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Baiula M, Anselmi M, Musiani F, Ghidini A, Carbone J, Caligiana A, Maurizio A, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L. Design, Pharmacological Characterization, and Molecular Docking of Minimalist Peptidomimetic Antagonists of α 4β 1 Integrin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119588. [PMID: 37298541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin receptors mediate cell-cell interactions via the recognition of cell-adhesion glycoproteins, as well as via the interactions of cells with proteins of the extracellular matrix, and upon activation they transduce signals bi-directionally across the cell membrane. In the case of injury, infection, or inflammation, integrins of β2 and α4 families participate in the recruitment of leukocytes, a multi-step process initiated by the capturing of rolling leukocytes and terminated by their extravasation. In particular, α4β1 integrin is deeply involved in leukocyte firm adhesion preceding extravasation. Besides its well-known role in inflammatory diseases, α4β1 integrin is also involved in cancer, being expressed in various tumors and showing an important role in cancer formation and spreading. Hence, targeting this integrin represents an opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, some autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this context, taking inspiration from the recognition motives of α4β1 integrin with its natural ligands FN and VCAM-1, we designed minimalist α/β hybrid peptide ligands, with our approach being associated with a retro strategy. These modifications are expected to improve the compounds' stability and bioavailability. As it turned out, some of the ligands were found to be antagonists, being able to inhibit the adhesion of integrin-expressing cells to plates coated with the natural ligands without inducing any conformational switch and any activation of intracellular signaling pathways. An original model structure of the receptor was generated using protein-protein docking to evaluate the bioactive conformations of the antagonists via molecular docking. Since the experimental structure of α4β1 integrin is still unknown, the simulations might also shed light on the interactions between the receptor and its native protein ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 40, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Ghidini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Carbone
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrea Maurizio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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Anselmi M, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Artali R, He T, Gentilucci L. Design and Pharmacological Characterization of α 4β 1 Integrin Cyclopeptide Agonists: Computational Investigation of Ligand Determinants for Agonism versus Antagonism. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5021-5040. [PMID: 36976921 PMCID: PMC10108353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
α4β1 integrin is a cell adhesion receptor deeply involved in the migration and accumulation of leukocytes. Therefore, integrin antagonists that inhibit leukocytes recruitment are currently regarded as a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorder, including leukocyte-related autoimmune diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that integrin agonists capable to prevent the release of adherent leukocytes might serve as therapeutic agents as well. However, very few α4β1 integrin agonists have been discovered so far, thus precluding the investigation of their potential therapeutic efficacy. In this perspective, we synthesized cyclopeptides containing the LDV recognition motif found in the native ligand fibronectin. This approach led to the discovery of potent agonists capable to increase the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells. Conformational and quantum mechanics computations predicted distinct ligand-receptor interactions for antagonists or agonists, plausibly referable to receptor inhibition or activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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Design of α/β-Hybrid Peptide Ligands of α4β1 Integrin Equipped with a Linkable Side Chain for Chemoselective Biofunctionalization of Microstructured Materials. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111737. [PMID: 34829965 PMCID: PMC8615975 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-binding integrins, e.g., αvβ3, αvβ1, αvβ5 integrins, are currently regarded as privileged targets for the delivery of diagnostic and theranostic agents, especially in cancer treatment. In contrast, scarce attention has been paid so far to the diagnostic opportunities promised by integrins that recognize other peptide motifs. In particular, α4β1 integrin is involved in inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune diseases, therefore, it represents an interesting therapeutic target. Aiming at obtaining simple, highly stable ligands of α4β1 integrin, we designed hybrid α/β peptidomimetics carrying linkable side chains for the expedient functionalization of biomaterials, nano- and microparticles. We identified the prototypic ligands MPUPA-(R)-isoAsp(NHPr)-Gly-OH (12) and MPUPA-Dap(Ac)-Gly-OH (13) (MPUPA, methylphenylureaphenylacetic acid; Dap, 2,3-diamino propionic acid). Modification of 12 and 13 by introduction of flexible linkers at isoAsp or Dap gave 49 and 50, respectively, which allowed for coating with monolayers (ML) of flat zeolite crystals. The resulting peptide–zeolite MLs were able to capture selectively α4β1 integrin-expressing cells. In perspective, the α4β1 integrin ligands identified in this study can find applications for preparing biofunctionalized surfaces and diagnostic devices to control the progression of α4β1 integrin-correlated diseases.
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Dong X, Zhang Y, Meng Z, Zhu X, Gan H, Gu R, Wu Z, Li J, Zheng Y, Yang B, Dou G. A LC-MS/MS method to monitor the concentration of HYD-PEP06, a RGD-modified Endostar mimetic peptide in rat blood. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1092:296-305. [PMID: 29935477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HYD-PEP06 is a novel RGD-modified Endostar mimetic peptide with 30 amino acids that is intended to suppress the formation of neoplasm vessels. This assay was developed and validated to monitor the level of the peptide HYD-PEP06 in rat blood, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). HYD-PEP10, another peptide similar to the analyte, was used as an internal standard (IS). A triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode and an electrospray interface (ESI) in the positive mode were used for MS analysis. The analysis was optimized with addition of 0.3% formic acid (FA) into the mobile phase as well as with a needle washing solution to overcome the carryover effect. In addition, the carryover was reduced by optimizing the mobile phase gradient. Methanol was used as a diluent of working solutions to avoid any adsorption. Methanol:acetonitrile (1:1, v:v) containing 0.3% FA was employed to precipitate the blood samples. Unknown blood samples must be placed in ice bath immediately, and precipitating agents should be added within 30 min to ensure the stability of blood samples. The assay was established and validated. This method showed a good linear relationship for the HYD-PEP06 in the range of 10 ng·mL-1 to 2000 ng·mL-1, with R > 0.99. HYD-PEP06 was determined with accuracy values (RE%) of -5.06%-8.54%, intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD%) of 3.13%-4.87% and 4.81%-9.42%. The method was successfully in monitoring the concentration of HYD-PEP06 in rat blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning 530000, China
| | - Zhiyun Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hui Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Ruolan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Zhuona Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, NanGang District, Harbin, China
| | - Guifang Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
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De Marco R, Mazzotti G, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Greco A, Gentilucci L. 5-aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione hybrid α/β-dipeptide scaffolds as inductors of constrained conformations: Applications to the synthesis of integrin antagonists. Biopolymers 2016. [PMID: 26211418 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomimetics represent an attractive starting point for drug discovery programs; in particular, peptidomimetics that result from the incorporation of a heterocycle may take advantage of increased enzymatic stability and higher ability to reproduce the bioactive conformations of the parent peptides, resulting in enhanced therapeutic potential. Herein, we present mimetics of the α4β1 integrin antagonist BIO1211 (MPUPA-Leu-Asp-Val-Pro-OH), containing a aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione scaffold (Amo). Interestingly, the retro-sequences PhCOAsp(OH)-Amo-APUMP including either (S)- or (R)-configured Amo displayed significant ability to inhibit the adhesion of α4β1 integrin expressing cells, and remarkable stability in mouse serum. Possibly, the conformational bias exerted by the Amo scaffold determined the affinity for the receptors. These peptidomimetics could be of interest for the development of small-molecule agents effective against inflammatory processes and correlated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mazzotti
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Samantha D Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Arianna Greco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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De Marco R, Tolomelli A, Juaristi E, Gentilucci L. Integrin Ligands with α/β-Hybrid Peptide Structure: Design, Bioactivity, and Conformational Aspects. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:389-424. [PMID: 26777675 DOI: 10.1002/med.21383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Integrins are cell surface receptors for proteins of the extracellular matrix and plasma-borne adhesive proteins. Their involvement in diverse pathologies prompted medicinal chemists to develop small-molecule antagonists, and very often such molecules are peptidomimetics designed on the basis of the short native ligand-integrin recognition motifs. This review deals with peptidomimetic integrin ligands composed of α- and β-amino acids. The roles exerted by the β-amino acid components are discussed in terms of biological activity, bioavailability, and selectivity. Special attention is paid to the synthetic accessibility and efficiency of conformationally constrained heterocyclic scaffolds incorporating α/β-amino acid span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eusebio Juaristi
- Department of Chemistry, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Avenida IPN 2508, esquina Ticoman, Mexico, D.F., 07360, Mexico
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician,", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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Determination of a deuterohemin–peptide conjugate in rat plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and application to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2014; 98:401-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Dattoli SD, De Marco R, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Greco A, Tolomelli A, Gentilucci L. Synthesis and assay of retro-α4β1 integrin-targeting motifs. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 73:225-32. [PMID: 24412498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, several research groups proposed new peptidomimetic antagonists of integrins αvβ3, α5β1, αIIbβ3, αvβ6, αvβ5, etc. based on retro sequences of the classic integrin-binding motif RGD. The retro strategy is still largely ignored for the non-RGD-binding α4β1 integrin. Herein we present the first examples of retro sequences for targeting this integrin, composed of Asp or isoAsp equipped with an aromatic cap at the N-terminus, (S)-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid (β(2)-Pro) as a constrained core, and the amino variant (AMPUMP) of the well-known α4-targeting diphenylurea MPUPA. We discuss α4β1 receptor affinity (SPA), cell adhesion assays, stability in mouse serum, and conformational analysis. For their significant ability to inhibit cell adhesion and remarkable stability, the retro-peptide mimetics BnCO-Asp-β-Pro-AMPUMP (3) and BnCO-isoAsp-β-Pro-AMPUMP (4) represent promising candidates for designing small molecules as potential anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Dattoli
- Dept. of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella De Marco
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Monica Baiula
- Dept. of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Dept. of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Arianna Greco
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Determination of an unstable pentapeptide, monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor, in dog blood by LC–MS/MS: Application to a pharmacokinetic study. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 83:305-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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10
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Current literature in mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY : JMS 2002; 37:443-453. [PMID: 11948851 DOI: 10.1002/jms.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
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