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Ivachtchenko AV, Khvat AV, Shkil DO. Development and Prospects of Furin Inhibitors for Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9199. [PMID: 39273149 PMCID: PMC11394684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Furin, a serine protease enzyme located in the Golgi apparatus of animal cells, plays a crucial role in cleaving precursor proteins into their mature, active forms. It is ubiquitously expressed across various tissues, including the brain, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and reproductive organs. Since its discovery in 1990, furin has been recognized as a significant therapeutic target, leading to the active development of furin inhibitors for potential use in antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, and other therapeutic applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in the development and characterization of furin inhibitors, encompassing peptides, linear and macrocyclic peptidomimetics, and non-peptide compounds, highlighting their potential in the treatment of both infectious and non-infectious diseases.
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Carranza-Aranda AS, Diaz-Palomera CD, Lepe-Reynoso E, Santerre A, Muñoz-Valle JF, Viera-Segura O. Evaluation of Potential Furin Protease Inhibitory Properties of Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone, and Pirfenidone: An In Silico Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approach. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8665-8684. [PMID: 39194728 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Furin (Fur) is a member of the protease convertase family; its expression is crucial for cleaving and maturing many proteins. Fur also represents a therapeutic target in cancer, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. Pioglitazone (PGZ) and rosiglitazone (RGZ) are thiazolidinediones prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients and are structurally similar to the known Fur inhibitors naphthofluorescein (NPF) and pirfenidone (PFD). Thus, this study used molecular docking and molecular dynamics to assess and compare the affinities and the molecular interactions of these four ligands with the Fur active site (FurAct) and the recently described Fur allosteric site (FurAll). The 7QXZ Fur structure was used for molecular dockings, and for the best pose complexes, molecular dynamics were run for 100 ns. The best affinities of the ligand/FurAct and ligand/FurAll complexes were with NPF, PGZ, and RGZ, while PFD presented the lowest affinity. Asp154 was the central residue involved in FurAct complex formation, while Glu488 and Asn310 were the central residues involved in FurAll complex formation. This study shows the potential of RGZ, PGZ, and PFD as Fur competitive (FurAct) and non-competitive (FurAll) inhibitors. Therefore, they are candidates for repurposing in response to future emerging diseases through the modulation of Fur activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahtziri Socorro Carranza-Aranda
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Daniel Diaz-Palomera
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Lepe-Reynoso
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Anne Santerre
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45221, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Oliver Viera-Segura
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
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Georgiou N, Mavromoustakos T, Tzeli D. Docking, MD Simulations, and DFT Calculations: Assessing W254's Function and Sartan Binding in Furin. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8226-8238. [PMID: 39194703 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Furins are serine endoproteases that are involved in many biological processes, where they play important roles in normal metabolism, in the activation of various pathogens, while they are a target for therapeutic intervention. Dichlorophenyl-pyridine "BOS" compounds are well known drugs that are used as inhibitors of human furin by an induced-fit mechanism, in which tryptophan W254 in the furin catalytic cleft acts as a molecular transition energy gate. The binding of "BOS" drug into the active center of furin has been computationally studied using the density functional theory (DFT) and ONIOM multiscaling methodologies. The binding enthalpies of the W254 with the furin-BOS is -32.8 kcal/mol ("open") and -18.8 kcal/mol ("closed"), while the calculated torsion barrier was found at 30 kcal/mol. It is significantly smaller than the value of previous MD calculations due to the relaxation of the environment, i.e., nearby groups of the W254, leading to the reduction of the energy demands. The significant lower barrier explains the experimental finding that the dihedral barrier of W254 is overcome. Furthermore, sartans were studied to evaluate their potential as furin inhibitors. Sartans are AT1 antagonists, and they effectively inhibit the hypertensive effects induced by the peptide hormone Angiotensin II. Here, they have been docked into the cavity to evaluate their effect on the BOS ligand via docking and molecular dynamics simulations. A consistent binding of sartans within the cavity during the simulation was found, suggesting that they could act as furin inhibitors. Finally, sartans interact with the same amino acids as W254, leading to a competitive binding that may influence the pharmacological efficacy and potential drug interactions of sartans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikitas Georgiou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 11571 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 11571 Athens, Greece
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis Zografou, 11571 Athens, Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece
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Kumar Tiwari P, Chouhan M, Mishra R, Gupta S, Chaudhary AA, Al-Zharani M, Ahmed Qurtam A, Nasr FA, Jha NK, Pant K, Kumar M, Kumar S. Structure-based virtual screening methods for the identification of novel phytochemical inhibitors targeting furin protease for the management of COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1391288. [PMID: 38919703 PMCID: PMC11196402 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1391288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, is a highly contagious respiratory disease with widespread societal impact. The symptoms range from cough, fever, and pneumonia to complications affecting various organs, including the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Despite various ongoing efforts, no effective drug has been developed to stop the spread of the virus. Although various types of medications used to treat bacterial and viral diseases have previously been employed to treat COVID-19 patients, their side effects have also been observed. The way SARS-CoV-2 infects the human body is very specific, as its spike protein plays an important role. The S subunit of virus spike protein cleaved by human proteases, such as furin protein, is an initial and important step for its internalization into a human host. Keeping this context, we attempted to inhibit the furin using phytochemicals that could produce minimal side effects. For this, we screened 408 natural phytochemicals from various plants having antiviral properties, against furin protein, and molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed. Based on the binding score, the top three compounds (robustaflavone, withanolide, and amentoflavone) were selected for further validation. MM/GBSA energy calculations revealed that withanolide has the lowest binding energy of -57.2 kcal/mol followed by robustaflavone and amentoflavone with a binding energy of -45.2 kcal/mol and -39.68 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, ADME analysis showed drug-like properties for these three lead compounds. Hence, these natural compounds robustaflavone, withanolide, and amentoflavone, may have therapeutic potential for the management of SARS-CoV-2 by targeting furin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar Tiwari
- Biological and Bio-computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mandeep Chouhan
- Biological and Bio-computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Richa Mishra
- Department of Computer Engineering, Parul University, Gujarat, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anis Ahmad Chaudhary
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Al-Zharani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Ahmed Qurtam
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahd A. Nasr
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kumud Pant
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to Be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biological and Bio-computational Lab, Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Jorkesh A, Rothenberger S, Baldassar L, Grybaite B, Kavaliauskas P, Mickevicius V, Dettin M, Vascon F, Cendron L, Pasquato A. Screening of Small-Molecule Libraries Using SARS-CoV-2-Derived Sequences Identifies Novel Furin Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5079. [PMID: 38791119 PMCID: PMC11121672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105079] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the pathogen responsible for the most recent global pandemic, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide. Despite remarkable efforts to develop an effective vaccine, concerns have been raised about the actual protection against novel variants. Thus, researchers are eager to identify alternative strategies to fight against this pathogen. Like other opportunistic entities, a key step in the SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle is the maturation of the envelope glycoprotein at the RARR685↓ motif by the cellular enzyme Furin. Inhibition of this cleavage greatly affects viral propagation, thus representing an ideal drug target to contain infection. Importantly, no Furin-escape variants have ever been detected, suggesting that the pathogen cannot replace this protease by any means. Here, we designed a novel fluorogenic SARS-CoV-2-derived substrate to screen commercially available and custom-made libraries of small molecules for the identification of new Furin inhibitors. We found that a peptide substrate mimicking the cleavage site of the envelope glycoprotein of the Omicron variant (QTQTKSHRRAR-AMC) is a superior tool for screening Furin activity when compared to the commercially available Pyr-RTKR-AMC substrate. Using this setting, we identified promising novel compounds able to modulate Furin activity in vitro and suitable for interfering with SARS-CoV-2 maturation. In particular, we showed that 3-((5-((5-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-4-oxo-4,5 dihydrothiazol-2-yl)(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)amino)propanoic acid (P3, IC50 = 35 μM) may represent an attractive chemical scaffold for the development of more effective antiviral drugs via a mechanism of action that possibly implies the targeting of Furin secondary sites (exosites) rather than its canonical catalytic pocket. Overall, a SARS-CoV-2-derived peptide was investigated as a new substrate for in vitro high-throughput screening (HTS) of Furin inhibitors and allowed the identification of compound P3 as a promising hit with an innovative chemical scaffold. Given the key role of Furin in infection and the lack of any Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Furin inhibitor, P3 represents an interesting antiviral candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Jorkesh
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Science, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.V.); (L.C.)
| | - Sylvia Rothenberger
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 48, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Austrasse, 3700 Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Laura Baldassar
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Birute Grybaite
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Povilas Kavaliauskas
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.G.); (V.M.)
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Biological Research Center, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Pathogenic Microbiology, Birstono Str. 38A, LT-59116 Prienai, Lithuania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Vytautas Mickevicius
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu Rd. 19, LT-50254 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Monica Dettin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Filippo Vascon
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.V.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.V.); (L.C.)
| | - Antonella Pasquato
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (L.B.); (M.D.)
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Lange RW, Bloch K, Heindl MR, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Brandstetter H, Klebe G, Falcone FH, Böttcher-Friebertshäuser E, Dahms SO, Steinmetzer T. Fragment-Based Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Aminoisoindole-Derived Furin Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202400057. [PMID: 38385828 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400057] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
A 1H-isoindol-3-amine was identified as suitable P1 group for the proprotein convertase furin using a crystallographic screening with a set of 20 fragments known to occupy the S1 pocket of trypsin-like serine proteases. Its binding mode is very similar to that observed for the P1 group of benzamidine-derived peptidic furin inhibitors suggesting an aminomethyl substitution of this fragment to obtain a couplable P1 residue for the synthesis of substrate-analogue furin inhibitors. The obtained inhibitors possess a slightly improved picomolar inhibitory potency compared to their benzamidine-derived analogues. The crystal structures of two inhibitors in complex with furin revealed that the new P1 group is perfectly suited for incorporation in peptidic furin inhibitors. Selected inhibitors were tested for antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a furin-dependent influenza A virus (SC35M/H7N7) in A549 human lung cells and demonstrated an efficient inhibition of virus activation and replication at low micromolar or even submicromolar concentrations. First results suggest that the Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor GPCR-X2 could be a potential off-target for certain benzamidine-derived furin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman W Lange
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Konstantin Bloch
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Ruth Heindl
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 2, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, 12489, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Gerhard Klebe
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
| | - Franco H Falcone
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Sven O Dahms
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Billrothstrasse 11, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria Phone
| | - Torsten Steinmetzer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University, Marbacher Weg 6-10, D-35032, Marburg, Germany Phone
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Stone RG, Short C, Davies JC, McNally P. Chronic rhinosinusitis in the era of CFTR modulator therapy. J Cyst Fibros 2024; 23:208-213. [PMID: 37690973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common manifestation of CF that is associated with impaired quality of life and can be difficult to treat. CFTR modulator therapy has resulted in significant improvements in lower respiratory and nutritional outcomes for people with CF however their impact on chronic rhinosinusitis has received less attention. We review the literature in relation to chronic rhinosinusitis in CF and examine the impact of CFTR modulator therapy on symptoms, imaging, endoscopic appearances, and olfactory outcomes in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. While an overall improvement in symptoms, imaging and endoscopic appearances is seen in response to treatment, limited impact is documented on olfaction. Outcome measures employed were heterogenous, limiting comparison of findings. There is a need for well powered prospective real-world studies with standardised outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Gavin Stone
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Christopher Short
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom; Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane C Davies
- Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom; Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul McNally
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Wu A, Shi K, Wang J, Zhang R, Wang Y. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 entry processes: The promising potential and future of host-targeted small-molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115923. [PMID: 37981443 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a huge impact on global health. To respond to rapidly mutating viruses and to prepare for the next pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop small molecule therapies that target critical stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Inhibiting the entry process of the virus can effectively control viral infection and play a role in prevention and treatment. Host factors involved in this process, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, furin, PIKfyve, TPC2, CTSL, AAK1, V-ATPase, HSPG, and NRP1, have been found to be potentially good targets with stability. Through further exploration of the cell entry process of SARS-CoV-2, small-molecule drugs targeting these host factors have been developed. This review focuses on the structural functions of potential host cell targets during the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. The research progress, chemical structure, structure-activity relationship, and clinical value of small-molecule inhibitors against COVID-19 are reviewed to provide a reference for the development of small-molecule drugs against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijia Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kunyu Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Ruofei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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9
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Aufy M, Hussein AM, Stojanovic T, Studenik CR, Kotob MH. Proteolytic Activation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC): Its Mechanisms and Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17563. [PMID: 38139392 PMCID: PMC10743461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) are integral to maintaining salt and water homeostasis in various biological tissues, including the kidney, lung, and colon. They enable the selective reabsorption of sodium ions, which is a process critical for controlling blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and overall fluid volume. ENaC activity is finely controlled through proteolytic activation, a process wherein specific enzymes, or proteases, cleave ENaC subunits, resulting in channel activation and increased sodium reabsorption. This regulatory mechanism plays a pivotal role in adapting sodium transport to different physiological conditions. In this review article, we provide an in-depth exploration of the role of proteolytic activation in regulating ENaC activity. We elucidate the involvement of various proteases, including furin-like convertases, cysteine, and serine proteases, and detail the precise cleavage sites and regulatory mechanisms underlying ENaC activation by these proteases. We also discuss the physiological implications of proteolytic ENaC activation, focusing on its involvement in blood pressure regulation, pulmonary function, and intestinal sodium absorption. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of ENaC proteolytic activation provides valuable insights into the pathophysiology of various diseases, including hypertension, pulmonary disorders, and various gastrointestinal conditions. Moreover, we discuss the potential therapeutic avenues that emerge from understanding these mechanisms, offering new possibilities for managing diseases associated with ENaC dysfunction. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive discussion of the intricate interplay between proteases and ENaC, emphasizing the significance of proteolytic activation in maintaining sodium and fluid balance in both health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Aufy
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
| | - Ahmed M. Hussein
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Tamara Stojanovic
- Programme for Proteomics, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Christian R. Studenik
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
| | - Mohamed H. Kotob
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.H.); (M.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
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10
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Löw K, Möller R, Stegmann C, Becker M, Rehburg L, Obernolte H, Schaudien D, Oestereich L, Braun A, Kunz S, Gerold G. Luminescent reporter cells enable the identification of broad-spectrum antivirals against emerging viruses. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29211. [PMID: 37975336 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29211] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The emerging viruses SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses cause severe respiratory and hemorrhagic diseases, respectively. The production of infectious particles of both viruses and virus spread in tissues requires cleavage of surface glycoproteins (GPs) by host proprotein convertases (PCs). SARS-CoV-2 and arenaviruses rely on GP cleavage by PCs furin and subtilisin kexin isozyme-1/site-1 protease (SKI-1/S1P), respectively. We report improved luciferase-based reporter cell lines, named luminescent inducible proprotein convertase reporter cells that we employ to monitor PC activity in its authentic subcellular compartment. Using these sensor lines we screened a small compound library in high-throughput manner. We identified 23 FDA-approved small molecules, among them monensin which displayed broad activity against furin and SKI-1/S1P. Monensin inhibited arenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in a dose-dependent manner. We observed a strong reduction in infectious particle release upon monensin treatment with little effect on released genome copies. This was reflected by inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 spike processing suggesting the release of immature particles. In a proof of concept experiment using human precision cut lung slices, monensin potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection, evidenced by reduced infectious particle release. We propose that our PC sensor pipeline is a suitable tool to identify broad-spectrum antivirals with therapeutic potential to combat current and future emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Löw
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Möller
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cora Stegmann
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Miriam Becker
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Rehburg
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helena Obernolte
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schaudien
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Oestereich
- Department of Virology, Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infectious Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer International Consortium for Anti-Infective Research (iCAIR), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases, (CIMD), Hannover, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Kunz
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gisa Gerold
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Sweden
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11
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Douglas LEJ, Reihill JA, Montgomery BM, Martin SL. Furin as a therapeutic target in cystic fibrosis airways disease. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:32/168/220256. [PMID: 37137509 PMCID: PMC10155048 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0256-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical management of cystic fibrosis (CF) has been greatly improved by the development of small molecule modulators of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These drugs help to address some of the basic genetic defects of CFTR; however, no suitable CFTR modulators exist for 10% of people with CF (PWCF). An alternative, mutation-agnostic therapeutic approach is therefore still required. In CF airways, elevated levels of the proprotein convertase furin contribute to the dysregulation of key processes that drive disease pathogenesis. Furin plays a critical role in the proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel; hyperactivity of which causes airways dehydration and loss of effective mucociliary clearance. Furin is also responsible for the processing of transforming growth factor-β, which is increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from PWCF and is associated with neutrophilic inflammation and reduced pulmonary function. Pathogenic substrates of furin include Pseudomonas exotoxin A, a major toxic product associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and the spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative pathogen for coronavirus disease 2019. In this review we discuss the importance of furin substrates in the progression of CF airways disease and highlight selective furin inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to provide clinical benefit to all PWCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E J Douglas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James A Reihill
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - S Lorraine Martin
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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12
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Ferguson TEG, Reihill JA, Martin SL, Walker B. Novel inhibitors and activity-based probes targeting serine proteases. Front Chem 2022; 10:1006618. [PMID: 36247662 PMCID: PMC9555310 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1006618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases play varied and manifold roles in important biological, physiological, and pathological processes. These include viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection, allergic sensitization, tumor invasion, and metastasis. The use of activity-based profiling has been foundational in pinpointing the precise roles of serine proteases across this myriad of processes. A broad range of serine protease-targeted activity-based probe (ABP) chemotypes have been developed and we have recently introduced biotinylated and "clickable" peptides containing P1 N-alkyl glycine arginine N-hydroxy succinimidyl (NHS) carbamates as ABPs for detection/profiling of trypsin-like serine proteases. This present study provides synthetic details for the preparation of additional examples of this ABP chemotype, which function as potent irreversible inhibitors of their respective target serine protease. We describe their use for the activity-based profiling of a broad range of serine proteases including trypsin, the trypsin-like protease plasmin, chymotrypsin, cathepsin G, and neutrophil elastase (NE), including the profiling of the latter protease in clinical samples obtained from patients with cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brian Walker
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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13
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Nayak D, Wasmuth EV, Olsen SK. Clearing the air: Uniquely engaging furin as an approach to cystic fibrosis therapy. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:927-929. [PMID: 35714591 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Douglas et al. describe a potent, specific, and cell-permeable furin inhibitor that interacts with a cryptic binding site to rescue hallmarks of cystic fibrosis in human ex vivo models. BOS-318 holds promise for development of therapeutics targeting an array of furin-dependent pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digant Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Elizabeth V Wasmuth
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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14
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Dahms SO, Schnapp G, Winter M, Büttner FH, Schlepütz M, Gnamm C, Pautsch A, Brandstetter H. Dichlorophenylpyridine-Based Molecules Inhibit Furin through an Induced-Fit Mechanism. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:816-821. [PMID: 35377598 PMCID: PMC9016704 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00103] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
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Inhibitors of the
proprotein convertase furin might serve as broad-spectrum
antiviral therapeutics. High cellular potency and antiviral activity
against acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have
been reported for (3,5-dichlorophenyl)pyridine-derived furin inhibitors.
Here we characterized the binding mechanism of this inhibitor class
using structural, biophysical, and biochemical methods. We established
a MALDI-TOF-MS-based furin activity assay, determined IC50 values, and solved X-ray structures of (3,5-dichlorophenyl)pyridine-derived
compounds in complex with furin. The inhibitors induced a substantial
conformational rearrangement of the active-site cleft by exposing
a central buried tryptophan residue. These changes formed an extended
hydrophobic surface patch where the 3,5-dichlorophenyl moiety of the
inhibitors was inserted into a newly formed binding pocket. Consistent
with these structural rearrangements, we observed slow off-rate binding
kinetics and strong structural stabilization in surface plasmon resonance
and differential scanning fluorimetry experiments, respectively. The
discovered furin conformation offers new opportunities for structure-based
drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven O. Dahms
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gisela Schnapp
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Martin Winter
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Frank H. Büttner
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Marco Schlepütz
- Department of I&R Research, R&D Project Management and Development Strategies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Christian Gnamm
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Alexander Pautsch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH& Co KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
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