1
|
Zhao F, Liu Y, Liu Y, Ye Q, Yang H, Gui M, Song Y. The road to evolution of ProTx2: how to be a subtype-specific inhibition of human Na v1.7. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1374183. [PMID: 38756380 PMCID: PMC11096480 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1374183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The human voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 is a widely proven target for analgesic drug studies. ProTx2, a 30-residue polypeptide from Peruvian green tarantula venom, shows high specificity to activity against human Nav1.7, suggesting its potential to become a non-addictive analgesic. However, its high sensitivity to human Nav1.4 raises concerns about muscle side effects. Here, we engineered three mutants (R13A, R13D, and K27Y) of ProTx2 to evaluate their pharmacological activities toward Nav1.7 and Nav1.4. It is demonstrated that the mutant R13D maintained the analgesic effect in mice while dramatically reducing its muscle toxicity compared with ProTx2. The main reason is the formation of a strong electrostatic interaction between R13D and the negatively charged amino acid residues in DII/S3-S4 of Nav1.7, which is absent in Nav1.4. This study advances our understanding and insights on peptide toxins, paving the way for safer, effective non-addictive analgesic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kitano Y, Shinozuka T. Inhibition of Na V1.7: the possibility of ideal analgesics. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:895-920. [PMID: 36092147 PMCID: PMC9384491 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00081d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The selective inhibition of NaV1.7 is a promising strategy for developing novel analgesic agents with fewer adverse effects. Although the potent selective inhibition of NaV1.7 has been recently achieved, multiple NaV1.7 inhibitors failed in clinical development. In this review, the relationship between preclinical in vivo efficacy and NaV1.7 coverage among three types of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) inhibitors, namely conventional VGSC inhibitors, sulphonamides and acyl sulphonamides, is discussed. By demonstrating the PK/PD discrepancy of preclinical studies versus in vivo models and clinical results, the potential reasons behind the disconnect between preclinical results and clinical outcomes are discussed together with strategies for developing ideal analgesic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kitano
- R&D Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. 1-2-58 Hiromachi Shinagawa-ku Tokyo 140-8710 Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shinozuka
- R&D Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. 1-2-58 Hiromachi Shinagawa-ku Tokyo 140-8710 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wisedchaisri G, Gamal El-Din TM. Druggability of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels-Exploring Old and New Drug Receptor Sites. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:858348. [PMID: 35370700 PMCID: PMC8968173 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.858348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels are important drug targets because they play crucial physiological roles in both excitable and non-excitable cells. About 15% of clinical drugs used for treating human diseases target ion channels. However, most of these drugs do not provide sufficient specificity to a single subtype of the channels and their off-target side effects can be serious and sometimes fatal. Recent advancements in imaging techniques have enabled us for the first time to visualize unique and hidden parts of voltage-gated sodium channels in different structural conformations, and to develop drugs that further target a selected functional state in each channel subtype with the potential for high precision and low toxicity. In this review we describe the druggability of voltage-gated sodium channels in distinct functional states, which could potentially be used to selectively target the channels. We review classical drug receptors in the channels that have recently been structurally characterized by cryo-electron microscopy with natural neurotoxins and clinical drugs. We further examine recent drug discoveries for voltage-gated sodium channels and discuss opportunities to use distinct, state-dependent receptor sites in the voltage sensors as unique drug targets. Finally, we explore potential new receptor sites that are currently unknown for sodium channels but may be valuable for future drug discovery. The advancement presented here will help pave the way for drug development that selectively targets voltage-gated sodium channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goragot Wisedchaisri
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tamer M Gamal El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nguyen PT, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Towards Structure-Guided Development of Pain Therapeutics Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:842032. [PMID: 35153801 PMCID: PMC8830516 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.842032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are critical molecular determinants of action potential generation and propagation in excitable cells. Normal NaV channel function disruption can affect physiological neuronal signaling and lead to increased sensitivity to pain, congenital indifference to pain, uncoordinated movement, seizures, or paralysis. Human genetic studies have identified human NaV1.7 (hNaV1.7), hNaV1.8, and hNaV1.9 channel subtypes as crucial players in pain signaling. The premise that subtype selective NaV inhibitors can reduce pain has been reinforced through intensive target validation and therapeutic development efforts. However, an ideal therapeutic has yet to emerge. This review is focused on recent progress, current challenges, and future opportunities to develop NaV channel targeting small molecules and peptides as non-addictive therapeutics to treat pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang X, Zhang B, Li X, Liu X, Wang S, Xie Y, Pi J, Yang Z, Li J, Jia Q, Zhang Y. Mechanisms Underlying Gastrodin Alleviating Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:744663. [PMID: 34975470 PMCID: PMC8716817 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.744663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrodin (GAS) is the main bioactive ingredient of Gastrodia, a famous Chinese herbal medicine widely used as an analgesic, but the underlying analgesic mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we first observed the effects of GAS on the vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathic pain by alleviating the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Further studies showed that GAS could inhibit the current density of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 channels and accelerate the inactivation process of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 channel, thereby inhibiting the hyperexcitability of neurons. Additionally, GAS could significantly reduce the over-expression of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 on DRG neurons from vincristine-treated rats according to the analysis of Western blot and immunofluorescence results. Moreover, based on the molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation, the binding free energies of the constructed systems were calculated, and the binding sites of GAS on the sodium channels (NaV1.7 and NaV1.8) were preliminarily determined. This study has shown that modulation of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 sodium channels by GAS contributing to the alleviation of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, thus expanding the understanding of complex action of GAS as a neuromodulator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Boxuan Zhang
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuedong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology of Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xingang Liu
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Songsong Wang
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuan Xie
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jialing Pi
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jincan Li
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qingzhong Jia
- Departments of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China.,Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology of Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology of Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nguyen PT, Nguyen HM, Wagner KM, Stewart RG, Singh V, Thapa P, Chen YJ, Lillya MW, Ton AT, Kondo R, Ghetti A, Pennington MW, Hammock B, Griffith TN, Sack JT, Wulff H, Yarov-Yarovoy V. Computational design of peptides to target Na V1.7 channel with high potency and selectivity for the treatment of pain. eLife 2022; 11:81727. [PMID: 36576241 PMCID: PMC9831606 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated sodium NaV1.7 channel plays a key role as a mediator of action potential propagation in C-fiber nociceptors and is an established molecular target for pain therapy. ProTx-II is a potent and moderately selective peptide toxin from tarantula venom that inhibits human NaV1.7 activation. Here we used available structural and experimental data to guide Rosetta design of potent and selective ProTx-II-based peptide inhibitors of human NaV1.7 channels. Functional testing of designed peptides using electrophysiology identified the PTx2-3127 and PTx2-3258 peptides with IC50s of 7 nM and 4 nM for hNaV1.7 and more than 1000-fold selectivity over human NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.4, NaV1.5, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 channels. PTx2-3127 inhibits NaV1.7 currents in mouse and human sensory neurons and shows efficacy in rat models of chronic and thermal pain when administered intrathecally. Rationally designed peptide inhibitors of human NaV1.7 channels have transformative potential to define a new class of biologics to treat pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Hai M Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Karen M Wagner
- Department of Entomology and Nematology & Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Robert G Stewart
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Parashar Thapa
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Yi-Je Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Mark W Lillya
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | | | | | | | | | - Bruce Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology & Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Theanne N Griffith
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Jon T Sack
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Vladimir Yarov-Yarovoy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California DavisDavisUnited States,Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California DavisDavisUnited States,Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California DavisDavisUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Adams GL, Pall PS, Grauer SM, Zhou X, Ballard JE, Vavrek M, Kraus RL, Morissette P, Li N, Colarusso S, Bianchi E, Palani A, Klein R, John CT, Wang D, Tudor M, Nolting AF, Biba M, Nowak T, Makarov AA, Reibarkh M, Buevich AV, Zhong W, Regalado EL, Wang X, Gao Q, Shahripour A, Zhu Y, de Simone D, Frattarelli T, Pasquini NM, Magotti P, Iaccarino R, Li Y, Solly K, Lee KJ, Wang W, Chen F, Zeng H, Wang J, Regan H, Amin RP, Regan CP, Burgey CS, Henze DA, Sun C, Tellers DM. Development of ProTx-II Analogues as Highly Selective Peptide Blockers of Na v1.7 for the Treatment of Pain. J Med Chem 2021; 65:485-496. [PMID: 34931831 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitor cystine knot peptides, derived from venom, have evolved to block ion channel function but are often toxic when dosed at pharmacologically relevant levels in vivo. The article describes the design of analogues of ProTx-II that safely display systemic in vivo blocking of Nav1.7, resulting in a latency of response to thermal stimuli in rodents. The new designs achieve a better in vivo profile by improving ion channel selectivity and limiting the ability of the peptides to cause mast cell degranulation. The design rationale, structural modeling, in vitro profiles, and rat tail flick outcomes are disclosed and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Adams
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Parul S Pall
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Steven M Grauer
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Marissa Vavrek
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Richard L Kraus
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Nianyu Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Stefania Colarusso
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Anandan Palani
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Rebecca Klein
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | - Deping Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Matthew Tudor
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Andrew F Nolting
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Mirlinda Biba
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Timothy Nowak
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | | | | | - Wendy Zhong
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | | | - Xiao Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Qi Gao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | | | - Yuping Zhu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Daniele de Simone
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Tommaso Frattarelli
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Nicolo' Maria Pasquini
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Paola Magotti
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Roberto Iaccarino
- Peptides and Small Molecules R&D Department, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia (RM), Italy
| | - Yuxing Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Kelli Solly
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Keun-Joong Lee
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Weixun Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Feifei Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Haoyu Zeng
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Jixin Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Hilary Regan
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Rupesh P Amin
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | | | | | - Darrell A Henze
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Chengzao Sun
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - David M Tellers
- Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Structural Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166967. [PMID: 33794261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels initiate and propagate action potentials in excitable tissues to mediate key physiological processes including heart contraction and nervous system function. Accordingly, NaV channels are major targets for drugs, toxins and disease-causing mutations. Recent breakthroughs in cryo-electron microscopy have led to the visualization of human NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.4, NaV1.5 and NaV1.7 channel subtypes at high-resolution. These landmark studies have greatly advanced our structural understanding of channel architecture, ion selectivity, voltage-sensing, electromechanical coupling, fast inactivation, and the molecular basis underlying NaV channelopathies. NaV channel structures have also been increasingly determined in complex with toxin and small molecule modulators that target either the pore module or voltage sensor domains. These structural studies have provided new insights into the mechanisms of pharmacological action and opportunities for subtype-selective NaV channel drug design. This review will highlight the structural pharmacology of human NaV channels as well as the potential use of engineered and chimeric channels in future drug discovery efforts.
Collapse
|
10
|
Temml V, Kutil Z. Structure-based molecular modeling in SAR analysis and lead optimization. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:1431-1444. [PMID: 33777339 PMCID: PMC7979990 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In silico methods like molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling are established strategies in lead identification. Their successful application for finding new active molecules for a target is reported by a plethora of studies. However, once a potential lead is identified, lead optimization, with the focus on improving potency, selectivity, or pharmacokinetic parameters of a parent compound, is a much more complex task. Even though in silico molecular modeling methods could contribute a lot of time and cost-saving by rationally filtering synthetic optimization options, they are employed less widely in this stage of research. In this review, we highlight studies that have successfully used computer-aided SAR analysis in lead optimization and want to showcase sound methodology and easily accessible in silico tools for this purpose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Temml
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Zsofia Kutil
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
A fundamental mechanism that drives the propagation of electrical signals in the nervous system is the activation of voltage-gated sodium channels. The sodium channel subtype Nav1.7 is critical for the transmission of pain-related signaling, with gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.7 resulting in various painful pathologies. Loss-of-function mutations cause complete insensitivity to pain and anosmia in humans that otherwise have normal nervous system function, rendering Nav1.7 an attractive target for the treatment of pain. Despite this, no Nav1.7 selective therapeutic has been approved for use as an analgesic to date. Here we present a summary of research that has focused on engineering peptides found in spider venoms to produce Nav1.7 selective antagonists. We discuss the progress that has been made on various scaffolds from different venom families and highlight the challenges that remain in the effort to produce a Nav1.7 selective, venom-based analgesic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Neff
- Neuroscience Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, LLC , San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alan D Wickenden
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, LLC , San Diego, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yousuf A, Sadeghi M, Adams DJ. Venom-Derived Peptides Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium and Calcium Channels in Mammalian Sensory Neurons. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1349:3-19. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4254-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
13
|
Eagles DA, Chow CY, King GF. Fifteen years of Na
V
1.7 channels as an analgesic target: Why has excellent in vitro pharmacology not translated into in vivo analgesic efficacy? Br J Pharmacol 2020; 179:3592-3611. [DOI: 10.1111/bph.15327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Eagles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McCarthy S, Robinson J, Thalassinos K, Tabor AB. A Chemical Biology Approach to Probing the Folding Pathways of the Inhibitory Cystine Knot (ICK) Peptide ProTx-II. Front Chem 2020; 8:228. [PMID: 32309273 PMCID: PMC7145985 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00228] [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: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide toxins that adopt the inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) scaffold have very stable three-dimensional structures as a result of the conformational constraints imposed by the configuration of the three disulfide bonds that are the hallmark of this fold. Understanding the oxidative folding pathways of these complex peptides, many of which are important therapeutic leads, is important in order to devise reliable synthetic routes to correctly folded, biologically active peptides. Previous research on the ICK peptide ProTx-II has shown that in the absence of an equilibrating redox buffer, misfolded intermediates form that prevent the formation of the native disulfide bond configuration. In this paper, we used tandem mass spectrometry to examine these misfolded peptides, and identified two non-native singly bridged peptides, one with a Cys(III)-Cys(IV) linkage and one with a Cys(V)-Cys(VI) linkage. Based on these results, we propose that the C-terminus of ProTx-II has an important role in initiating the folding of this peptide. To test this hypothesis, we have also studied the folding pathways of analogs of ProTx-II containing the disulfide-bond directing group penicillamine (Pen) under the same conditions. We find that placing Pen residues at the C-terminus of the ProTx-II analogs directs the folding pathway away from the singly bridged misfolded intermediates that represent a kinetic trap for the native sequence, and allows a fully oxidized final product to be formed with three disulfide bridges. However, multiple two-disulfide peptides were also produced, indicating that further study is required to fully control the folding pathways of this modified scaffold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Konstantinos Thalassinos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Division of Biosciences, Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mueller A, Dekan Z, Kaas Q, Agwa AJ, Starobova H, Alewood PF, Schroeder CI, Mobli M, Deuis JR, Vetter I. Mapping the Molecular Surface of the Analgesic Na V1.7-Selective Peptide Pn3a Reveals Residues Essential for Membrane and Channel Interactions. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:535-546. [PMID: 32566918 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Compelling human genetic studies have identified the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of pain. The analgesic spider-venom-derived peptide μ-theraphotoxin-Pn3a is an exceptionally potent and selective inhibitor of NaV1.7; however, little is known about the structure-activity relationships or channel interactions that define this activity. We rationally designed 17 Pn3a analogues and determined their activity at hNaV1.7 using patch-clamp electrophysiology. The positively charged amino acids K22 and K24 were identified as crucial for Pn3a activity, with molecular modeling identifying interactions of these residues with the S3-S4 loop of domain II of hNaV1.7. Removal of hydrophobic residues Y4, Y27, and W30 led to a loss of potency (>250-fold), while replacement of negatively charged D1 and D8 residues with a positively charged lysine led to increased potencies (>13-fold), likely through alterations in membrane lipid interactions. Mutating D8 to an asparagine led to the greatest improvement in Pn3a potency at NaV1.7 (20-fold), while maintaining >100-fold selectivity over the major off-targets NaV1.4, NaV1.5, and NaV1.6. The Pn3a[D8N] mutant retained analgesic activity in vivo, significantly attenuating mechanical allodynia in a clinically relevant mouse model of postsurgical pain at doses 3-fold lower than those with wild-type Pn3a, without causing motor-adverse effects. Results from this study will facilitate future rational design of potent and selective peptidic NaV1.7 inhibitors for the development of more efficacious and safer analgesics as well as to further investigate the involvement of NaV1.7 in pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mueller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Zoltan Dekan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Quentin Kaas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Akello J Agwa
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hana Starobova
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christina I Schroeder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mobli
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chow CY, Chin YKY, Walker AA, Guo S, Blomster LV, Ward MJ, Herzig V, Rokyta DR, King GF. Venom Peptides with Dual Modulatory Activity on the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.1 Provide Novel Leads for Development of Antiepileptic Drugs. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2019; 3:119-134. [PMID: 32259093 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels play a fundamental role in normal neurological function, especially via the initiation and propagation of action potentials. The NaV1.1 subtype is found in inhibitory interneurons of the brain and it is essential for maintaining a balance between excitation and inhibition in neuronal networks. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of SCN1A, the gene encoding NaV1.1, underlie Dravet syndrome (DS), a severe pediatric epilepsy. We recently demonstrated that selective inhibition of NaV1.1 inactivation prevents seizures and premature death in a mouse model of DS. Thus, selective modulators of NaV1.1 might be useful therapeutics for treatment of DS as they target the underlying molecular deficit. Numerous scorpion-venom peptides have been shown to modulate the activity of NaV channels, but little is known about their activity at NaV1.1. Here we report the isolation, sequence, three-dimensional structure, recombinant production, and functional characterization of two peptidic modulators of NaV1.1 from venom of the buthid scorpion Hottentotta jayakari. These peptides, Hj1a and Hj2a, are potent agonists of NaV1.1 (EC50 of 17 and 32 nM, respectively), and they present dual α/β activity by modifying both the activation and inactivation properties of the channel. NMR studies of rHj1a indicate that it adopts a cystine-stabilized αβ fold similar to known scorpion toxins. Although Hj1a and Hj2a have only limited selectivity for NaV1.1, their unusual dual mode of action provides an alternative approach to the development of selective NaV1.1 modulators for the treatment of DS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yuen Chow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shaodong Guo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Linda V Blomster
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Micaiah J Ward
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Volker Herzig
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Darin R Rokyta
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mulcahy JV, Pajouhesh H, Beckley JT, Delwig A, Bois JD, Hunter JC. Challenges and Opportunities for Therapeutics Targeting the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Isoform Na V1.7. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8695-8710. [PMID: 31012583 PMCID: PMC6786914 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium ion channel subtype 1.7 (NaV1.7) is a high interest target for the discovery of non-opioid analgesics. Compelling evidence from human genetic data, particularly the finding that persons lacking functional NaV1.7 are insensitive to pain, has spurred considerable effort to develop selective inhibitors of this Na+ ion channel target as analgesic medicines. Recent clinical setbacks and disappointing performance of preclinical compounds in animal pain models, however, have led to skepticism around the potential of selective NaV1.7 inhibitors as human therapeutics. In this Perspective, we discuss the attributes and limitations of recently disclosed investigational drugs targeting NaV1.7 and review evidence that, by better understanding the requirements for selectivity and target engagement, the opportunity to deliver effective analgesic medicines targeting NaV1.7 endures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John V. Mulcahy
- SiteOne Therapeutics, 280 Utah Ave, Suite 250, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Hassan Pajouhesh
- SiteOne Therapeutics, 280 Utah Ave, Suite 250, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Jacob T. Beckley
- SiteOne Therapeutics, 351 Evergreen Drive, Suite B1, Bozeman, MT 59715
| | - Anton Delwig
- SiteOne Therapeutics, 280 Utah Ave, Suite 250, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - J. Du Bois
- Stanford University, Lokey Chemistry and Biology, 337 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - John C. Hunter
- SiteOne Therapeutics, 280 Utah Ave, Suite 250, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Foti RS, Biswas K, Aral J, Be X, Berry L, Cheng Y, Conner K, Falsey JR, Glaus C, Herberich B, Hickman D, Ikotun T, Li H, Long J, Huang L, Miranda LP, Murray J, Moyer B, Netirojjanakul C, Nixey TE, Sham K, Soto M, Tegley CM, Tran L, Wu B, Yin L, Rock DA. Use of Cryopreserved Hepatocytes as Part of an Integrated Strategy to Characterize In Vivo Clearance for Peptide-Antibody Conjugate Inhibitors of Nav1.7 in Preclinical Species. Drug Metab Dispos 2019; 47:1111-1121. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.119.087742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
|
19
|
Murray JK, Wu B, Tegley CM, Nixey TE, Falsey JR, Herberich B, Yin L, Sham K, Long J, Aral J, Cheng Y, Netirojjanakul C, Doherty L, Glaus C, Ikotun T, Li H, Tran L, Soto M, Salimi-Moosavi H, Ligutti J, Amagasu S, Andrews KL, Be X, Lin MHJ, Foti RS, Ilch CP, Youngblood B, Kornecook TJ, Karow M, Walker KW, Moyer BD, Biswas K, Miranda LP. Engineering Na V1.7 Inhibitory JzTx-V Peptides with a Potency and Basicity Profile Suitable for Antibody Conjugation To Enhance Pharmacokinetics. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:806-818. [PMID: 30875193 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery research on new pain targets with human genetic validation, including the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7, is being pursued to address the unmet medical need with respect to chronic pain and the rising opioid epidemic. As part of early research efforts on this front, we have previously developed NaV1.7 inhibitory peptide-antibody conjugates with tarantula venom-derived GpTx-1 toxin peptides with an extended half-life (80 h) in rodents but only moderate in vitro activity (hNaV1.7 IC50 = 250 nM) and without in vivo activity. We identified the more potent peptide JzTx-V from our natural peptide collection and improved its selectivity against other sodium channel isoforms through positional analogueing. Here we report utilization of the JzTx-V scaffold in a peptide-antibody conjugate and architectural variations in the linker, peptide loading, and antibody attachment site. We found conjugates with 100-fold improved in vitro potency relative to those of complementary GpTx-1 analogues, but pharmacokinetic and bioimaging analyses of these JzTx-V conjugates revealed a shorter than expected plasma half-life in vivo with accumulation in the liver. In an attempt to increase circulatory serum levels, we sought the reduction of the net +6 charge of the JzTx-V scaffold while retaining a desirable NaV in vitro activity profile. The conjugate of a JzTx-V peptide analogue with a +2 formal charge maintained NaV1.7 potency with 18-fold improved plasma exposure in rodents. Balancing the loss of peptide and conjugate potency associated with the reduction of net charge necessary for improved target exposure resulted in a compound with moderate activity in a NaV1.7-dependent pharmacodynamic model but requires further optimization to identify a conjugate that can fully engage NaV1.7 in vivo.
Collapse
|