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Gogliettino M, Cocca E, Sandomenico A, Gratino L, Iaccarino E, Calvanese L, Rossi M, Palmieri G. Selective inhibition of acylpeptide hydrolase in SAOS-2 osteosarcoma cells: is this enzyme a viable anticancer target? Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1505-1519. [PMID: 33471263 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-06129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydrolases play crucial roles in many physiological and pathophysiological processes and a panel of these enzymes are targets of approved drugs. Despite this, most of the human serine hydrolases remain poorly characterized with respect to their biological functions and substrates and only a limited number of in vivo active inhibitors have been so far identified. Acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH) is a member of the prolyl-oligopeptidase class, with a unique substrate specificity, that has been suggested to have a potential oncogenic role. In this study, a set of peptides was rationally designed from the lead compound SsCEI 4 and in vitro screened for APEH inhibition. Out of these molecules, a dodecapeptide named Ala 3 showed the best inhibitory effects and it was chosen as a candidate for investigating the anti-cancer effects induced by inhibition of APEH in SAOS-2 cell lines. The results clearly demonstrated that Ala 3 markedly reduced cell viability via deregulation of the APEH-proteasome system. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis revealed that Ala 3 anti-proliferative effects were closely related to the activation of a caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Our findings provide further evidence that APEH can play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cancer, shedding new light on the great potential of this enzyme as an attractive target for the diagnosis and the quest for selective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gogliettino
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ennio Cocca
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR-IBB), 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lorena Gratino
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR-IBB), 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luisa Calvanese
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR-IBB), 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mosè Rossi
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gianna Palmieri
- Institute of Biosciences and BioResources, National Research Council (CNR-IBBR), 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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Zhang Y, Zhao P, Dong Z, Wang D, Guo P, Guo X, Song Q, Zhang W, Xia Q. Comparative proteome analysis of multi-layer cocoon of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123403. [PMID: 25860555 PMCID: PMC4393245 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bombyx mori cocoon has a multi-layer structure that provides optimal protection for silkworm pupa. Research on the mechanical properties of the multi-layer structure revealed structure-property relationships of the cocoon. Here, we investigated the protein components of the B. mori cocoon in terms of its multi-layer structure. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified 286 proteins from the multiple cocoon layers. In addition to fibroins and sericins, we identified abundant protease inhibitors, seroins and proteins of unknown function. By comparing protein abundance across layers, we found that the outermost layer contained more sericin1 and protease inhibitors and the innermost layer had more seroin1. As many as 36 protease inhibitors were identified in cocoons, showing efficient inhibitory activities against a fungal protease. Thus, we propose that more abundant protease inhibitors in the outer cocoon layers may provide better protection for the cocoon. This study increases our understanding of the multi-layer mechanism of cocoons, and helps clarify the biological characteristics of cocoons. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001469.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhaoming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Pengchao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaomeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qianru Song
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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3
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Zheng YS, Guo JX, Zhang JP, Gao AN, Yang XM, Li XQ, Liu WH, Li LH. A proteomic study of spike development inhibition in bread wheat. Proteomics 2013; 13:2622-37. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201300026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Sheng Zheng
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
- Crop Research Institute; Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Jinan P. R. China
| | - Jun-Xian Guo
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
- Crop Research Institute; Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Jinan P. R. China
| | - Jin-Peng Zhang
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Ai-Nong Gao
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Xin-Ming Yang
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Xiu-Quan Li
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Wei-Hua Liu
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Li-Hui Li
- National Key Facilities for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Beijing P. R. China
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Identification and characterisation of a novel acylpeptide hydrolase from Sulfolobus solfataricus: structural and functional insights. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37921. [PMID: 22655081 PMCID: PMC3360023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel acylpeptide hydrolase, named APEH-3Ss, was isolated from the hypertermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. APEH is a member of the prolyl oligopeptidase family which catalyzes the removal of acetylated amino acid residues from the N terminus of oligopeptides. The purified enzyme shows a homotrimeric structure, unique among the associate partners of the APEH cluster and, in contrast to the archaeal APEHs which show both exo/endo peptidase activities, it appears to be a “true” aminopeptidase as exemplified by its mammalian counterparts, with which it shares a similar substrate specificity. Furthermore, a comparative study on the regulation of apeh gene expression, revealed a significant but divergent alteration in the expression pattern of apeh-3Ss and apehSs (the gene encoding the previously identified APEHSs from S. solfataricus), which is induced in response to various stressful growth conditions. Hence, both APEH enzymes can be defined as stress-regulated proteins which play a complementary role in enabling the survival of S. solfataricus cells under different conditions. These results provide new structural and functional insights into S. solfataricus APEH, offering a possible explanation for the multiplicity of this enzyme in Archaea.
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Sandomenico A, Russo A, Palmieri G, Bergamo P, Gogliettino M, Falcigno L, Ruvo M. Small peptide inhibitors of acetyl-peptide hydrolase having an uncommon mechanism of inhibition and a stable bent conformation. J Med Chem 2012; 55:2102-11. [PMID: 22309188 DOI: 10.1021/jm2013375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acyl peptide hydrolase (APEH) catalyzes the removal of acetyl-amino acids from the N-terminus of peptides and cytoplasmic proteins. Due to the role played in several diseases, and to the growing interest around N-terminal acetylation, studies on APEH structure, function, and inhibition are attracting an ever increasing attention. We have therefore screened a random tetrapeptide library, N-capped with selected groups, and identified a trifluoroacetylated tetrapeptide (CF(3)-lmph) which inhibits the enzyme with a K(i) of 24.0 ± 0.8 μM. The inhibitor is selective for APEH, shows an uncommon uncompetitive mechanism of inhibition, and in solution adopts a stable bent conformation. CF(3)-lmph efficiently crosses cell membranes, blocking the cytoplasmic activity of APEH; however, it triggers a mild pro-apoptotic effect as compared to other competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors. The unusual inhibition mechanism and the stable structure make the new compound a novel tool to investigate enzyme functions and a useful scaffold to develop more potent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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Palmieri G, Bergamo P, Luini A, Ruvo M, Gogliettino M, Langella E, Saviano M, Hegde RN, Sandomenico A, Rossi M. Acylpeptide hydrolase inhibition as targeted strategy to induce proteasomal down-regulation. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25888. [PMID: 22016782 PMCID: PMC3189933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH), one of the four members of the prolyl oligopeptidase class, catalyses the removal of N-acylated amino acids from acetylated peptides and it has been postulated to play a key role in protein degradation machinery. Disruption of protein turnover has been established as an effective strategy to down-regulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and as a promising approach in anticancer therapy. Here, we illustrate a new pathway modulating UPS and proteasome activity through inhibition of APEH. To find novel molecules able to down-regulate APEH activity, we screened a set of synthetic peptides, reproducing the reactive-site loop of a known archaeal inhibitor of APEH (SsCEI), and the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers. A 12-mer SsCEI peptide and the trans10-cis12 isomer of CLA, were identified as specific APEH inhibitors and their effects on cell-based assays were paralleled by a dose-dependent reduction of proteasome activity and the activation of the pro-apoptotic caspase cascade. Moreover, cell treatment with the individual compounds increased the cytoplasm levels of several classic hallmarks of proteasome inhibition, such as NFkappaB, p21, and misfolded or polyubiquitinylated proteins, and additive effects were observed in cells exposed to a combination of both inhibitors without any cytotoxicity. Remarkably, transfection of human bronchial epithelial cells with APEH siRNA, promoted a marked accumulation of a mutant of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), herein used as a model of misfolded protein typically degraded by UPS. Finally, molecular modeling studies, to gain insights into the APEH inhibition by the trans10-cis12 CLA isomer, were performed. Our study supports a previously unrecognized role of APEH as a negative effector of proteasome activity by an unknown mechanism and opens new perspectives for the development of strategies aimed at modulation of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna Palmieri
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council (CNR-IBP), Napoli, Italy.
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Palmieri G, Langella E, Gogliettino M, Saviano M, Pocsfalvi G, Rossi M. A novel class of protease targets of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBP): a study of the acylpeptide hydrolase and the PEBP inhibitor from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2010; 6:2498-507. [PMID: 20941418 DOI: 10.1039/c005293k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This work describes the identification and characterization of a Sulfolobus solfataricus acylpeptide hydrolase, named APEH(Ss), recognised as a new protease target of the endogenous PEBP inhibitor, SsCEI. APEH is one of the four members of the prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) family, which removes acylated amino acid residues from the N terminus of oligopeptides. APEH(Ss) is a cytosolic homodimeric protein with a molecular mass of 125 kDa. It displays a similar exopeptidase and endopeptidase activity to the homologous enzymes from Aeropyrum pernix and Pyrococcus horikoshii. Herein we demonstrate that SsCEI is the first PEBP protein found to efficiently inhibit APEH from both S. solfataricus and mammalian sources with IC(50) values in the nanomolar range. The 3D model of APEH(Ss) shows the typical structural features of the POP family including an N-terminal β-propeller and a C-terminal α/β hydrolase domain. Moreover, to gain insights into the binding mode of SsCEI toward APEH(Ss), a structural model of the inhibition complex is proposed, suggesting a mechanism of steric blockage on substrate access to the active site or on product release. Like other POP enzymes, APEH may constitute a new therapeutic target for the treatment of a number of pathologies and this study may represent a starting point for further medical research.
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Kantyka T, Rawlings ND, Potempa J. Prokaryote-derived protein inhibitors of peptidases: A sketchy occurrence and mostly unknown function. Biochimie 2010; 92:1644-56. [PMID: 20558234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In metazoan organisms protein inhibitors of peptidases are important factors essential for regulation of proteolytic activity. In vertebrates genes encoding peptidase inhibitors constitute up to 1% of genes reflecting a need for tight and specific control of proteolysis especially in extracellular body fluids. In stark contrast unicellular organisms, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic consistently contain only few, if any, genes coding for putative peptidase inhibitors. This may seem perplexing in the light of the fact that these organisms produce large numbers of proteases of different catalytic classes with the genes constituting up to 6% of the total gene count with the average being about 3%. Apparently, however, a unicellular life-style is fully compatible with other mechanisms of regulation of proteolysis and does not require protein inhibitors to control their intracellular and extracellular proteolytic activity. So in prokaryotes occurrence of genes encoding different types of peptidase inhibitors is infrequent and often scattered among phylogenetically distinct orders or even phyla of microbiota. Genes encoding proteins homologous to alpha-2-macroglobulin (family I39), serine carboxypeptidase Y inhibitor (family I51), alpha-1-peptidase inhibitor (family I4) and ecotin (family I11) are the most frequently represented in Bacteria. Although several of these gene products were shown to possess inhibitory activity, with an exception of ecotin and staphostatins, the biological function of microbial inhibitors is unclear. In this review we present distribution of protein inhibitors from different families among prokaryotes, describe their mode of action and hypothesize on their role in microbial physiology and interactions with hosts and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kantyka
- Department of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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Abstract
The MEROPS website (http://merops.sanger.ac.uk) includes information on peptidase inhibitors as well as on peptidases and their substrates. Displays have been put in place to link peptidases and inhibitors together. The classification of protein peptidase inhibitors is continually being revised, and currently inhibitors are grouped into 67 families based on comparisons of protein sequences. These families can be further grouped into 38 clans based on comparisons of tertiary structure. Small molecule inhibitors are important reagents for peptidase characterization and, with the increasing importance of peptidases as drug targets, they are also important to the pharmaceutical industry. Small molecule inhibitors are now included in MEROPS and over 160 summaries have been written.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil D Rawlings
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK.
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