteasome in Different Rat Organs during Development and Maturation

The proteasome is considered the most important proteolytic system for removal of damaged proteins with aging. Using fluorogenic peptide substrates, the chymotrypsin-like, the trypsin-like, and the peptidylglutamyl peptidase activities of the proteasome were measured in the soluble fractions of liver, brain, and lens rat homogenates. Specific activity was significantly decreased in liver and brain homogenates with maturation of the animal, that is, from newborn (7 days old) to fertile rats (2–4 months old). Rat lens homogenate exhibited an increase in activity with maturation and also with aging. Chymotrypsin-like activity was stimulated by calcium and this proteolytic activity was significantly decreased with maturation of the rat brain. The Michaelis-Menten constant (K_m) increased with age in rat liver and lens, indicating a loss of affinity for its substrates by the proteasome in the animal with maturation and aging. The present data suggest that the loss of function of the proteasome with maturation may be due to structural changes of the proteasome or a decreased content of regulatory components.

Increased O-GlcNAc causes disrupted lens fiber cell differentiation and cataracts

Diminished proteolytic functionality in the lens may cause cataracts. We have reported that O-GlcNAc is an endogenous inhibitor of the proteasome. We hypothesize that in the lens there is a cause-and-effect relationship between proteasome inhibition by O-GlcNAc, and cataract formation. To demonstrate this, we established novel transgenic mouse models to over-express a dominant-negative form of O-GlcNAcase, GK-NCOAT, in the lens. Expression of GK-NCOAT suppresses removal of O-GlcNAc from proteins, resulting in increased levels of O-GlcNAc in the lenses of our transgenic mice, along with decreased proteasome function. We observed that transgenic mice developed markedly larger cataracts than controls and lens fiber cell denucleation was inhibited. Our study suggests that increased O-GlcNAc in the lens could lead to cataract formation and attenuation of lens fiber cell denucleation by inhibition of proteasome function. These findings may explain why cataract formation is a common complication of diabetes since O-GlcNAc is derived from glucose.

Limitations of SLLVY-AMC in calpain and proteasome measurements

Succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (SLLVY-AMC) is a fluorogenic substrate used to measure calpain activity and the "chymotrypsin-like" activity of the 20s proteasome. The goal of this study was to determine the relative role of calpains and the proteasome on SLLVY-AMC cleavage in attached and suspended renal epithelial cells (NRK-52E). The proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin did not inhibit purified calpain 1 or calpain 10 cleavage of SLLVY-AMC. Epoxomicin inhibited 11% of total SLLVY-AMC cleavage in attached cells and increasing concentrations of the calpain inhibitor calpeptin were additive. In contrast, cell suspensions had a 3.5-fold higher rate of SLLVY-AMC cleavage, epoxomicin inhibited cleavage 65% and calpeptin inhibited cleavage an additional 26%. Calpeptin alone also inhibited proteasomal activity. In conclusion, (1) SLLVY-AMC is cleaved in cells by calpain and the proteasome, (2) proteasome activity can be measured with epoxomicin, and (3) calpeptin can inhibit proteasome activity in some cases; thus limiting the use of SLLVY-AMC and calpeptin.

Metabolic control of proteasome function

Proteasomes are major cellular proteases that are important for protein turnover and cell survival. Dysregulation of proteasome is related to many major human diseases. Regulation of the proteasome is beginning to be understood by the recent findings that proteasomes are modified and regulated by metabolic factors O-GlcNAcylation and PKA phosphorylation.

The proteasome and intracellular redox status: implications for apoptotic regulation in lens epithelial cells

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate redox regulation of the proteasome as well as the effect of proteasome inhibition on intracellular oxidative status and apoptosis.

METHODS

Oxidative stress was induced in cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and intact mouse lenses by 100 microM H2O2. HLECs were also exposed to the reduced and the oxidized forms of glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and the reducing agent dithiotreitol (DTT). The chymotrypsin-like, the trypsin-like, and the peptidylglutamyl peptidase activities of the proteasome were measured using synthetic fluorogenic substrates. Superoxide as well as peroxide production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the level of GSH was measured in HLECs after proteasome inhibition by MG-132 or lactacystin. Apoptosis was determined by measuring caspase-3 activation and by studying apoptotic nuclei after staining with Hoechst 33342.

RESULTS

All three peptidase activities of the proteasome were inhibited by 100 microM H2O2 and by the oxidized form of glutathione (GSSG), whereas the reduced form (GSH) stimulated chymotrypsin-like and peptidylglutamyl peptidase activities in HLECs lysates. Intact mouse lenses exposed to 100 microM H2O2 exhibited loss of transparency and trends of decreased chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity as well as decreased GSH levels. Inhibition of the proteasome in cultured HLECs caused significant increase in apoptosis and disturbed intracellular redox balance. Simultaneous addition of exogenous GSH completely abolished the increased apoptosis seen after MG-132 treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the hypothesis that intracellular proteolytic and oxidative regulatory systems are tightly coupled. The current data also indicate that apoptosis by proteasome inhibition is mediated through oxidative mechanisms.

Proteasome function is regulated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase through phosphorylation of Rpt6

Dysregulation of the proteasome has been documented in a variety of human diseases such as Alzheimer, muscle atrophy, cataracts etc. Proteolytic activity of 26 S proteasome is ATP- and ubiquitin-dependent. O-GlcNAcylation of Rpt2, one of the AAA ATPases in the 19 S regulatory cap, shuts off the proteasome through the inhibition of ATPase activity. Thus, through control of the flux of glucose into O-GlcNAc, the function of the proteasome is coupled to glucose metabolism. In the present study we found another metabolic control of the proteasome via cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Contrary to O-Glc-NAcylation, PKA activated proteasomes both in vitro and in vivo in association with the phosphorylation at Ser(120) of another AAA ATPase subunit, Rpt6. Mutation of Ser(120) to Ala blocked proteasome function. The stimulatory effect of PKA and the phosphorylation of Rpt6 were reversible by protein phosphatase 1 gamma. Thus, hormones using the PKA system can also regulate proteasomes often in concert with glucose metabolism. This finding might lead to novel strategies for the treatment of proteasome-related diseases.

Age-associated oxidative damage leads to absence of gamma-cystathionase in over 50% of rat lenses: relevance in cataractogenesis

Oxidative damage to lens proteins and glutathione depletion play a major role in the development of senile cataract. We previously found that a deficiency in gamma-cystathionase activity may be responsible for glutathione depletion in old lenses. The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the mechanism that causes the age-related deficiency in gamma-cystathionase activity in the eye lens, and (2) to determine the role of gamma-cystathionase deficiency in cataractogenesis. Two populations of old rats were found, one (56%) whose lenses lacked gamma-cystathionase activity and the rest that exhibited detectable enzyme activity. gamma-Cystathionase protein was absent in lenses from old rats without gamma-cystathionase activity. Oxidative stress targeted gamma-cystathionase in the eye lens upon aging, since the enzyme contained more carbonyl groups in old lenses than in young ones. gamma-Cystathionase mRNA was also markedly reduced in old lenses, thus contributing to the age-associated deficiency in gamma-cystathionase. Inhibition of gamma-cystathionase activity caused glutathione depletion in lenses and led to cataractogenesis in vitro. In conclusion, the lack of gamma-cystathionase activity in over 50% of old lenses is due to decreased gene expression and proteolytic degradation of the oxidized enzyme. This results in a high risk for the development of senile cataract.

Temporal regulation of VEID-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin cleavage activity and caspase-6 correlates with organelle loss during lens development

Lens fiber cell differentiation involves extensive reconstruction of the cell's architecture, including the degradation and elimination of all membrane-bound organelles via a process that has been likened to apoptosis. Using caspase reporter assays under conditions in which nonspecific cleavage of the reporter peptides by the proteasome has been inhibited, we investigated whether any specific caspase activities are temporally correlated with this process of organelle loss. Extracts from neonatal mouse lenses contained strong VEID-7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (AFC) and minor IETD-AFC and LEVD-AFC cleavage activities, but no DEVD-AFC cleavage activity. Further testing suggested that the VEID-AFC and IETD-AFC cleavage activities were likely due to the same enzyme. In lens extracts from rat embryos, VEID-AFC cleavage activity increased during the period when organelles are eliminated, between embryonic days 15.5 and 18.5, whereas procaspase-6 protein levels decreased, suggesting that this enzyme is responsible for VEID-AFC cleavage. By contrast, in extracts from alpha AE7 transgenic mouse lenses in which apoptosis was induced, strong DEVD-AFC cleavage activity and activated caspase-3 protein were detected. Thus, within the same tissue, different caspase activities can predominate depending on the context, normal differentiation versus apoptosis. These results highlight the difference between normal fiber cell differentiation and apoptosis and the capacity of the lens to differentially regulate these two processes.

Function of the ubiquitin proteolytic pathway in the eye

The ubiquitin pathway (UP) is involved in regulation of many essential cellular processes usually by the degradation of regulators of these processes. For example the UP is involved in regulation of cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, organogenesis, development, and signal transduction in the lens and retina. A functional UP has also been documented in the cornea. Upon aging or exposure to stress there is an accumulation of damaged proteins, including ubiquitinated proteins, in the lens and retina. Some of these proteins may be cytotoxic. Thus, an active UP may be required to avoid such age and disease-related accumulation of damaged proteins. In this review we will explain the biochemistry of the UP and we will document the most important studies regarding UP function in the lens, retina and cornea.

Proteasome inhibition by chronic oxidative stress in human trabecular meshwork cells

The pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to the malfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM)-Schlemm's canal (SC) outflow pathway in glaucoma are still unclear. We hypothesize that chronic oxidative stress may contribute to the malfunction of the outflow pathway by impairing the intracellular proteasome system of the cells, decreasing the ability of the tissue to modulate outflow resistance. To study the effects of chronic oxidative stress on proteasome function, primary cultures of human TM cells were incubated under 40% oxygen and proteasome activity was analyzed by measuring the accumulation of enhanced green fluorescent protein fused to a PEST motif. Changes in proteasome content, cellular senescence, and cell viability were also monitored. After 10 days of exposure to chronic oxidative stress, TM cells showed a marked decline in proteasome activity that was associated with premature senescence and decreased cell viability. These results suggest that proteasome failure may be involved in glaucoma pathophysiology.

Proteasome activity in human lens nuclei and correlation with age, gender and severity of cataract

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to measure proteasome activity in human lens nuclei resulting from cataract surgery and in different regions of donor lenses.

METHODS

The chymotrypsin-like, the trypsin-like and the peptidylglutamyl-peptide hydrolysing activities of the proteasome were studied using synthetic flourogenic substrates.

RESULTS

Proteasome activity did not show any correlation with age of the patients or with gender. Increased opacification of the lens nucleus, as estimated prior to surgery using a 4-grade scale, was significantly correlated with decreased activity of all peptidase activities in the insoluble fraction. In the donor lenses, all peptidase activities were highest in the epithelium and decreased rapidly towards the nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that proteasome activity is preserved in the nucleus of lenses from elderly individuals, although a decrease can be seen with cataract formation. This finding may be of importance for elucidating the mechanism behind the formation of nuclear cataract.

Peptidases play an important role in cataractogenesis: an immunohistochemical study on lenses derived from Shumiya cataract rats

The role of proteolytic enzymes in Shumiya cataract rats in alterations to lens proteins during cataract formation was studied immunohistochemically using antibodies against exopeptidases, such as lysosomal dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP II), cytosolic dipeptidyl peptidase III, and soluble and membrane-bound alanyl aminopeptidases, and against cytosolic endopeptidases such as mu- and m-calpains, and 20S proteasome. AlphaB-crystallin was detected as a proteolytic marker in the lenses. A constant immunoreactivity against all the antibodies employed was observed in the lens epithelium independent of the strain and age of the rats. A weak immunoreactivity against exo- and endopeptidases and an intense reactivity against alphaB-crystallin were observed in the lens fibres of control rats at all ages. The immunoreactivity of these peptidases in lens fibres increased with age in cataract rats, but that of alphaB-crystallin decreased. No reactivity against exo- and endopeptidases was seen in the perinuclear region of lenses of control rats at all ages or in Shumiya cataract rats at 8 and 10 weeks of age, but an intense reactivity against these peptidases was observed in the lens perinuclear region of lenses in cataract rats at 12 and 14 weeks of age. AlphaB-crystallin immunoreactivity was observed with ordered striations in the lens perinuclear region of all control rats whereas the striations in this area of cataract rat lens were disorganized. Membrane-bound alanyl aminopeptidase was detected feebly in the lens epithelium and fibres of both types of rat at all weeks of age. These findings indicate that exo- and endopeptidases, except for membrane-bound alanyl aminopeptidase, are expressed intensively and are age-dependent. Conversely, the amount of alphaB-crystallin decreased with age in lens fibres of cataract rats. Calpains (mu- and m-), 20S proteasome, dipeptidyl peptidases II and III and soluble alanyl aminopeptidase are thought to induce lens opacification kinetically during cataract formation in Shumiya cataract rats through the intracellular turnover of lens proteins.

Caretaker or undertaker? The role of the proteasome in aging

Despite intensive studies, the molecular basis of the decline of protein degradation with age still remains unresolved. It is suspected that the proteasome is one of the key factors controlling the age-dependent turnover of intracellular proteins. This hypothesis is based on the observation that the proteasome is a part of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which together with the lysosomal pathway constitute the major mechanisms of protein degradation. While there are alterations in proteasome structure and function with age, the observed changes do not provide a clear mechanism for explaining the decline of protein degradation. In addition, there are no consistent changes in the ubiquitination system to account for this decline. On the other hand, because of the essential role played by the proteasome in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, the observation of age-related changes in structure and function will ultimately be demonstrated to contribute to the aging process. The fact that food restriction, the only currently available experimental paradigm that can alter the aging process, modulates the age-related changes in proteasome structure and function provides presumptive evidence that the proteasome is involved in the aging process.

Differential inhibition of three peptidase activities of the proteasome in human lens epithelium by heat and oxidation

The proteasome is a large protease complex that is thought to be responsible for proteolytic removal of damaged proteins. We have previously shown that the level of proteolytic activity due to the proteasome is lower in lens epithelium from human cataractous lenses compared to the activity in epithelium from clear donor lenses. This study aimed to characterize the three main peptidase activities of the proteasome in human lens epithelium with respect to kinetic properties and sensitivity to heat and oxidation. Human lens epithelia were obtained from cataract surgery and analysis performed on pools of epithelial cell cytoplasm. Using the fluorogenic peptide substrates Suc-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-AMC (LLVY), Boc-Val-Gly-Arg-AMC (VGR) and Z-Leu-Leu-Glu-betaNA (LLE), Km-values of 56, 678 and 108 micrometers were obtained. All peptidase activities were inhibited by lactacystin, a specific proteasome inhibitor, but at very different rates; with LLVY-hydrolysing activity being the most sensitive (Ki50%=0.15 micrometers). Thermostability was investigated by performing the proteolytic assay at 20 degrees, 37 degrees and 53 degrees C. The trypsin-like activity, as measured by VGR, was completely stable at 53 degrees C for at least 24 hr whereas hydrolysis of LLVY and LLE declined after a few hours at 37 degrees C. Oxidative inhibition was induced by incubation of the samples in 0.5 m m H2O2for 1 or 24 hr. One hour exposure to H2O2caused moderate inhibition of all peptidase activities. The activity could be partially restored by adding 1 m m dithiotreitol, indicating the dependency on intact SH-groups. After 24 hr, peptidase activities were decreased to 25% (LLVY), 73% (VGR) and 44% (LLE) of corresponding control. This inhibition was irreversible for VGR and LLE, but could be partly prevented by the presence of heat shock protein 90 (LLVY and VGR) or alpha-crystallin (LLVY). These data show that the peptidase activities of the human lens proteasome can be modulated by metabolites, such as reactive oxygen species, and by endogenous proteins such as alpha-crystallin and heat shock protein 90.