1
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Sigal M, Matsumoto S, Beattie A, Katoh T, Suga H. Engineering tRNAs for the Ribosomal Translation of Non-proteinogenic Monomers. Chem Rev 2024; 124:6444-6500. [PMID: 38688034 PMCID: PMC11122139 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Ribosome-dependent protein biosynthesis is an essential cellular process mediated by transfer RNAs (tRNAs). Generally, ribosomally synthesized proteins are limited to the 22 proteinogenic amino acids (pAAs: 20 l-α-amino acids present in the standard genetic code, selenocysteine, and pyrrolysine). However, engineering tRNAs for the ribosomal incorporation of non-proteinogenic monomers (npMs) as building blocks has led to the creation of unique polypeptides with broad applications in cellular biology, material science, spectroscopy, and pharmaceuticals. Ribosomal polymerization of these engineered polypeptides presents a variety of challenges for biochemists, as translation efficiency and fidelity is often insufficient when employing npMs. In this Review, we will focus on the methodologies for engineering tRNAs to overcome these issues and explore recent advances both in vitro and in vivo. These efforts include increasing orthogonality, recruiting essential translation factors, and creation of expanded genetic codes. After our review on the biochemical optimizations of tRNAs, we provide examples of their use in genetic code manipulation, with a focus on the in vitro discovery of bioactive macrocyclic peptides containing npMs. Finally, an analysis of the current state of tRNA engineering is presented, along with existing challenges and future perspectives for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Sigal
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satomi Matsumoto
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Adam Beattie
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takayuki Katoh
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry,
Graduate School of Science, The University
of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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2
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Lemma B, Zhang D, Vamisetti GB, Wentz BG, Suga H, Brik A, Lubkowski J, Fushman D. Mechanism of selective recognition of Lys48-linked polyubiquitin by macrocyclic peptide inhibitors of proteasomal degradation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7212. [PMID: 37938554 PMCID: PMC10632358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43025-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification of proteins with polyubiquitin chains is a critical cellular signaling mechanism in eukaryotes with implications in various cellular states and processes. Unregulated ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation can be detrimental to cellular homeostasis, causing numerous diseases including cancers. Recently, macrocyclic peptides were developed that selectively target long Lysine-48-linked polyubiquitin chains (tetra-ubiquitin) to inhibit ubiquitin-proteasome system, leading to attenuation of tumor growth in vivo. However, structural determinants of the chain length and linkage selectivity by these cyclic peptides remained unclear. Here, we uncover the mechanism underlying cyclic peptide's affinity and binding selectivity by combining X-ray crystallography, solution NMR, and biochemical studies. We found that the peptide engages three consecutive ubiquitins that form a ring around the peptide and determined requirements for preferential selection of a specific trimer moiety in longer polyubiquitin chains. The structural insights gained from this work will guide the development of next-generation cyclic peptides with enhanced anti-cancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsegaw Lemma
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Di Zhang
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ganga B Vamisetti
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel
| | - Bryan G Wentz
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200008, Israel.
| | - Jacek Lubkowski
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - David Fushman
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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3
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Saha A, Suga H, Brik A. Combining Chemical Protein Synthesis and Random Nonstandard Peptides Integrated Discovery for Modulating Biological Processes. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:1953-1965. [PMID: 37312234 PMCID: PMC10357587 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chemical manipulation of naturally occurring peptides offers a convenient route for generating analogs to screen against different therapeutic targets. However, the limited success of the conventional chemical libraries has urged chemical biologists to adopt alternative methods such as phage and mRNA displays and create libraries of a large number of variants for the screening and selection of novel peptides. Messenger RNA (mRNA) display provides great advantages in terms of the library size and the straightforward recovery of the selected polypeptide sequences. Importantly, the integration of the flexible in vitro translation (FIT) system with the mRNA display provides the basis of the random nonstandard peptides integrated discovery (RaPID) approach for the introduction of diverse nonstandard motifs, such as unnatural side chains and backbone modifications. This platform allows the discovery of functionalized peptides with tight binding against virtually any protein of interest (POI) and therefore shows great potential in the pharmaceutical industry. However, this method has been limited to targets generated by recombinant expression, excluding its applications to uniquely modified proteins, particularly those with post-translational modifications.Chemical protein synthesis allows a wide range of changes to the protein's chemical composition to be performed, including side chain and backbone modifications and access to post-translationally modified proteins, which are often inaccessible or difficult to achieve via recombinant expression methods. Notably, d-proteins can be prepared via chemical synthesis, which has been used in mirror image phase display for the discovery of nonproteolytic d-peptide binders.Combining chemical protein synthesis with the RaPID system allows the production of a library of trillions of cyclic peptides and subsequent selection for novel cyclic peptide binders targeting a uniquely modified protein to assist in studying its unexplored biology and possibly the discovery of new drug candidates.Interestingly, the small post-translational modifier protein ubiquitin (Ub), with its various polymeric forms, regulates directly or indirectly many biochemical processes, e.g., proteasomal degradation, DNA damage repair, cell cycle regulation, etc. In this Account, we discuss combining the RaPID approach against various synthetic Ub chains for selecting effective and specific macrocyclic peptide binders. This offers an advancement in modulating central Ub pathways and provides opportunities in drug discovery areas associated with Ub signaling. We highlight experimental approaches and conceptual adaptations required to design and modulate the activity of Lys48- and Lys63-linked Ub chains by macrocyclic peptides. We also present the applications of these approaches to shed light on related biological activities and ultimately their activity against cancer. Finally, we contemplate future developments still pending in this exciting multidisciplinary field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Saha
- Schulich
Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute
of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department
of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich
Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute
of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
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4
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Wu Y, Bertran MT, Joshi D, Maslen SL, Hurd C, Walport LJ. Identification of photocrosslinking peptide ligands by mRNA display. Commun Chem 2023; 6:103. [PMID: 37258712 PMCID: PMC10232439 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00898-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoaffinity labelling is a promising method for studying protein-ligand interactions. However, obtaining a specific, efficient crosslinker can require significant optimisation. We report a modified mRNA display strategy, photocrosslinking-RaPID (XL-RaPID), and exploit its ability to accelerate the discovery of cyclic peptides that photocrosslink to a target of interest. As a proof of concept, we generated a benzophenone-containing library and applied XL-RaPID screening against a model target, the second bromodomain of BRD3. This crosslinking screening gave two optimal candidates that selectively labelled the target protein in cell lysate. Overall, this work introduces direct photocrosslinking screening as a versatile technique for identifying covalent peptide ligands from mRNA display libraries incorporating reactive warheads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuteng Wu
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - M Teresa Bertran
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dhira Joshi
- Chemical Biology, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sarah L Maslen
- Proteomics, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Catherine Hurd
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Crick-GSK Biomedical LinkLabs, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Louise J Walport
- Protein-Protein Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK.
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5
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Miura T, Malla TR, Owen CD, Tumber A, Brewitz L, McDonough MA, Salah E, Terasaka N, Katoh T, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Mikolajek H, Walsh MA, Kawamura A, Schofield CJ, Suga H. In vitro selection of macrocyclic peptide inhibitors containing cyclic γ 2,4-amino acids targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Nat Chem 2023:10.1038/s41557-023-01205-1. [PMID: 37217786 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
γ-Amino acids can play important roles in the biological activities of natural products; however, the ribosomal incorporation of γ-amino acids into peptides is challenging. Here we report how a selection campaign employing a non-canonical peptide library containing cyclic γ2,4-amino acids resulted in the discovery of very potent inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). Two kinds of cyclic γ2,4-amino acids, cis-3-aminocyclobutane carboxylic acid (γ1) and (1R,3S)-3-aminocyclopentane carboxylic acid (γ2), were ribosomally introduced into a library of thioether-macrocyclic peptides. One resultant potent Mpro inhibitor (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 50 nM), GM4, comprising 13 residues with γ1 at the fourth position, manifests a 5.2 nM dissociation constant. An Mpro:GM4 complex crystal structure reveals the intact inhibitor spans the substrate binding cleft. The γ1 interacts with the S1' catalytic subsite and contributes to a 12-fold increase in proteolytic stability compared to its alanine-substituted variant. Knowledge of interactions between GM4 and Mpro enabled production of a variant with a 5-fold increase in potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Miura
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tika R Malla
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C David Owen
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael A McDonough
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Katoh
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Halina Mikolajek
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Martin A Walsh
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Didcot, UK
| | - Akane Kawamura
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chemistry - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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6
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Huppelschoten Y, van der Heden van Noort GJ. State of the art in (semi-)synthesis of Ubiquitin- and Ubiquitin-like tools. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:74-85. [PMID: 34961664 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination is a key post-translational modification in regulating many fundamental cellular processes and dysregulation of these processes can give rise to a vast array of diseases. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms of ubiquitination hence is an important area in current ubiquitin research with as aim to understand this enigmatic process. The complexity of ubiquitin (Ub) signaling arises from the large variety of Ub conjugates, where Ub is attached to other Ub proteins, Ub-like proteins, and protein substrates. The chemical preparation of such Ub conjugates in high homogeneity and in adequate amounts contributes greatly to the deciphering of Ub signaling. The strength of these chemically synthesized conjugates lies in the chemo-selectivity in which they can be created that are sometimes difficult to obtain using biochemical methodology. In this review, we will discuss the progress in the chemical protein synthesis of state-of-the-art Ub and Ub-like chemical probes, their unique concepts and related discoveries in the ubiquitin field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Huppelschoten
- Oncode Institute and Dept. Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk Research Park, Måløv, Denmark
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7
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Yang J, Zhu Q, Wu Y, Qu X, Liu H, Jiang B, Ge D, Song X. Utilization of macrocyclic peptides to target protein-protein interactions in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:992171. [PMID: 36465350 PMCID: PMC9714258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.992171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play vital roles in normal cellular processes. Dysregulated PPIs are involved in the process of various diseases, including cancer. Thus, these PPIs may serve as potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. However, despite rapid advances in small-molecule drugs and biologics, it is still hard to target PPIs, especially for those intracellular PPIs. Macrocyclic peptides have gained growing attention for their therapeutic properties in targeting dysregulated PPIs. Macrocyclic peptides have some unique features, such as moderate sizes, high selectivity, and high binding affinities, which make them good drug candidates. In addition, some oncology macrocyclic peptide drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use. Here, we reviewed the recent development of macrocyclic peptides in cancer treatment. The opportunities and challenges were also discussed to inspire new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Qu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Song
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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8
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Selective macrocyclic peptide modulators of Lys63-linked ubiquitin chains disrupt DNA damage repair. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6174. [PMID: 36257952 PMCID: PMC9579194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33808-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing an effective binder for a specific ubiquitin (Ub) chain is a promising approach for modulating various biological processes with potential applications in drug discovery. Here, we combine the Random Non-standard Peptides Integrated Discovery (RaPID) method and chemical protein synthesis to screen an extended library of macrocyclic peptides against synthetic Lys63-linked Di-Ub to discover a specific binder for this Ub chain. Furthermore, next-generation binders are generated by chemical modifications. We show that our potent cyclic peptide is cell-permeable, and inhibits DNA damage repair, leading to apoptotic cell death. Concordantly, a pulldown experiment with the biotinylated analog of our lead cyclic peptide supports our findings. Collectively, we establish a powerful strategy for selective inhibition of protein-protein interactions associated with Lys63-linked Di-Ub using cyclic peptides. This study offers an advancement in modulating central Ub pathways and provides opportunities in drug discovery areas associated with Ub signaling.
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9
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Vanjari R, Panda D, Mandal S, Vamisetti GB, Brik A. Gold(I)-Mediated Rapid Cyclization of Propargylated Peptides via Imine Formation. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:4966-4976. [PMID: 35258952 PMCID: PMC8949771 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In fundamental research and drug discovery, there is still a need for effective and straightforward chemical approaches for generating cyclic peptides. The divergent synthesis of cyclic peptides remains a challenge, in particular when cyclization is carried out in the presence of unprotected side chains and a nonpeptidic component within the cycle is needed. Herein, we describe a novel and efficient strategy based on Au(I)-mediated cyclization of unprotected peptides through rapid (30-60 min) amine addition on a propargyl group to generate an imine linkage. Mechanistic insights reveal that the reaction proceeds via regioselective Markovnikov's addition of the amine on the Au(I)-activated propargyl. This strategy was successfully applied to prepare efficiently (56-94%) over 35 diverse cyclic peptides having different sequences and lengths. We have also achieved stereoselective reduction of cyclic imines employing chiral ligands. The practicality of our method was extended for the synthesis of cyclic peptides that bind Lys48-linked di-ubiquitin chains with high affinity, leading to apoptosis of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwer Vanjari
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Deepanjan Panda
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Shaswati Mandal
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Ganga B Vamisetti
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
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10
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Buyanova M, Pei D. Targeting intracellular protein-protein interactions with macrocyclic peptides. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:234-248. [PMID: 34911657 PMCID: PMC8840965 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are challenging targets for traditional drug modalities. Macrocyclic peptides (MPs) prove highly effective PPI inhibitors in vitro and can be rapidly discovered against PPI targets by rational design or screening combinatorial libraries but are generally impermeable to the cell membrane. Recent advances in MP science and technology are allowing for the development of 'drug-like' MPs that potently and specifically modulate intracellular PPI targets in cell culture and animal models. In this review, we highlight recent progress in generating cell-permeable MPs that enter the mammalian cell by passive diffusion, endocytosis followed by endosomal escape, or as-yet unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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11
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Vanjari R, Eid E, Vamisetti GB, Mandal S, Brik A. Highly Efficient Cyclization Approach of Propargylated Peptides via Gold(I)-Mediated Sequential C-N, C-O, and C-C Bond Formation. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:2021-2028. [PMID: 34966846 PMCID: PMC8711126 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.1c00969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A rapid and efficient cyclization of unprotected N-propargylated peptides using the Au(I) organometallic complex is reported. The method relies on the activation of the propargyl functionality using gold(I) to produce a new linkage with the N-terminus amine at the cyclization site. The presented method features a fast reaction rate (within 20 min), mild conditions, chemoselectivity, wide sequence scope, and high yields (up to 87%). The strategy was successfully tested on a wide variety of 30 unprotected peptides having various sequences and lengths, thus providing access to structurally distinct cyclic peptides. The practical usefulness of this method was demonstrated in producing peptides that bind efficiently to Lys48-linked di- and tetra-ubiquitin chains. The new cyclic peptide modulators exhibited high permeability to living cells and promoted apoptosis via binding with the endogenous Lys48-linked ubiquitin chains.
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12
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Gutkin S, Gandhesiri S, Brik A, Shabat D. Synthesis and Evaluation of Ubiquitin-Dioxetane Conjugate as a Chemiluminescent Probe for Monitoring Deubiquitinase Activity. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:2141-2147. [PMID: 34549948 PMCID: PMC8589252 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The removal of ubiquitin (Ub) from
a modified protein or Ub chain
is a process that occurs regularly by the ubiquitin–proteasome
system. This process is known to be mediated by various deubiquitinating
enzymes (DUBs) in order to control the protein’s half-life
and its expression levels among many other signaling processes. Since
the function of DUBs is also involved in numerous human diseases,
such as cancer, there is an obvious need for an effective diagnostic
probe that can monitor the activity of these enzymes. We have developed
the first chemiluminescence probe for detection of DUBs activity.
The probe was prepared by conjugation of the chemically synthesized
C-terminally activated Ub(1-75) with a Gly-enolether precursor. Subsequent
oxidation, under aqueous conditions, of the enolether conjuagate with
singlet-oxygen furnished the dioxetane probe Ub-CL. This
synthesis provides the first example of a dioxetane–luminophore
protein conjugate. The probe’s ability to detect deubiquitinating
activity was successfully validated with three different DUBs. In
order to demonstrate the advantage of our new probe, comparison measurements
for detection of DUB UCH-L3 activity were performed between the chemiluminescent
probe Ub-CL and the well-known Ub-AMC probe.
The obtained data showed significantly higher S/N, for probe Ub-CL (>93-fold) in comparison to that observed for Ub-AMC (1.5-fold). We anticipate that the successful design
and synthesis of the turn-ON protein–dioxetane conjugate probe,
demonstrated in this work, will provide the insight and motivation
for preparation of other relevant protein–dioxetane conjugates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gutkin
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Satish Gandhesiri
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Ashraf Brik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200008, Israel
| | - Doron Shabat
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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13
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Goto Y, Suga H. The RaPID Platform for the Discovery of Pseudo-Natural Macrocyclic Peptides. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:3604-3617. [PMID: 34505781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although macrocyclic peptides bearing exotic building blocks have proven their utility as pharmaceuticals, the sources of macrocyclic peptide drugs have been largely limited to mimetics of native peptides or natural product peptides. However, the recent emergence of technologies for discovering de novo bioactive peptides has led to their reconceptualization as a promising therapeutic modality. For the construction and screening of libraries of such macrocyclic peptides, our group has devised a platform to conduct affinity-based selection of massive libraries (>1012 unique sequences) of in vitro expressed macrocyclic peptides, which is referred to as the random nonstandard peptides integrated discovery (RaPID) system. The RaPID system integrates genetic code reprogramming using the FIT (flexible in vitro translation) system, which is largely facilitated by flexizymes (flexible tRNA-aminoacylating ribozymes), with mRNA display technology.We have demonstrated that the RaPID system enables rapid discovery of various de novo pseudo-natural peptide ligands for protein targets of interest. Many examples discussed in this Account prove that thioether-closed macrocyclic peptides (teMPs) obtained by the RaPID system generally exhibit remarkably high affinity and specificity, thereby potently inhibiting or activating a specific function(s) of the target. Moreover, such teMPs are used for a wide range of biochemical applications, for example, as crystallization chaperones for intractable transmembrane proteins and for in vivo recognition of specific cell types. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that some teMPs exhibit pharmacological activities in animal models and that even intracellular proteins can be inhibited by teMPs, illustrating the potential of this class of peptides as drug leads.Besides the ring-closing thioether linkage in the teMPs, genetic code reprogramming by the FIT system allows for incorporation of a variety of other exotic building blocks. For instance, diverse nonproteinogenic amino acids, hydroxy acids (ester linkage), amino carbothioic acid (thioamide linkage), and abiotic foldamer units have been successfully incorporated into ribosomally synthesized peptides. Despite such enormous successes in the conventional FIT system, multiple or consecutive incorporation of highly exotic amino acids, such as d- and β-amino acids, is yet challenging, and particularly the synthesis of peptides bearing non-carbonyl backbone structures remains a demanding task. To upgrade the RaPID system to the next generation, we have engaged in intensive manipulation of the FIT system to expand the structural diversity of peptides accessible by our in vitro biosynthesis strategy. Semilogical engineering of tRNA body sequences led to a new suppressor tRNA (tRNAPro1E2) capable of effectively recruiting translation factors, particularly EF-Tu and EF-P. The use of tRNAPro1E2 in the FIT system allows for not only single but also consecutive and multiple elongation of exotic amino acids, such as d-, β-, and γ-amino acids as well as aminobenzoic acids. Moreover, the integration of the FIT system with various chemical or enzymatic posttranslational modifications enables us to expand the range of accessible backbone structures to non-carbonyl moieties prominent in natural products and peptidomimetics. In such systems, FIT-expressed peptides undergo multistep backbone conversions in a one-pot manner to yield designer peptides composed of modified backbones such as azolines, azoles, and ring-closing pyridines. Our current research endeavors focus on applying such in vitro biosynthesis systems for the discovery of bioactive de novo pseudo-natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Goto
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Kamalinia G, Grindel BJ, Takahashi TT, Millward SW, Roberts RW. Directing evolution of novel ligands by mRNA display. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:9055-9103. [PMID: 34165126 PMCID: PMC8725378 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00160d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
mRNA display is a powerful biological display platform for the directed evolution of proteins and peptides. mRNA display libraries covalently link the displayed peptide or protein (phenotype) with the encoding genetic information (genotype) through the biochemical activity of the small molecule puromycin. Selection for peptide/protein function is followed by amplification of the linked genetic material and generation of a library enriched in functional sequences. Iterative selection cycles are then performed until the desired level of function is achieved, at which time the identity of candidate peptides can be obtained by sequencing the genetic material. The purpose of this review is to discuss the development of mRNA display technology since its inception in 1997 and to comprehensively review its use in the selection of novel peptides and proteins. We begin with an overview of the biochemical mechanism of mRNA display and its variants with a particular focus on its advantages and disadvantages relative to other biological display technologies. We then discuss the importance of scaffold choice in mRNA display selections and review the results of selection experiments with biological (e.g., fibronectin) and linear peptide library architectures. We then explore recent progress in the development of "drug-like" peptides by mRNA display through the post-translational covalent macrocyclization and incorporation of non-proteogenic functionalities. We conclude with an examination of enabling technologies that increase the speed of selection experiments, enhance the information obtained in post-selection sequence analysis, and facilitate high-throughput characterization of lead compounds. We hope to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of current state and future trajectory of mRNA display and its broad utility as a peptide and protein design tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Kamalinia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Henneberg LT, Schulman BA. Decoding the messaging of the ubiquitin system using chemical and protein probes. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:889-902. [PMID: 33831368 PMCID: PMC7611516 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modification of proteins by ubiquitin is required for nearly all aspects of eukaryotic cell function. The numerous targets of ubiquitylation, and variety of ubiquitin modifications, are often likened to a code, where the ultimate messages are diverse responses to target ubiquitylation. E1, E2, and E3 multiprotein enzymatic assemblies modify specific targets and thus function as messengers. Recent advances in chemical and protein tools have revolutionized our ability to explore the ubiquitin system, through enabling new high-throughput screening methods, matching ubiquitylation enzymes with their cellular targets, revealing intricate allosteric mechanisms regulating ubiquitylating enzymes, facilitating structural revelation of transient assemblies determined by multivalent interactions, and providing new paradigms for inhibiting and redirecting ubiquitylation in vivo as new therapeutics. Here we discuss the development of methods that control, disrupt, and extract the flow of information across the ubiquitin system and have enabled elucidation of the underlying molecular and cellular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas T Henneberg
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Brenda A Schulman
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
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