1
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Lee D, Choi J, Yang MJ, Park CJ, Seo J. Controlling the Chameleonic Behavior and Membrane Permeability of Cyclosporine Derivatives via Backbone and Side Chain Modifications. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13189-13204. [PMID: 37718494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Some macrocycles exhibit enhanced membrane permeability through conformational switching in different environmental polarities, a trait known as chameleonic behavior. In this study, we demonstrate specific backbone and side chain modifications that can control chameleonic behavior and passive membrane permeability using a cyclosporin O (CsO) scaffold. To quantify chameleonic behavior, we used a ratio of the population of the closed conformation obtained in polar solvent and nonpolar solvent for each CsO derivative. We found that β-hydroxylation at position 1 (1 and 3) can encode chameleonicity and improve permeability. However, the conformational stabilization induced by adding an additional transannular H-bond (2 and 5) leads to a much slower rate of membrane permeation. Our CsO scaffold provides a platform for the systematic study of the relationship among conformation, membrane permeability, solubility, and protein binding. This knowledge contributes to the discovery of potent beyond the rule of five (bRo5) macrocycles capable of targeting undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjae Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Min June Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chin-Ju Park
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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2
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Afosah DK, Fayyad RM, Puliafico VR, Merrell S, Langmia EK, Diagne SR, Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Homogeneous, Synthetic, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Potent Inhibitors of Human Cathepsin G. Biomolecules 2023; 13:760. [PMID: 37238630 PMCID: PMC10216581 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050760] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin G (CatG) is a pro-inflammatory neutrophil serine protease that is important for host defense, and has been implicated in several inflammatory disorders. Hence, inhibition of CatG holds much therapeutic potential; however, only a few inhibitors have been identified to date, and none have reached clinical trials. Of these, heparin is a well-known inhibitor of CatG, but its heterogeneity and bleeding risk reduce its clinical potential. We reasoned that synthetic small mimetics of heparin, labeled as non-saccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs), would exhibit potent CatG inhibition while being devoid of bleeding risks associated with heparin. Hence, we screened a focused library of 30 NSGMs for CatG inhibition using a chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay and identified nano- to micro-molar inhibitors with varying levels of efficacy. Of these, a structurally-defined, octasulfated di-quercetin NSGM 25 inhibited CatG with a potency of ~50 nM. NSGM 25 binds to CatG in an allosteric site through an approximately equal contribution of ionic and nonionic forces. Octasulfated 25 exhibits no impact on human plasma clotting, suggesting minimal bleeding risk. Considering that octasulfated 25 also potently inhibits two other pro-inflammatory proteases, human neutrophil elastase and human plasmin, the current results imply the possibility of a multi-pronged anti-inflammatory approach in which these proteases are likely to simultaneously likely combat important conditions, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis, with minimal bleeding risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Rawan M. Fayyad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Valerie R. Puliafico
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Spencer Merrell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Eltice K. Langmia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Sophie R. Diagne
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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3
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Tyler TJ, Durek T, Craik DJ. Native and Engineered Cyclic Disulfide-Rich Peptides as Drug Leads. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073189. [PMID: 37049950 PMCID: PMC10096437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are a highly abundant and diverse group of molecules that exhibit a wide range of structural and functional variation. Despite their immense therapeutic potential, bioactive peptides have been traditionally perceived as poor drug candidates, largely due to intrinsic shortcomings that reflect their endogenous heritage, i.e., short biological half-lives and poor cell permeability. In this review, we examine the utility of molecular engineering to insert bioactive sequences into constrained scaffolds with desired pharmaceutical properties. Applying lessons learnt from nature, we focus on molecular grafting of cyclic disulfide-rich scaffolds (naturally derived or engineered), shown to be intrinsically stable and amenable to sequence modifications, and their utility as privileged frameworks in drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J. Tyler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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4
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Camostat Does Not Inhibit the Proteolytic Activity of Neutrophil Serine Proteases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050500. [PMID: 35631327 PMCID: PMC9144258 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to multi-organ failure influenced by comorbidities and age. Binding of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein (SARS-CoV-2 S protein) to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), along with proteolytic digestion of the S protein by furin and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), provokes internalization of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell. Productive infection occurs through viral replication in the cytosol and cell-to-cell transmission. The catalytic activity of TMPRSS2 can be blocked by the trypsin-like serine protease inhibitor camostat, which impairs infection by SARS-CoV-2. At the site of infection, immune cells, such as neutrophils, infiltrate and become activated, releasing neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs), including cathepsin G (CatG), neutrophil elastase (NE), and proteinase 3 (PR3), which promote the mounting of a robust immune response. However, NSPs might be involved in infection and the severe outcome of COVID-19 since the uncontrolled proteolytic activity is responsible for many complications, including autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and thrombosis. Here, we demonstrate that camostat does not inhibit the catalytic activity of CatG, NE, and PR3, indicating the need for additional selective serine protease inhibitors to reduce the risk of developing severe COVID-19.
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5
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Dürvanger Z, Boros E, Nagy ZA, Hegedüs R, Megyeri M, Dobó J, Gál P, Schlosser G, Ángyán AF, Gáspári Z, Perczel A, Harmat V, Mező G, Menyhárd DK, Pál G. Directed Evolution-Driven Increase of Structural Plasticity Is a Prerequisite for Binding the Complement Lectin Pathway Blocking MASP-Inhibitor Peptides. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:969-986. [PMID: 35378038 PMCID: PMC9016712 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
MASP-1 and MASP-2
are key activator proteases of the complement
lectin pathway. The first specific mannose-binding lectin-associated
serine protease (MASP) inhibitors had been developed from the 14-amino-acid
sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI) peptide by phage display, yielding
SFTI-based MASP inhibitors, SFMIs. Here, we present the crystal structure
of the MASP-1/SFMI1 complex that we analyzed in comparison to other
existing MASP-1/2 structures. Rigidified backbone structure has long
been accepted as a structural prerequisite for peptide inhibitors
of proteases. We found that a hydrophobic cluster organized around
the P2 Thr residue is essential for the structural stability of wild-type
SFTI. We also found that the same P2 Thr prevents binding of the rigid
SFTI-like peptides to the substrate-binding cleft of both MASPs as
the cleft is partially blocked by large gatekeeper enzyme loops. Directed
evolution removed this obstacle by replacing the P2 Thr with a Ser,
providing the SFMIs with high-degree structural plasticity, which
proved to be essential for MASP inhibition. To gain more insight into
the structural criteria for SFMI-based MASP-2 inhibition, we systematically
modified MASP-2-specific SFMI2 by capping its two termini and by replacing
its disulfide bridge with varying length thioether linkers. By doing
so, we also aimed to generate a versatile scaffold that is resistant
to reducing environment and has increased stability in exopeptidase-containing
biological environments. We found that the reduction-resistant disulfide-substituted l-2,3-diaminopropionic acid (Dap) variant possessed near-native
potency. As MASP-2 is involved in the life-threatening thrombosis
in COVID-19 patients, our synthetic, selective MASP-2 inhibitors could
be relevant coronavirus drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Dürvanger
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Boros
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Attila Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rózsa Hegedüs
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Márton Megyeri
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Dobó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Gál
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, MTA-ELTE Lendület Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Annamária F. Ángyán
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50/A, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Gáspári
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Práter u. 50/A, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Eötvös
Loránd Research Network, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Harmat
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Eötvös
Loránd Research Network, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mező
- MTA-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Dóra K. Menyhárd
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Protein Modelling Research Group, Eötvös
Loránd Research Network, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Pál
- Department of Biochemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Handley TNG, Jackson MA, Craik DJ. Scalable and Efficient In Planta Biosynthesis of Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor-1 (SFTI) Peptide Therapeutics. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2371:117-142. [PMID: 34596846 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1689-5_7] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) is a 14 amino acid cyclic peptide which has been effectively employed as a scaffold for engineering a range of peptide therapeutic candidates. Typically, synthesis of SFTI-1-based therapeutics is performed via solid-phase peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation, with significant financial and environmental costs associated. In planta synthesis of SFTI-1 based therapeutics serves as a greener approach for environmentally sustainable production. Here, we detail the methods for the transient expression, production, and purification of SFTI-1-based therapeutic peptides in Nicotiana benthamiana using a scalable and high-throughput approach. We demonstrate that a prerequisite for this is the co-expression of specialized asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) that perform the backbone cyclization of SFTI-1. In our founding study, we were able to achieve in planta yields of a plasmin inhibitor SFTI-1 peptide at yields of ~60 μg/g of dried plant material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N G Handley
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark A Jackson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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7
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Burster T, Mustafa Z, Myrzakhmetova D, Zhanapiya A, Zimecki M. Hindrance of the Proteolytic Activity of Neutrophil-Derived Serine Proteases by Serine Protease Inhibitors as a Management of Cardiovascular Diseases and Chronic Inflammation. Front Chem 2021; 9:784003. [PMID: 34869231 PMCID: PMC8634265 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.784003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During inflammation neutrophils become activated and segregate neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) to the surrounding environment in order to support a natural immune defense. However, an excess of proteolytic activity of NSPs can cause many complications, such as cardiovascular diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, which will be elucidated on a biochemical and immunological level. The application of selective serine protease inhibitors is the logical consequence in the management of the indicated comorbidities and will be summarized in this briefing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Burster
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhadyra Mustafa
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Myrzakhmetova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Anuar Zhanapiya
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Michal Zimecki
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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8
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Fazleen A, Wilkinson T. The emerging role of proteases in α 1-antitrypsin deficiency and beyond. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00494-2021. [PMID: 34820446 PMCID: PMC8607071 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00494-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
α1-Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) has been historically under-recognised and under-diagnosed; recently it has begun to receive greater interest in terms of attempts at deeper elucidation of pathology and treatment options. However, the concept of disease phenotypes within AATD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis or a combination of phenotypes) has not been proposed or studied. Of the three neutrophil serine proteases, neutrophil elastase was historically believed to be the sole contributor to disease pathology in AATD. Recently, Proteinase-3 has been increasingly studied as an equal, if not greater, contributor to the disease process. Cathepsin G, however, has not been extensively evaluated in this area. Matrix metalloproteinases have also been mentioned in the pathogenesis of AATD but have not been widely explored. This article considers the available evidence for differential protease activity in patients with AATD, including the contribution to distinct phenotypes of the disease. Owing to limited literature in this area, extrapolations from studies of other chronic lung diseases with similar phenotypes, including COPD and bronchiectasis, have been made. We consider a new framework of understanding defined by protease-driven endotypes of disease which may lead to new opportunities for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishath Fazleen
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tom Wilkinson
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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9
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Babii O, Afonin S, Diel C, Huhn M, Dommermuth J, Schober T, Koniev S, Hrebonkin A, Nesterov‐Mueller A, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Diarylethene-Based Photoswitchable Inhibitors of Serine Proteases. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:21789-21794. [PMID: 34268844 PMCID: PMC8519022 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202108847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A bicyclic peptide scaffold was chemically adapted to generate diarylethene-based photoswitchable inhibitors of serine protease Bos taurus trypsin 1 (T1). Starting from a prototype molecule-sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1)-we obtained light-controllable inhibitors of T1 with Ki in the low nanomolar range, whose activity could be modulated over 20-fold by irradiation. The inhibitory potency as well as resistance to proteolytic degradation were systematically studied on a series of 17 SFTI-1 analogues. The hydrogen bond network that stabilizes the structure of inhibitors and possibly the enzyme-inhibitor binding dynamics were affected by isomerization of the photoswitch. The feasibility of manipulating enzyme activity in time and space was demonstrated by controlled digestion of gelatin-based hydrogel and an antimicrobial peptide BP100-RW. Finally, our design principles of diarylethene photoswitches are shown to apply also for the development of other serine protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Babii
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)KITHermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 176344Eggenstein-LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
| | - Christian Diel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Marcel Huhn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Jennifer Dommermuth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Tim Schober
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
- Lumobiotics GmbHAuer Straße 276227KarlsruheGermany
| | - Serhii Koniev
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyivvul. Volodymyrska 601601KyivUkraine
| | - Andrii Hrebonkin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
| | - Alexander Nesterov‐Mueller
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)KITHermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 176344Eggenstein-LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Igor V. Komarov
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyivvul. Volodymyrska 601601KyivUkraine
- Lumobiotics GmbHAuer Straße 276227KarlsruheGermany
| | - Anne S. Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2)Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)POB 364076021KarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC)KITFritz-Haber-Weg 676131KarlsruheGermany
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10
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Babii O, Afonin S, Diel C, Huhn M, Dommermuth J, Schober T, Koniev S, Hrebonkin A, Nesterov‐Mueller A, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Diarylethen‐basierte lichtschaltbare Inhibitoren von Serinproteasen. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202108847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Babii
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) KIT Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Deutschland
| | - Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Christian Diel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Marcel Huhn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Jennifer Dommermuth
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Tim Schober
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
- Lumobiotics GmbH Auer Straße 2 76227 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Serhii Koniev
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv vul. Volodymyrska 60 1601 Kyiv Ukraine
| | - Andrii Hrebonkin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Alexander Nesterov‐Mueller
- Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) KIT Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen Deutschland
| | - Igor V. Komarov
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv vul. Volodymyrska 60 1601 Kyiv Ukraine
- Lumobiotics GmbH Auer Straße 2 76227 Karlsruhe Deutschland
| | - Anne S. Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) POB 3640 76021 Karlsruhe Deutschland
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC) KIT Fritz-Haber-Weg 6 76131 Karlsruhe Deutschland
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11
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Hansen L, Brasch HD, Paterson E, Patel J, Bockett N, Davis PF, Tan ST. Expression of Cathepsins B, D, and G in Extracranial Arterio-Venous Malformation. Front Surg 2021; 8:676871. [PMID: 34409065 PMCID: PMC8367294 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2021.676871] [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: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: We have previously identified a population of cells that expressed stemness-associated markers in extracranial arterio-venous malformation (AVM) and demonstrated expression of cathepsins B, D, and G on embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like populations in other vascular anomalies. This study investigated the expression of cathepsins B, D, and G, and their localization in relation to this primitive population in extracranial AVM. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on AVM tissue samples from 13 patients to demonstrate expression of cathepsins B, D, and G. Western blotting was performed on four AVM tissue samples and three AVM-derived primary cell lines to confirm protein expression of cathepsins B and D proteins. RT-qPCR was performed on three AVM-derived primary cell lines to demonstrate transcript expression of cathepsins B, D, and G. Enzymatic activity assays were performed on three AVM-derived primary cell lines to investigate if cathepsins B and D were active. Localization of the cathepsins was investigated using immunofluorescence dual-staining of the cathepsins with the ESC markers OCT4 and SOX2, and mast cells marker chymase on two of the 13 AVM tissue samples. Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of cathepsins B, D, and G in all 13 AVM tissue samples. Western blotting showed expression of cathepsins B and D proteins in all four AVM tissue samples and all three AVM-derived primary cell lines. RT-qPCR demonstrated transcripts of cathepsins B, D, and G in all three AVM-derived primary cell lines. Enzymatic activity assays showed that cathepsins B and D were active. Immunofluorescence staining showed expression of cathepsins B and D on the OCT4+/SOX2+ endothelium and media of the lesional vessels and cells within the stroma in AVM nidus. Cathepsin G was expressed on the chymase+ phenotypic mast cells. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the novel finding of the expression of cathepsins B, D, and G in AVM. Cathepsins B and D were expressed by the primitive population, and cathepsin G was localized to mast cells, within the AVM nidus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hansen
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Erin Paterson
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Josie Patel
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Centre for the Study and Treatment of Vascular Birthmarks, Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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12
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Wang C, Shao C, Fang Y, Wang J, Dong N, Shan A. Binding loop of sunflower trypsin inhibitor 1 serves as a design motif for proteolysis-resistant antimicrobial peptides. Acta Biomater 2021; 124:254-269. [PMID: 33508505 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become powerful drug candidates in the post-antibiotic era, but their low protease stability hinders their clinical application. In the present study, the natural sunflower trypsin inhibitor 1 (SFTI-1) binding loop (CTKSIPPIC) was used to design and synthesize a specific anti-proteolytic sequence template ((RX)n W (RX)n CTKSIPPIC (n = 2, 3; X represents A, I, L, V, F, and W)). After several antibacterial, bactericidal, and toxicity tests, RV3 stood out from the variants and had the highest average selectivity index (SI all = 156.03). It is highly stable in serum, varying pH, temperature, and salt ions as well as under high trypsin, pepsin, or papain concentrations. In a mouse skin inflammation model, established by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, RV3 could effectively kill the pathogen, promote wound healing, inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibit mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β inflammatory factors. The antibacterial mechanisms of RV3 include combining with lipopolysaccharides and increasing cell membrane permeability, leading to cell membrane rupture and death. These findings indicate that RV3 has great potential for the treatment of bacterial infections.
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13
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Mariaule V, Kriaa A, Soussou S, Rhimi S, Boudaya H, Hernandez J, Maguin E, Lesner A, Rhimi M. Digestive Inflammation: Role of Proteolytic Dysregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062817. [PMID: 33802197 PMCID: PMC7999743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the proteolytic balance is often associated with diseases. Serine proteases and matrix metalloproteases are involved in a multitude of biological processes and notably in the inflammatory response. Within the framework of digestive inflammation, several studies have stressed the role of serine proteases and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) as key actors in its pathogenesis and pointed to the unbalance between these proteases and their respective inhibitors. Substantial efforts have been made in developing new inhibitors, some of which have reached clinical trial phases, notwithstanding that unwanted side effects remain a major issue. However, studies on the proteolytic imbalance and inhibitors conception are directed toward host serine/MMPs proteases revealing a hitherto overlooked factor, the potential contribution of their bacterial counterpart. In this review, we highlight the role of proteolytic imbalance in human digestive inflammation focusing on serine proteases and MMPs and their respective inhibitors considering both host and bacterial origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mariaule
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Aicha Kriaa
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Souha Soussou
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Soufien Rhimi
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Houda Boudaya
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Juan Hernandez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine and Food Sciences (Oniris), University of Nantes, 101 Route de Gachet, 44300 Nantes, France;
| | - Emmanuelle Maguin
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Adam Lesner
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, PL80-308 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Moez Rhimi
- Microbiota Interaction with Human and Animal Team (MIHA), Micalis Institute, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (V.M.); (A.K.); (S.S.); (S.R.); (H.B.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Burster T, Gärtner F, Knippschild U, Zhanapiya A. Activity-Based Probes to Utilize the Proteolytic Activity of Cathepsin G in Biological Samples. Front Chem 2021; 9:628295. [PMID: 33732686 PMCID: PMC7959752 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.628295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils, migrating to the site of infection, are able to release serine proteases after being activated. These serine proteases comprise cathepsin G (CatG), neutrophil elastase protease 3 (PR3), and neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4). A disadvantage of the uncontrolled proteolytic activity of proteases is the outcome of various human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, thrombosis, and autoimmune diseases. Activity-based probes (ABPs) are used to determine the proteolytic activity of proteases, containing a set of three essential elements: Warhead, recognition sequence, and the reporter tag for detection of the covalent enzyme activity–based probe complex. Here, we summarize the latest findings of ABP-mediated detection of proteases in both locations intracellularly and on the cell surface of cells, thereby focusing on CatG. Particularly, application of ABPs in regular flow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry, and mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) approaches is advantageous when distinguishing between immune cell subsets. ABPs can be included in a vast panel of markers to detect proteolytic activity and determine whether proteases are properly regulated during medication. The use of ABPs as a detection tool opens the possibility to interfere with uncontrolled proteolytic activity of proteases by employing protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Burster
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Fabian Gärtner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anuar Zhanapiya
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
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15
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Zhang J, Yuan J, Li Z, Fu C, Xu M, Yang J, Jiang X, Zhou B, Ye X, Xu C. Exploring and exploiting plant cyclic peptides for drug discovery and development. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:3096-3117. [PMID: 33599316 DOI: 10.1002/med.21792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the discovery of insulin, natural peptides have become an important resource for therapeutic development. Decades of research has led to the discovery of a long list of peptide drugs with broad applications in clinics, from antibiotics to hypertension treatment to pain management. Many of these US FDA-approved peptide drugs are derived from microorganisms and animals. By contrast, the great potential of plant cyclic peptides as therapeutics remains largely unexplored. These macrocyclic peptides typically have rigid structures, good bioavailability and membrane permeability, making them appealing candidates for drug development and engineering. In this review, we introduce the three major classes of plant cyclic peptides and summarize their potential medical applications. We discuss how we can leverage the genome information of many different plants to quickly search for new cyclic peptides and how we can take advantage of the insights gained from their biosynthetic pathways to transform the process of production and drug development. These recent developments have provided a new angle for exploring and exploiting plant cyclic peptides, and we believe that many more peptide drugs derived from plants are about to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jimin Yuan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunjin Fu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Menglong Xu
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Boping Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiufeng Ye
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengchao Xu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Mehrotra S, van Schaijik B, Boyes K, Bockett N, Brasch HD, Davis PF, Itinteang T, Tan ST. Expression of Cathepsins B, D, and G in Microcystic Lymphatic Malformation. Lymphat Res Biol 2020; 19:347-354. [PMID: 33337924 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2020.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the expression and localization of cathepsins B, D, and G in relationship to the embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like population we have previously identified in microcystic lymphatic malformation (mLM). Methods and Results: Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated expression of cathepsins B, D, and G in cervicofacial mLM tissue samples from 11 patients. Immunofluorescence staining of two representative mLM samples showed localization of cathepsins B and D to the OCT4+ and the c-MYC+ cells on the endothelium of lesional vessels and the stroma, while cathepsin G was localized to the OCT4+/tryptase+ cells within the stroma. Transcript expression of cathepsins B, D, and G was confirmed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR; n = 5). Western blotting (n = 3) performed on the mLM tissue samples revealed protein expression of cathepsins B and D, which were demonstrated to be enzymatically active using enzymatic activity assays. Conclusion: This study demonstrated expression of cathepsins B and D by the ESC-like cells on the endothelium of lesional vessels and the stroma, while cathepsin G was localized to the OCT4+ phenotypic mast cells within the stroma of mLM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kendra Boyes
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Helen D Brasch
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Davis
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Swee T Tan
- Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Regional Plastic, Maxillofacial and Burns Unit, Hutt Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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17
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de Veer SJ, White AM, Craik DJ. Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1): Sowing Seeds in the Fields of Chemistry and Biology. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 60:8050-8071. [PMID: 32621554 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202006919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nature-derived cyclic peptides have proven to be a vast source of inspiration for advancing modern pharmaceutical design and synthetic chemistry. The focus of this Review is sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1), one of the smallest disulfide-bridged cyclic peptides found in nature. SFTI-1 has an unusual biosynthetic pathway that begins with a dual-purpose albumin precursor and ends with the production of a high-affinity serine protease inhibitor that rivals other inhibitors much larger in size. Investigations on the molecular basis for SFTI-1's rigid structure and adaptable function have planted seeds for thought that have now blossomed in several different fields. Here we survey these applications to highlight the growing potential of SFTI-1 as a versatile template for engineering inhibitors, a prototypic peptide for studying inhibitory mechanisms, a stable scaffold for grafting bioactive peptides, and a model peptide for evaluating peptidomimetic motifs and platform technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew M White
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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18
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Veer SJ, White AM, Craik DJ. Der Sonnenblumen‐Trypsin‐Inhibitor 1 (SFTI‐1) in der Chemie und Biologie. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202006919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australien
| | - Andrew M. White
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australien
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4072 Australien
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19
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Gitlin-Domagalska A, Maciejewska A, Dębowski D. Bowman-Birk Inhibitors: Insights into Family of Multifunctional Proteins and Peptides with Potential Therapeutical Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120421. [PMID: 33255583 PMCID: PMC7760496 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bowman-Birk inhibitors (BBIs) are found primarily in seeds of legumes and in cereal grains. These canonical inhibitors share a highly conserved nine-amino acids binding loop motif CTP1SXPPXC (where P1 is the inhibitory active site, while X stands for various amino acids). They are natural controllers of plants' endogenous proteases, but they are also inhibitors of exogenous proteases present in microbials and insects. They are considered as plants' protective agents, as their elevated levels are observed during injury, presence of pathogens, or abiotic stress, i.a. Similar properties are observed for peptides isolated from amphibians' skin containing 11-amino acids disulfide-bridged loop CWTP1SXPPXPC. They are classified as Bowman-Birk like trypsin inhibitors (BBLTIs). These inhibitors are resistant to proteolysis and not toxic, and they are reported to be beneficial in the treatment of various pathological states. In this review, we summarize up-to-date research results regarding BBIs' and BBLTIs' inhibitory activity, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial and insecticidal strength, as well as chemopreventive properties.
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20
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De Pasquale V, Moles A, Pavone LM. Cathepsins in the Pathophysiology of Mucopolysaccharidoses: New Perspectives for Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040979. [PMID: 32326609 PMCID: PMC7227001 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsins (CTSs) are ubiquitously expressed proteases normally found in the endolysosomal compartment where they mediate protein degradation and turnover. However, CTSs are also found in the cytoplasm, nucleus, and extracellular matrix where they actively participate in cell signaling, protein processing, and trafficking through the plasma and nuclear membranes and between intracellular organelles. Dysregulation in CTS expression and/or activity disrupts cellular homeostasis, thus contributing to many human diseases, including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, obesity, cancer, kidney dysfunction, and others. This review aimed to highlight the involvement of CTSs in inherited lysosomal storage disorders, with a primary focus to the emerging evidence on the role of CTSs in the pathophysiology of Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs). These latter diseases are characterized by severe neurological, skeletal and cardiovascular phenotypes, and no effective cure exists to date. The advance in the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of CTSs in MPSs may open a new challenge for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the cure of such intractable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De Pasquale
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Anna Moles
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona, Spanish Research Council, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Luigi Michele Pavone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7463043
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21
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High-Resolution Confocal Fluorescence Imaging of Serine Hydrolase Activity in Cryosections - Application to Glioma Brain Unveils Activity Hotspots Originating from Tumor-Associated Neutrophils. Biol Proced Online 2020; 22:6. [PMID: 32190011 PMCID: PMC7073015 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-020-00118-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serine hydrolases (SHs) are a functionally diverse family of enzymes playing pivotal roles in health and disease and have emerged as important therapeutic targets in many clinical conditions. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) using fluorophosphonate (FP) probes has been a powerful chemoproteomic approach in studies unveiling roles of SHs in various biological systems. ABPP utilizes cell/tissue proteomes and features the FP-warhead, linked to a fluorescent reporter for in-gel fluorescence imaging or a biotin tag for streptavidin enrichment and LC-MS/MS-based target identification. Existing ABPP approaches characterize global SH activity based on mobility in gel or MS-based target identification and cannot reveal the identity of the cell-type responsible for an individual SH activity originating from complex proteomes. Results Here, by using an activity probe with broad reactivity towards the SH family, we advance the ABPP methodology to glioma brain cryosections, enabling for the first time high-resolution confocal fluorescence imaging of global SH activity in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated cell types were identified by extensive immunohistochemistry on activity probe-labeled sections. Tissue-ABPP indicated heightened SH activity in glioma vs. normal brain and unveiled activity hotspots originating from tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), rather than tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Thorough optimization and validation was provided by parallel gel-based ABPP combined with LC-MS/MS-based target verification. Conclusions Our study advances the ABPP methodology to tissue sections, enabling high-resolution confocal fluorescence imaging of global SH activity in anatomically preserved complex native cellular environment. To achieve global portrait of SH activity throughout the section, a probe with broad reactivity towards the SH family members was employed. As ABPP requires no a priori knowledge of the identity of the target, we envisage no imaginable reason why the presently described approach would not work for sections regardless of species and tissue source.
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Truncation of Huia versabilis Bowman-Birk inhibitor increases its selectivity, matriptase-1 inhibitory activity and proteolytic stability. Biochimie 2020; 171-172:178-186. [PMID: 32169666 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A gradual truncation of the primary structure of frog skin-derived Huia versabilis Bowman-Birk peptidic inhibitor (HV-BBI) resulted in 18-times stronger inhibitor of matriptase-1 (peptide 6, Ki = 8 nm) in comparison to the full-length HV-BBI (Ki = 155 nm). Analogous increase in the inhibitory activity in correlation with the peptide length reduction was not observed in case of other serine proteases, bovine trypsin (Ki = 151 nm for peptide 6 and Ki = 120 nm for HV-BBI) and plasmin (Ki = 120 nm for peptide 6 and 82 nm for HV-BBI). Weaker binding affinity to these enzymes emphasized an inhibitory specificity of peptide 6. Molecular dynamic analysis revealed that the observed variations in the binding affinity of peptide 6 and HV-BBI with matriptase-1 are associated with the entropic differences of the unbound peptides. Moreover, several aspects explaining differences in the inhibition of matriptase-1 by peptide 6 (bearing the C-terminal amide group) and its two analogues, peptide 6∗ (having the C-terminal carboxyl group, Ki = 473 nm) and cyclic peptide 6∗∗ (Ki = 533 nm), both exhibiting more than 50-fold reduced inhibitory potency, were discovered. It was also shown that peptide 6 presented significantly higher resistance to proteolytic degradation in human serum than HV-BBI. Additional investigations revealed that, in contrast to some amphibian-derived inhibitors, HV-BBI and its truncated analogues do not possess bactericidal activity, thus they cannot be considered as bifunctional agents.
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23
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Li CY, Yap K, Swedberg JE, Craik DJ, de Veer SJ. Binding Loop Substitutions in the Cyclic Peptide SFTI-1 Generate Potent and Selective Chymase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:816-826. [PMID: 31855419 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chymase is a serine protease that is predominantly expressed by mast cells and has key roles in immune defense and the cardiovascular system. This enzyme has also emerged as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease due to its ability to remodel cardiac tissue and generate angiotensin II. Here, we used the nature-derived cyclic peptide sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) as a template for designing novel chymase inhibitors. The key binding contacts of SFTI-1 were optimized by combining a peptide substrate library screen with structure-based design, which yielded several variants with potent activity. The lead variant was further modified by replacing the P1 Tyr residue with para-substituted Phe derivatives, generating new inhibitors with improved potency (Ki = 1.8 nM) and higher selectivity over closely related enzymes. Several variants were shown to block angiotensin I cleavage in vitro, highlighting their potential for further development and future evaluation as pharmaceutical leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choi Yi Li
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Kuok Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Joakim E Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
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Steinmetzer T, Pilgram O, Wenzel BM, Wiedemeyer SJA. Fibrinolysis Inhibitors: Potential Drugs for the Treatment and Prevention of Bleeding. J Med Chem 2019; 63:1445-1472. [PMID: 31658420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperfibrinolytic situations can lead to life-threatening bleeding, especially during cardiac surgery. The approved antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid, ε-aminocaproic acid, 4-aminomethylbenzoic acid, and aprotinin were developed in the 1960s without the structural insight of their respective targets. Crystal structures of the main antifibrinolytic targets, the lysine binding sites on plasminogen's kringle domains, and plasmin's serine protease domain greatly contributed to the structure-based drug design of novel inhibitor classes. Two series of ligands targeting the lysine binding sites have been recently described, which are more potent than the most-widely used antifibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid. Furthermore, four types of promising active site inhibitors of plasmin have been developed: tranexamic acid conjugates targeting the S1 pocket and primed sites, substrate-analogue linear homopiperidylalanine-containing 4-amidinobenzylamide derivatives, macrocyclic inhibitors addressing nonprimed binding regions, and bicyclic 14-mer SFTI-1 analogues blocking both, primed and nonprimed binding sites of plasmin. Furthermore, several allosteric plasmin inhibitors based on heparin mimetics have been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Steinmetzer
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Benjamin M Wenzel
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Simon J A Wiedemeyer
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
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25
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Hellinger R, Gruber CW. Peptide-based protease inhibitors from plants. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1877-1889. [PMID: 31170506 PMCID: PMC6753016 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteases have an important role in homeostasis, and dysregulation of protease function can lead to pathogenesis. Therefore, proteases are promising drug targets in cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative disease research. Although there are well-established pharmaceuticals on the market, drug development for proteases is challenging. This is often caused by the limited selectivity of currently available lead compounds. Proteinaceous plant protease inhibitors are a diverse family of (poly)peptides that are important to maintain physiological homeostasis and to serve the innate defense machinery of the plant. In this review, we provide an overview of the diversity of plant peptide- and protein-based protease inhibitors (PIs), provide examples of such compounds that target human proteases, and discuss opportunities for these molecules in protease drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Hellinger
- Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstr. 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Franke B, Mylne JS, Rosengren KJ. Buried treasure: biosynthesis, structures and applications of cyclic peptides hidden in seed storage albumins. Nat Prod Rep 2019; 35:137-146. [PMID: 29379937 DOI: 10.1039/c7np00066a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1999 up to the end of 2017The small cyclic peptide SunFlower Trypsin Inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) from sunflower seeds is the prototypic member of a novel family of natural products. The biosynthesis of these peptides is intriguing as their gene-encoded peptide backbone emerges from a precursor protein that also contains a seed storage albumin. The peptide sequence is cleaved out from the precursor and cyclised by the albumin-maturing enzymatic machinery. Three-dimensional solution NMR structures of a number of these peptides, and of the intact precursor protein preproalbumin with SFTI-1, have now been elucidated. Furthermore, the evolution of the family has been described and a detailed understanding of the biosynthetic steps, which are necessary to produce cyclic SFTI-1, is emerging. Macrocyclisation provides peptide stability and thus represents a key strategy in peptide drug development. Consequently the constrained structure of SFTI-1 has been explored as a template for protein engineering, for tuning selectivity towards clinically relevant proteases and for grafting in sequences with completely novel functions. Here we review the discovery of the SFTI-1 peptide family, their evolution, biosynthetic origin, and structural features, as well as highlight the potential applications of this unique class of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Franke
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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27
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Tian S, Swedberg JE, Li CY, Craik DJ, de Veer SJ. Iterative Optimization of the Cyclic Peptide SFTI-1 Yields Potent Inhibitors of Neutrophil Proteinase 3. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:1234-1239. [PMID: 31413811 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils produce at least four serine proteases that are packaged within azurophilic granules. These enzymes contribute to antimicrobial defense and inflammation but can be destructive if their activities are not properly regulated. Accordingly, they represent therapeutic targets for several diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, we focused on proteinase 3 (PR3), a neutrophil protease with elastase-like specificity, and engineered potent PR3 inhibitors based on the cyclic peptide sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1). We used an iterative optimization approach to screen targeted substitutions at the P1, P2, P2', and P4 positions of SFTI-1, and generated several new inhibitors with K i values in the low nanomolar range. These SFTI-variants show high stability in human serum and are attractive leads for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixin Tian
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Joakim E. Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Choi Yi Li
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Simon J. de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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28
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Jackson MA, Yap K, Poth AG, Gilding EK, Swedberg JE, Poon S, Qu H, Durek T, Harris K, Anderson MA, Craik DJ. Rapid and Scalable Plant-Based Production of a Potent Plasmin Inhibitor Peptide. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:602. [PMID: 31156672 PMCID: PMC6530601 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The backbone cyclic and disulfide bridged sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) peptide is a proven effective scaffold for a range of peptide therapeutics. For production at laboratory scale, solid phase peptide synthesis techniques are widely used, but these synthetic approaches are costly and environmentally taxing at large scale. Here, we developed a plant-based approach for the recombinant production of SFTI-1-based peptide drugs. We show that transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana allows for rapid peptide production, provided that asparaginyl endopeptidase enzymes with peptide-ligase functionality are co-expressed with the substrate peptide gene. Without co-expression, no target cyclic peptides are detected, reflecting rapid in planta degradation of non-cyclized substrate. We test this recombinant production system by expressing a SFTI-1-based therapeutic candidate that displays potent and selective inhibition of human plasmin. By using an innovative multi-unit peptide expression cassette, we show that in planta yields reach ~60 μg/g dry weight at 6 days post leaf infiltration. Using nuclear magnetic resonance structural analysis and functional in vitro assays, we demonstrate the equivalence of plant and synthetically derived plasmin inhibitor peptide. The methods and insights gained in this study provide opportunities for the large scale, cost effective production of SFTI-1-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Jackson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kuok Yap
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Aaron G. Poth
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Edward K. Gilding
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joakim E. Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon Poon
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Haiou Qu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marilyn A. Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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29
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Wei W, Ma J, Xie D, Zhou Y. Linking inhibitor motions to proteolytic stability of sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1. RSC Adv 2019; 9:13776-13786. [PMID: 35519558 PMCID: PMC9063939 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02114k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkable capability of an enzyme isn't only determined by its active site but also controlled by the environment. To unravel the environment role in catalysis, the dynamic motions as well as the static mechanism need to be studied. In this work, QM/MM MD simulations were employed to study the proteolysis process of SFTI-1 and BiKF, which revealed that a combination of static non-bonded interactions and dynamic motions along the reaction coordinate can account for the different hydrolysis rates between them. A comparison among SFTI-1 and three analogs with similar non-bonded interactions further revealed a positive correlation between the mobility of inhibitors and the hydrolysis rates. Apart from the cyclic backbone and disulfide bond, intramolecular hydrogen bonds also increase the rigidity of the backbone of inhibitors, and therefore hinder inhibitor motions to resist proteolysis. These new detailed mechanistic insights suggest the need to consider inhibitor motions in the rational design of peptide inhibitors. Besides the non-bonded interactions, inhibitor motions especially rotation of the scissile bond also influence proteolytic stability.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqing Wei
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Jing Ma
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Daiqian Xie
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Yanzi Zhou
- Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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30
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Li CY, de Veer SJ, White AM, Chen X, Harris JM, Swedberg JE, Craik DJ. Amino Acid Scanning at P5' within the Bowman-Birk Inhibitory Loop Reveals Specificity Trends for Diverse Serine Proteases. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3696-3706. [PMID: 30888159 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) is a 14-amino acid cyclic peptide that shares an inhibitory loop with a sequence and structure similar to a larger family of serine protease inhibitors, the Bowman-Birk inhibitors. Here, we focus on the P5' residue in the Bowman-Birk inhibitory loop and produce a library of SFTI variants to characterize the P5' specificity of 11 different proteases. We identify seven amino acids that are generally preferred by these enzymes and also correlate with P5' sequence diversity in naturally occurring Bowman-Birk inhibitors. Additionally, we show that several enzymes have divergent specificities that can be harnessed in engineering studies. By optimizing the P5' residue, we improve the potency or selectivity of existing inhibitors for kallikrein-related peptidase 5 and show that a variant with substitutions at 7 of the scaffold's 14 residues retains a similar structure to SFTI-1. These findings provide new insights into P5' specificity requirements for the Bowman-Birk inhibitory loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choi Yi Li
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Andrew M White
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Xingchen Chen
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane QLD 4059 , Australia
| | - Jonathan M Harris
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Brisbane QLD 4059 , Australia
| | - Joakim E Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane QLD 4072 , Australia
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31
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Structural studies of plasmin inhibition. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:541-557. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20180211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Plasminogen (Plg) is the zymogen form of the serine protease plasmin (Plm), and it plays a crucial role in fibrinolysis as well as wound healing, immunity, tissue remodeling and inflammation. Binding to the targets via the lysine-binding sites allows for Plg activation by plasminogen activators (PAs) present on the same target. Cellular uptake of fibrin degradation products leads to apoptosis, which represents one of the pathways for cross-talk between fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling. Therapeutic manipulation of Plm activity plays a vital role in the treatments of a range of diseases, whereas Plm inhibitors are used in trauma and surgeries as antifibrinolytic agents. Plm inhibitors are also used in conditions such as angioedema, menorrhagia and melasma. Here, we review the rationale for the further development of new Plm inhibitors, with a particular focus on the structural studies of the active site inhibitors of Plm. We compare the binding mode of different classes of inhibitors and comment on how it relates to their efficacy, as well as possible future developments.
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32
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Using backbone-cyclized Cys-rich polypeptides as molecular scaffolds to target protein-protein interactions. Biochem J 2019; 476:67-83. [PMID: 30635453 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The use of disulfide-rich backbone-cyclized polypeptides, as molecular scaffolds to design a new generation of bioimaging tools and drugs that are potent and specific, and thus might have fewer side effects than traditional small-molecule drugs, is gaining increasing interest among the scientific and in the pharmaceutical industries. Highly constrained macrocyclic polypeptides are exceptionally more stable to chemical, thermal and biological degradation and show better biological activity when compared with their linear counterparts. Many of these relatively new scaffolds have been also found to be highly tolerant to sequence variability, aside from the conserved residues forming the disulfide bonds, able to cross cellular membranes and modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions both in vitro and in vivo These properties make them ideal tools for many biotechnological applications. The present study provides an overview of the new developments on the use of several disulfide-rich backbone-cyclized polypeptides, including cyclotides, θ-defensins and sunflower trypsin inhibitor peptides, in the development of novel bioimaging reagents and therapeutic leads.
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33
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Swedberg JE, Ghani HA, Harris JM, de Veer SJ, Craik DJ. Potent, Selective, and Cell-Penetrating Inhibitors of Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 4 Based on the Cyclic Peptide MCoTI-II. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:1258-1262. [PMID: 30613336 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) is a serine protease that has putative intracellular and extracellular functions in prostate cancer progression. Here we show that MCoTI-II, a 34-amino acid cyclic peptide found in the seeds of red gac (Momordica cochinchinensis), is an inhibitor of KLK4. By grafting a preferred KLK4 cleavage sequence into MCoTI-II, we produced a highly potent KLK4 inhibitor (K i = 0.1 nM) that displayed 100,000-fold selectivity over related KLKs and the ability to penetrate cells. Additionally, by substituting positively charged noncontact residues in this compound, we produced a potent and selective KLK4 inhibitor that does not penetrate cells. The inhibitors were shown to be nontoxic to human cells and stable in human serum. These KLK4 inhibitors provide useful chemical tools to further define the role(s) of both intracellular and extracellular KLK4 in prostate cancer cell lines and disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim E. Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hafiza Abdul Ghani
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jonathan M. Harris
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Simon J. de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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34
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Abstract
Matriptase-2 (MT2) is a membrane-anchored proteolytic enzyme. It acts as the proteolytic key regulator in human iron homeostasis. A high expression level can lead to iron overload diseases, whereas mutations in the gene encoding MT2, TMPRSS6, may result in various forms of iron deficiency anemia. Recently, MT2 has been reported as a positive prognostic factor in breast and prostate cancers. However, the exact functions of MT2 in various pathophysiological conditions are still not fully understood. In this review, we describe the synthetic tools designed and synthesized to regulate or monitor MT2 proteolytic activity and present the latest knowledge about the role of MT2 in iron homeostasis and cancer.
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35
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Swedberg JE, Wu G, Mahatmanto T, Durek T, Caradoc-Davies TT, Whisstock JC, Law RHP, Craik DJ. Highly Potent and Selective Plasmin Inhibitors Based on the Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor-1 Scaffold Attenuate Fibrinolysis in Plasma. J Med Chem 2018; 62:552-560. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joakim E. Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Guojie Wu
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tunjung Mahatmanto
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - James C. Whisstock
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ruby H. P. Law
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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36
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Li CY, de Veer SJ, Law RHP, Whisstock JC, Craik DJ, Swedberg JE. Characterising the Subsite Specificity of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator using a Sequence-Defined Peptide Aldehyde Library. Chembiochem 2018; 20:46-50. [PMID: 30225958 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) are two serine proteases that contribute to initiating fibrinolysis by activating plasminogen. uPA is also an important tumour-associated protease due to its role in extracellular matrix remodelling. Overexpression of uPA has been identified in several different cancers and uPA inhibition has been reported as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although several peptide-based uPA inhibitors have been developed, the extent to which uPA tolerates different tetrapeptide sequences that span the P1-P4 positions remains to be thoroughly explored. In this study, we screened a sequence-defined peptide aldehyde library against uPA and tPA. Preferred sequences from the library screen yielded potent inhibitors for uPA, led by Ac-GTAR-H (Ki =18 nm), but not for tPA. Additionally, synthetic peptide substrates corresponding to preferred inhibitor sequences were cleaved with high catalytic efficiency by uPA but not by tPA. These findings provide new insights into the binding specificity of uPA and tPA and the relative activity of tetrapeptide inhibitors and substrates against these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choi Yi Li
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ruby H P Law
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - James C Whisstock
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Joakim E Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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37
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de Veer SJ, Li CY, Swedberg JE, Schroeder CI, Craik DJ. Engineering potent mesotrypsin inhibitors based on the plant-derived cyclic peptide, sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 155:695-704. [PMID: 29936356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Plants produce a diverse range of peptides and proteins that inhibit the activity of different serine proteases. The value of these inhibitors not only stems from their native role(s) in planta, but they are also regarded as promising templates for inhibitor engineering. Interest in this field has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly for therapeutic applications. The serine protease mesotrypsin has been implicated in several cancers, but is a challenging target for inhibitor engineering as a number of serine protease inhibitors that typically display broad-range activity show limited activity against mesotrypsin. In this study, we use a cyclic peptide isolated from sunflower seeds, sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1), as a scaffold for engineering potent mesotrypsin inhibitors. SFTI-1 comprises 14-amino acids and is a potent inhibitor of human cationic trypsin (Ki = 30 ± 0.8 pM) but shows 165,000-fold weaker activity against mesotrypsin (Ki = 4.96 ± 0.2 μM). Using an inhibitor library based on SFTI-1, we show that the inhibitor's P2' residue (Ile) is a key contributor to SFTI-1's limited activity against mesotrypsin. Substituting P2' Ile with chemically diverse amino acids, including non-canonical aromatic residues, produced new inhibitor variants that maintained a similar structure to SFTI-1 and showed marked improvements in activity (exceeding 100-fold). An assessment of the activity of the new inhibitors against closely-related trypsin paralogs revealed that the improved activity against mesotrypsin was accompanied by a loss in activity against off-target proteases, such that several engineered variants showed comparable activity against mesotrypsin and human cationic trypsin. Together, these findings identify potent mesotrypsin inhibitors that are suitable for further optimisation studies and demonstrate the potential gains in activity and selectivity that can be achieved by optimising the P2' residue, particularly for engineered SFTI-based inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J de Veer
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Choi Yi Li
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Joakim E Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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38
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Designing macrocyclic disulfide-rich peptides for biotechnological applications. Nat Chem Biol 2018; 14:417-427. [DOI: 10.1038/s41589-018-0039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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39
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Durek T, Cromm PM, White AM, Schroeder CI, Kaas Q, Weidmann J, Ahmad Fuaad A, Cheneval O, Harvey PJ, Daly NL, Zhou Y, Dellsén A, Österlund T, Larsson N, Knerr L, Bauer U, Kessler H, Cai M, Hruby VJ, Plowright AT, Craik DJ. Development of Novel Melanocortin Receptor Agonists Based on the Cyclic Peptide Framework of Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor-1. J Med Chem 2018; 61:3674-3684. [PMID: 29605997 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastable cyclic peptide frameworks offer great potential for drug design due to their improved bioavailability compared to their linear analogues. Using the sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1) peptide scaffold in combination with systematic N-methylation of the grafted pharmacophore led to the identification of novel subtype selective melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonists. Multiple bicyclic peptides were synthesized and tested toward their activity at MC1R and MC3-5R. Double N-methylated compound 18 showed a p Ki of 8.73 ± 0.08 ( Ki = 1.92 ± 0.34 nM) and a pEC50 of 9.13 ± 0.04 (EC50 = 0.75 ± 0.08 nM) at the human MC1R and was over 100 times more selective for MC1R. Nuclear magnetic resonance structural analysis of 18 emphasized the role of peptide bond N-methylation in shaping the conformation of the grafted pharmacophore. More broadly, this study highlights the potential of cyclic peptide scaffolds for epitope grafting in combination with N-methylation to introduce receptor subtype selectivity in the context of peptide-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Philipp M Cromm
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia.,Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie , Technische Universität München , Lichtenbergstrasse 4 , 85747 Garching , Germany
| | - Andrew M White
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Joachim Weidmann
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Abdullah Ahmad Fuaad
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Anita Dellsén
- Mechanistic Biology & Profiling, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden
| | - Torben Österlund
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden.,Drug Safety and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden
| | - Niklas Larsson
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden
| | - Laurent Knerr
- Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden
| | - Udo Bauer
- Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden
| | - Horst Kessler
- Institute for Advanced Study and Center of Integrated Protein Science, Department Chemie , Technische Universität München , Lichtenbergstrasse 4 , 85747 Garching , Germany
| | - Minying Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Arizona , Tucson , Arizona 85721 , United States
| | - Alleyn T Plowright
- Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Gothenburg 43183 Sweden
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
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40
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Sullivan GP, Henry CM, Clancy DM, Mametnabiev T, Belotcerkovskaya E, Davidovich P, Sura-Trueba S, Garabadzhiu AV, Martin SJ. Suppressing IL-36-driven inflammation using peptide pseudosubstrates for neutrophil proteases. Cell Death Dis 2018. [PMID: 29515113 PMCID: PMC5841435 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sterile inflammation is initiated by molecules released from necrotic cells, called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Members of the extended IL-1 cytokine family are important DAMPs, are typically only released through necrosis, and require limited proteolytic processing for activation. The IL-1 family cytokines, IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ, are expressed as inactive precursors and have been implicated as key initiators of psoriatic-type skin inflammation. We have recently found that IL-36 family cytokines are proteolytically processed and activated by the neutrophil granule-derived proteases, elastase, and cathepsin G. Inhibitors of IL-36 processing may therefore have utility as anti-inflammatory agents through suppressing activation of the latter cytokines. We have identified peptide-based pseudosubstrates for cathepsin G and elastase, based on optimal substrate cleavage motifs, which can antagonize activation of all three IL-36 family cytokines by the latter proteases. Human psoriatic skin plaques displayed elevated IL-36β processing activity that could be antagonized by peptide pseudosubstrates specific for cathepsin G. Thus, antagonists of neutrophil-derived proteases may have therapeutic potential for blocking activation of IL-36 family cytokines in inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme P Sullivan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Conor M Henry
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Danielle M Clancy
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Tazhir Mametnabiev
- Cellular Biotechnology Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg Technical University, Moskovskii Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Belotcerkovskaya
- Cellular Biotechnology Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg Technical University, Moskovskii Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel Davidovich
- Cellular Biotechnology Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg Technical University, Moskovskii Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sylvia Sura-Trueba
- Cellular Biotechnology Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg Technical University, Moskovskii Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander V Garabadzhiu
- Cellular Biotechnology Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg Technical University, Moskovskii Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Seamus J Martin
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Cellular Biotechnology Laboratory, Saint-Petersburg Technical University, Moskovskii Prospekt, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
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41
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Haywood J, Schmidberger JW, James AM, Nonis SG, Sukhoverkov KV, Elias M, Bond CS, Mylne JS. Structural basis of ribosomal peptide macrocyclization in plants. eLife 2018; 7:32955. [PMID: 29384475 PMCID: PMC5834244 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Constrained, cyclic peptides encoded by plant genes represent a new generation of drug leads. Evolution has repeatedly recruited the Cys-protease asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) to perform their head-to-tail ligation. These macrocyclization reactions use the substrates amino terminus instead of water to deacylate, so a peptide bond is formed. How solvent-exposed plant AEPs macrocyclize is poorly understood. Here we present the crystal structure of an active plant AEP from the common sunflower, Helianthus annuus. The active site contained electron density for a tetrahedral intermediate with partial occupancy that predicted a binding mode for peptide macrocyclization. By substituting catalytic residues we could alter the ratio of cyclic to acyclic products. Moreover, we showed AEPs from other species lacking cyclic peptides can perform macrocyclization under favorable pH conditions. This structural characterization of AEP presents a logical framework for engineering superior enzymes that generate macrocyclic peptide drug leads. Most proteins are long, chain-like molecules that have two ends respectively called the N-terminus and C-terminus. However, certain proteins can close on themselves to become circular. This requires a chemical reaction between the N- and C-termini, which creates a strong bond between the two extremities. To go through this ‘cyclization’ process, a straight protein attaches to a certain type of protease, a class of enzyme that usually cuts proteins into smaller pieces. In plants that are distantly related, the same group of enzymes – called AEPs – has been selected to perform cyclization. Here, Haywood et al. study an AEP enzyme from sunflowers: they identify what about this enzyme’s structure is important to drive the complex chemical reaction that results in the protein being cyclized rather than simply cut. Using a technique called X-ray crystallography to see the positions of individual atoms in the enzyme, Haywood et al. caught a snapshot of the enzyme. Its structure explained how the enzyme’s shape can guide cyclization. In particular, the part of the enzyme that binds to the proteins, the active site, was relatively flat and open, but also flexible: this helped the N and C-termini react with each other and close the protein. Further experiments artificially mutated specific areas of the enzyme, which helped determine exactly which elements guide this succession of chemical reactions. The activity of AEPs is influenced by their local environment, such as acidity. In fact, Haywood et al. showed that certain AEPs, which do not normally carry out cyclization, can start performing this role when exposed to a different level of acidity. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly interested in circular proteins, as these are stable, easily used by the body, and can be genetically customized to act only on specific targets. If the cyclization process is better understood, and then harnessed, new drug compounds could be produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Haywood
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Jason W Schmidberger
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Amy M James
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Samuel G Nonis
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Kirill V Sukhoverkov
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Mikael Elias
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Charles S Bond
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Joshua S Mylne
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,The ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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42
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Craik DJ, Lee MH, Rehm FBH, Tombling B, Doffek B, Peacock H. Ribosomally-synthesised cyclic peptides from plants as drug leads and pharmaceutical scaffolds. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2727-2737. [PMID: 28818463 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Owing to their exceptional stability and favourable pharmacokinetic properties, plant-derived cyclic peptides have recently attracted significant attention in the field of peptide-based drug design. This article describes the three major classes of ribosomally-synthesised plant peptides - the cyclotides, the PawS-derived peptides and the orbitides - and reviews their applications as leads or scaffolds in drug design. These ribosomally-produced peptides have a range of biological activities, including anti-HIV, cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activity. In addition, recent interest has focused on their use as scaffolds to stabilise bioactive peptide sequences, thereby enhancing their biopharmaceutical properties. There are now more than 30 published papers on such 'grafting' applications, most of which have been reported only in the last few years, and several such studies have reported in vivo activity of orally delivered cyclic peptides. In this article, we describe approaches to the synthesis of cyclic peptides and their pharmaceutically-grafted derivatives as well as outlining their biosynthetic routes. Finally, we describe possible bioproduction routes for pharmaceutically active cyclic peptides, involving plants and plant suspension cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Meng-Han Lee
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Fabian B H Rehm
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Benjamin Tombling
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Benjamin Doffek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hayden Peacock
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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