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Levintov L, Gorai B, Vashisth H. Spontaneous Dimerization and Distinct Packing Modes of Transmembrane Domains in Receptor Tyrosine Kinases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593448. [PMID: 38798363 PMCID: PMC11118388 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) are homodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that transduce signals across the membrane on binding of extracellular peptide ligands. The structures of IR/IGF1R fragments in apo and liganded states have revealed that the extracellular subunits of these receptors adopt Lambda-shaped configurations to which are connected the intracellular tyrosine kinase (TK) domains. The binding of peptide ligands induces structural transitions in the extracellular subunits leading to potential dimerization of transmembrane domains (TMDs) and autophosphorylation in TKs. However, the activation mechanisms of IR/IGF1R, especially the role of TMDs in coordinating signal-inducing structural transitions, remain poorly understood, in part due to the lack of structures of full-length receptors in apo or liganded states. While atomistic simulations of IR/IGF1R TMDs showed that these domains can dimerize in single component membranes, spontaneous unbiased dimerization in a plasma membrane having physiologically representative lipid composition has not been observed. We address this limitation by employing coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics simulations to probe the dimerization propensity of IR/IGF1R TMDs. We observed that TMDs in both receptors spontaneously dimerized independent of their initial orientations in their dissociated states, signifying their natural propensity for dimerization. In the dimeric state, IR TMDs predominantly adopted X-shaped configurations with asymmetric helical packing and significant tilt relative to the membrane normal, while IGF1R TMDs adopted symmetric V-shaped or parallel configurations with either no tilt or a small tilt relative to the membrane normal. Our results suggest that IR/IGF1R TMDs spontaneously dimerize and adopt distinct dimerized configurations.
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2
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Tsuchiya Y, Yonezawa T, Yamamori Y, Inoura H, Osawa M, Ikeda K, Tomii K. PoSSuM v.3: A Major Expansion of the PoSSuM Database for Finding Similar Binding Sites of Proteins. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7578-7587. [PMID: 38016694 PMCID: PMC10716853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01405] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Information on structures of protein-ligand complexes, including comparisons of known and putative protein-ligand-binding pockets, is valuable for protein annotation and drug discovery and development. To facilitate biomedical and pharmaceutical research, we developed PoSSuM (https://possum.cbrc.pj.aist.go.jp/PoSSuM/), a database for identifying similar binding pockets in proteins. The current PoSSuM database includes 191 million similar pairs among almost 10 million identified pockets. PoSSuM drug search (PoSSuMds) is a resource for investigating ligand and receptor diversity among a set of pockets that can bind to an approved drug compound. The enhanced PoSSuMds covers pockets associated with both approved drugs and drug candidates in clinical trials from the latest release of ChEMBL. Additionally, we developed two new databases: PoSSuMAg for investigating antibody-antigen interactions and PoSSuMAF to simplify exploring putative pockets in AlphaFold human protein models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Tsuchiya
- Artificial
Intelligence Research Center, National Institute
of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Tomoki Yonezawa
- Division
of Physics for Life Functions, Keio University
Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
| | - Yu Yamamori
- Artificial
Intelligence Research Center, National Institute
of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Hiroko Inoura
- Artificial
Intelligence Research Center, National Institute
of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
| | - Masanori Osawa
- Division
of Physics for Life Functions, Keio University
Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ikeda
- Division
of Physics for Life Functions, Keio University
Faculty of Pharmacy, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan
- Medicinal
Chemistry Applied AI Unit, HPC- and AI-driven Drug Development Platform
Division, RIKEN Center for Computational
Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tomii
- Artificial
Intelligence Research Center, National Institute
of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2-4-7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan
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3
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Yunn NO, Kim J, Ryu SH, Cho Y. A stepwise activation model for the insulin receptor. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2147-2161. [PMID: 37779149 PMCID: PMC10618199 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01101-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding of insulin to the insulin receptor (IR) triggers a cascade of receptor conformational changes and autophosphorylation, leading to the activation of metabolic and mitogenic pathways. Recent advances in the structural and functional analyses of IR have revealed the conformations of the extracellular domains of the IR in inactive and fully activated states. However, the early activation mechanisms of this receptor remain poorly understood. The structures of partially activated IR in complex with aptamers provide clues for understanding the initial activation mechanism. In this review, we discuss the structural and functional features of IR complexed with various ligands and propose a model to explain the sequential activation mechanism. Moreover, we discuss the structures of IR complexed with biased agonists that selectively activate metabolic pathways and provide insights into the design of selective agonists and their clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Oh Yunn
- Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Junhong Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Ryu
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunje Cho
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea.
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4
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Lubos M, Pícha J, Selicharová I, Žák J, Buděšínský M, Mitrová K, Žáková L, Jiráček J. Modulation of the antagonistic properties of an insulin mimetic peptide by disulfide bridge modifications. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3478. [PMID: 36633503 PMCID: PMC10909431 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3478] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Insulin is a peptide responsible for regulating the metabolic homeostasis of the organism; it elicits its effects through binding to the transmembrane insulin receptor (IR). Insulin mimetics with agonistic or antagonistic effects toward the receptor are an exciting field of research and could find applications in treating diabetes or malignant diseases. We prepared five variants of a previously reported 20-amino acid insulin-mimicking peptide. These peptides differ from each other by the structure of the covalent bridge connecting positions 11 and 18. In addition to the peptide with a disulfide bridge, a derivative with a dicarba bridge and three derivatives with a 1,2,3-triazole differing from each other by the presence of sulfur or oxygen in their staples were prepared. The strongest binding to IR was exhibited by the peptide with a disulfide bridge. All other derivatives only weakly bound to IR, and a relationship between increasing bridge length and lower binding affinity can be inferred. Despite their nanomolar affinities, none of the prepared peptide mimetics was able to activate the insulin receptor even at high concentrations, but all mimetics were able to inhibit insulin-induced receptor activation. However, the receptor remained approximately 30% active even at the highest concentration of the agents; thus, the agents behave as partial antagonists. An interesting observation is that these mimetic peptides do not antagonize insulin action in proportion to their binding affinities. The compounds characterized in this study show that it is possible to modulate the functional properties of insulin receptor peptide ligands using disulfide mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lubos
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Jan Pícha
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Irena Selicharová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Jíří Žák
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Miloš Buděšínský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Katarína Mitrová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Lenka Žáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
| | - Jiří Jiráček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPrahaCzech Republic
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5
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Abstract
Insulin is a peptide hormone essential for maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Individuals unable to secrete sufficient insulin or not able to respond properly to insulin develop diabetes. Since the discovery of insulin its structure and function has been intensively studied with the aim to develop effective diabetes treatments. The three-dimensional crystal structure of this 51 amino acid peptide paved the way for discoveries, outlined in this review, of determinants important for receptor binding and hormone stability that have been instrumental in development of insulin analogs used in the clinic today. Important for the future development of effective diabetes treatments will be a detailed understanding of the insulin receptor structure and function. Determination of the three-dimensional structure of the insulin receptor, a receptor tyrosine kinase, proved challenging but with the recent advent of high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy significant progress has been made. There are now >40 structures of the insulin:insulin receptor complex deposited in the Protein Data Bank. From these structures we have a detailed picture of how insulin binds and activates the receptor. Still lacking are details of the initial binding events and the exact sequence of structural changes within the receptor and insulin. In this review, the focus will be on the most recent structural studies of insulin:insulin receptor complexes and how they have contributed to the current understanding of insulin receptor activation and signaling outcome. Molecular mechanisms underlying insulin receptor signaling bias emerging from the latest structures are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briony E Forbes
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
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6
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Park C, Zhang Y, Jung JU, Buron LD, Lin NP, Hoeg-Jensen T, Chou DHC. Antagonistic Insulin Derivative Suppresses Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37227951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Insulin derivatives provide new functions that are distinctive from native insulin. We investigated insulin modifications on the C-terminal A chain with insulin receptor (IR) peptide binders and presented a full and potent IR antagonist. We prepared insulin precursors featuring a sortase A (SrtA) recognition sequence, LPETGG, at the C-terminal A chain and used a SrtA-mediated ligation method to synthesize insulin derivatives. The insulin precursor exhibits full IR agonism potency, similar to native human insulin. We explored derivatives with linear IR binding peptides attached to the insulin C-terminal A chain. One insulin derivative with an IR binder (Ins-AC-S2) can fully antagonize IR activation by insulin, as confirmed by cell-based assays. This IR antagonist suppresses insulin-induced hypoglycemia in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. This study provides a new direction toward insulin antagonist development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Park
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Yanxian Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Jae Un Jung
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Line Due Buron
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, 2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Nai-Pin Lin
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | | | - Danny Hung-Chieh Chou
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
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7
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Lin J, Selicharová I, Mitrová K, Fabre B, Miriyala VM, Lepšík M, Jiráček J, Hernández MSG. Targeting the insulin receptor with hormone and peptide dimers. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3461. [PMID: 36336650 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Insulin is a key hormone involved in the regulation of overall energetic homeostasis of the organism. The dimeric character of the receptor for insulin evokes ideas about its activation or inhibition with peptide dimers that could either trigger or block the structural transition of the insulin receptor, leading to its activation. Herewith, we present the chemical engineering and biological characterization of several series of insulin dimers or dimers of specific peptides that should be able to bind receptors for insulin or insulin growth factor 1. The hormones or peptides in the dimers were interconnected with different linkers, consisting of triazole moieties and 3, 6, 8, 11, or 23 polyethylene glycol units. The prepared dimers were weaker in binding to insulin receptors than human insulin. However, some of the insulin dimers showed preferential binding specificity toward the isoform A of the insulin receptor, and the insulin dimers also stimulated the insulin receptor more strongly than would be consistent with their binding affinities. Our results suggest that designing insulin dimers may be a promising strategy for modulating the ability of the hormone to activate the receptor or to alter its specificity toward insulin receptor isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Lin
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Irena Selicharová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Mitrová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Benjamin Fabre
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vijay Madhav Miriyala
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Lepšík
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Jiráček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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8
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Kim J, Yunn NO, Park M, Kim J, Park S, Kim Y, Noh J, Ryu SH, Cho Y. Functional selectivity of insulin receptor revealed by aptamer-trapped receptor structures. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6500. [PMID: 36310231 PMCID: PMC9618554 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34292-8] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of insulin receptor (IR) initiates a cascade of conformational changes and autophosphorylation events. Herein, we determined three structures of IR trapped by aptamers using cryo-electron microscopy. The A62 agonist aptamer selectively activates metabolic signaling. In the absence of insulin, the two A62 aptamer agonists of IR adopt an insulin-accessible arrowhead conformation by mimicking site-1/site-2' insulin coordination. Insulin binding at one site triggers conformational changes in one protomer, but this movement is blocked in the other protomer by A62 at the opposite site. A62 binding captures two unique conformations of IR with a similar stalk arrangement, which underlie Tyr1150 mono-phosphorylation (m-pY1150) and selective activation for metabolic signaling. The A43 aptamer, a positive allosteric modulator, binds at the opposite side of the insulin-binding module, and stabilizes the single insulin-bound IR structure that brings two FnIII-3 regions into closer proximity for full activation. Our results suggest that spatial proximity of the two FnIII-3 ends is important for m-pY1150, but multi-phosphorylation of IR requires additional conformational rearrangement of intracellular domains mediated by coordination between extracellular and transmembrane domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Oh Yunn
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Mangeun Park
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Jihan Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Seongeun Park
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojoong Kim
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongeun Noh
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Postech Biotech Center, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Ryu
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
| | - Yunje Cho
- grid.49100.3c0000 0001 0742 4007Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673 Republic of Korea
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9
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Kirk NS, Chen Q, Wu YG, Asante AL, Hu H, Espinosa JF, Martínez-Olid F, Margetts MB, Mohammed FA, Kiselyov VV, Barrett DG, Lawrence MC. Activation of the human insulin receptor by non-insulin-related peptides. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5695. [PMID: 36171189 PMCID: PMC9519552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The human insulin receptor signalling system plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis. Insulin binding brings about extensive conformational change in the receptor extracellular region that in turn effects trans-activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domains and downstream signalling. Of particular therapeutic interest is whether insulin receptor signalling can be replicated by molecules other than insulin. Here, we present single-particle cryoEM structures that show how a 33-mer polypeptide unrelated to insulin can cross-link two sites on the receptor surface and direct the receptor into a signalling-active conformation. The 33-mer polypeptide engages the receptor by two helical binding motifs that are each potentially mimicable by small molecules. The resultant conformation of the receptor is distinct from—but related to—those in extant three-dimensional structures of the insulin-complexed receptor. Our findings thus illuminate unexplored pathways for controlling the signalling of the insulin receptor as well as opportunities for development of insulin mimetics. The regulation of plasma glucose levels is effected by insulin. Here, the authors reveal atomic detail of how peptides distinct from insulin bind to and activate the insulin receptor, with implications for design of small-molecule insulin mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Kirk
- WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Qi Chen
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Yingzhe Ginger Wu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | | | - Haitao Hu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Juan F Espinosa
- Centro de Investigación Lilly S.A., Avda. de la Industria 30, Alcobendas, Madrid, 28108, Spain
| | - Francisco Martínez-Olid
- Centro de Investigación Lilly S.A., Avda. de la Industria 30, Alcobendas, Madrid, 28108, Spain
| | | | - Faiz A Mohammed
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | | | - David G Barrett
- Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA.
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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10
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Activation of the insulin receptor by an insulin mimetic peptide. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5594. [PMID: 36151101 PMCID: PMC9508239 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin receptor (IR) signaling defects cause a variety of metabolic diseases including diabetes. Moreover, inherited mutations of the IR cause severe insulin resistance, leading to early morbidity and mortality with limited therapeutic options. A previously reported selective IR agonist without sequence homology to insulin, S597, activates IR and mimics insulin's action on glycemic control. To elucidate the mechanism of IR activation by S597, we determine cryo-EM structures of the mouse IR/S597 complex. Unlike the compact T-shaped active IR resulting from the binding of four insulins to two distinct sites, two S597 molecules induce and stabilize an extended T-shaped IR through the simultaneous binding to both the L1 domain of one protomer and the FnIII-1 domain of another. Importantly, S597 fully activates IR mutants that disrupt insulin binding or destabilize the insulin-induced compact T-shape, thus eliciting insulin-like signaling. S597 also selectively activates IR signaling among different tissues and triggers IR endocytosis in the liver. Overall, our structural and functional studies guide future efforts to develop insulin mimetics targeting insulin resistance caused by defects in insulin binding and stabilization of insulin-activated state of IR, demonstrating the potential of structure-based drug design for insulin-resistant diseases.
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11
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Zhang X, Zhu X, Bi X, Huang J, Zhou L. The Insulin Receptor: An Important Target for the Development of Novel Medicines and Pesticides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147793. [PMID: 35887136 PMCID: PMC9325136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) is a transmembrane protein that is activated by ligands in insulin signaling pathways. The IR has been considered as a novel therapeutic target for clinical intervention, considering the overexpression of its protein and A-isoform in multiple cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. Meanwhile, it may also serve as a potential target in pest management due to its multiple physiological influences in insects. In this review, we provide an overview of the structural and molecular biology of the IR, functions of IRs in humans and insects, physiological and nonpeptide small molecule modulators of the IR, and the regulating mechanisms of the IR. Xenobiotic compounds and the corresponding insecticidal chemicals functioning on the IR are also discussed. This review is expected to provide useful information for a better understanding of human IR-related diseases, as well as to facilitate the development of novel small-molecule activators and inhibitors of the IR for use as medicines or pesticides.
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12
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Xu Y, Margetts MB, Venugopal H, Menting JG, Kirk NS, Croll TI, Delaine C, Forbes BE, Lawrence MC. How insulin-like growth factor I binds to a hybrid insulin receptor type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor. Structure 2022; 30:1098-1108.e6. [PMID: 35660159 PMCID: PMC9364964 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.05.007] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Monomers of the insulin receptor and type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) can combine stochastically to form heterodimeric hybrid receptors. These hybrid receptors display ligand binding and signaling properties that differ from those of the homodimeric receptors. Here, we describe the cryoelectron microscopy structure of such a hybrid receptor in complex with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The structure (ca. 3.7 Å resolution) displays a single IGF-I ligand, bound in a similar fashion to that seen for IGFs in complex with IGF-1R. The IGF-I ligand engages the first leucine-rich-repeat domain and cysteine-rich region of the IGF-1R monomer (rather than those of the insulin receptor monomer), consistent with the determinants for IGF binding residing in the IGF-1R cysteine-rich region. The structure broadens our understanding of this receptor family and assists in delineating the key structural motifs involved in binding their respective ligands. A cryo-EM structure of IGF-I bound to a hybrid IR/IGF-1R ectodomain is presented The structure is congruent to those of the single-liganded homodimeric receptors
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Xu
- WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | | | - Hari Venugopal
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - John G Menting
- WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Nicholas S Kirk
- WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Tristan I Croll
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Keith Peters Building, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Carlie Delaine
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Briony E Forbes
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.
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13
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Jarosinski MA, Chen YS, Varas N, Dhayalan B, Chatterjee D, Weiss MA. New Horizons: Next-Generation Insulin Analogues: Structural Principles and Clinical Goals. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:909-928. [PMID: 34850005 PMCID: PMC8947325 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Design of "first-generation" insulin analogues over the past 3 decades has provided pharmaceutical formulations with tailored pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties. Application of a molecular tool kit-integrating protein sequence, chemical modification, and formulation-has thus led to improved prandial and basal formulations for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Although PK/PD changes were modest in relation to prior formulations of human and animal insulins, significant clinical advantages in efficacy (mean glycemia) and safety (rates of hypoglycemia) were obtained. Continuing innovation is providing further improvements to achieve ultrarapid and ultrabasal analogue formulations in an effort to reduce glycemic variability and optimize time in range. Beyond such PK/PD metrics, next-generation insulin analogues seek to exploit therapeutic mechanisms: glucose-responsive ("smart") analogues, pathway-specific ("biased") analogues, and organ-targeted analogues. Smart insulin analogues and delivery systems promise to mitigate hypoglycemic risk, a critical barrier to glycemic control, whereas biased and organ-targeted insulin analogues may better recapitulate physiologic hormonal regulation. In each therapeutic class considerations of cost and stability will affect use and global distribution. This review highlights structural principles underlying next-generation design efforts, their respective biological rationale, and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Nicolás Varas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Correspondence: Michael A. Weiss, MD, PhD, Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS 4053, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3082 USA.
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Abstract
Insulin therapy has a long history at the cutting edge of technological development through purification, extended-action, molecular chemistry, and devices, and in support technologies including self-measurement and patient education. But unmet needs remain large. Today's therapy cannot deliver minute-to-minute control of glucose levels, and cannot imitate the reflex/incretin driven physiological insulin delivery at mealtimes. Further it depends on a raft of devices for administration several times a day, devices liked for their functionality, but disliked as an intrusive reminder of the condition, several times a day. Approaches to overcoming these barriers include closed-loop systems and further modification of insulin formulations, but are limited by fundamental underlying difficulties. While clinical studies of oral insulin are in progress, the barriers to success look daunting. Development of small-molecule approaches (insulin-mimetic tablets) appears to have stalled, while concepts for glucose-responsive insulin as yet fail to deliver the necessary insulin-to-glucose gradient. Gene therapy, feasible in animals in preliminary studies, is not capable of providing feedback control. Transplantation of cultured islets and islet B-cells from stem cells thus looks to the be the best long-term prospect for insulin delivery in terms of overcoming the above barriers, but is a true biotechnological tour-de-force which will take time to mature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Home
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, UK.
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15
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Home PD, Mehta R. Insulin therapy development beyond 100 years. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:695-707. [PMID: 34480874 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00182-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The first insulin preparation capable of consistently lowering blood glucose was developed in 1921. But 100 years later, blood glucose control with insulin in people with diabetes is nearly universally suboptimal, with essentially the same molecule still delivered by the same inappropriate subcutaneous injection route. Bypassing this route with oral administration appears to have become technologically feasible, accelerating over the past 50 years, either with packaged insulin peptides or by chemical insulin mimetics. Some of the problems of prospective unregulated absorption of insulin into the circulation from subcutaneous depots might be overcome with glucose-responsive insulins. Approaches to these problems could be modification of the peptide by adducts, or the use of nanoparticles or insulin patches, which deliver insulin according to glucose concentration. Some attention has been paid to targeting insulin preferentially to different organs, either by molecular engineering of insulin, or with adducts. But all these approaches still have problems in even beginning to match the responsiveness of physiological insulin delivery to metabolic requirements, both prandially and basally. As would be expected, for all these technically complex approaches, many examples of abandoned development can be found. Meanwhile, it is becoming possible to change the duration of action of subcutaneous injected insulin analogues to act even more rapidly for meals, and towards weekly insulin for basal administration. The state of the art of all these approaches, and the barriers to success, are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Home
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Roopa Mehta
- Metabolic Diseases Research Unit, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin's discovery 100 years ago and its ongoing use since that time to treat diabetes belies the molecular complexity of its structure and that of its receptor. Advances in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy have over the past three years revolutionized our understanding of the atomic detail of insulin-receptor interactions. SCOPE OF REVIEW This review describes the three-dimensional structure of insulin and its receptor and details on how they interact. This review also highlights the current gaps in our structural understanding of the system. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS A near-complete picture has been obtained of the hormone receptor interactions, providing new insights into the kinetics of the interactions and necessitating a revision of the extant two-site cross-linking model of hormone receptor engagement. How insulin initially engages the receptor and the receptor's traversed trajectory as it undergoes conformational changes associated with activation remain areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Lawrence
- WEHI, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia.
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17
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Jarosinski MA, Dhayalan B, Chen YS, Chatterjee D, Varas N, Weiss MA. Structural principles of insulin formulation and analog design: A century of innovation. Mol Metab 2021; 52:101325. [PMID: 34428558 PMCID: PMC8513154 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of insulin in 1921 and its near-immediate clinical use initiated a century of innovation. Advances extended across a broad front, from the stabilization of animal insulin formulations to the frontiers of synthetic peptide chemistry, and in turn, from the advent of recombinant DNA manufacturing to structure-based protein analog design. In each case, a creative interplay was observed between pharmaceutical applications and then-emerging principles of protein science; indeed, translational objectives contributed to a growing molecular understanding of protein structure, aggregation and misfolding. SCOPE OF REVIEW Pioneering crystallographic analyses-beginning with Hodgkin's solving of the 2-Zn insulin hexamer-elucidated general features of protein self-assembly, including zinc coordination and the allosteric transmission of conformational change. Crystallization of insulin was exploited both as a step in manufacturing and as a means of obtaining protracted action. Forty years ago, the confluence of recombinant human insulin with techniques for site-directed mutagenesis initiated the present era of insulin analogs. Variant or modified insulins were developed that exhibit improved prandial or basal pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Encouraged by clinical trials demonstrating the long-term importance of glycemic control, regimens based on such analogs sought to resemble daily patterns of endogenous β-cell secretion more closely, ideally with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Next-generation insulin analog design seeks to explore new frontiers, including glucose-responsive insulins, organ-selective analogs and biased agonists tailored to address yet-unmet clinical needs. In the coming decade, we envision ever more powerful scientific synergies at the interface of structural biology, molecular physiology and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Jarosinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Balamurugan Dhayalan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Yen-Shan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Deepak Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Nicolás Varas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA
| | - Michael A Weiss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA; Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, 47405, IN, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA.
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18
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Multipodal insulin mimetics built on adamantane or proline scaffolds. Bioorg Chem 2020; 107:104548. [PMID: 33358613 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Multi-orthogonal molecular scaffolds can be applied as core structures of bioactive compounds. Here, we prepared four tri-orthogonal scaffolds based on adamantane or proline skeletons. The scaffolds were used for the solid-phase synthesis of model insulin mimetics bearing two different peptides on the scaffolds. We found that adamantane-derived compounds bind to the insulin receptor more effectively (Kd value of 0.5 μM) than proline-derived compounds (Kd values of 15-38 μM) bearing the same peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that spacers between peptides and central scaffolds can provide greater flexibility that can contribute to increased binding affinity. Molecular modeling showed possible binding modes of mimetics to the insulin receptor. Our data show that the structure of the central scaffold and flexibility of attached peptides in this type of compound are important and that different scaffolds should be considered when designing peptide hormone mimetics.
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19
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A structurally minimized yet fully active insulin based on cone-snail venom insulin principles. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:615-624. [PMID: 32483339 PMCID: PMC7374640 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human insulin and its current therapeutic analogs all show propensity, albeit varyingly, to self-associate into dimers and hexamers, which delays their onset of action and makes blood glucose management difficult for people with diabetes. Recently, we described a monomeric, insulin-like peptide in cone-snail venom with moderate human insulin-like bioactivity. Here, with insights from structural biology studies, we report the development of mini-Ins-a human des-octapeptide insulin analog-as a structurally minimal, full-potency insulin. Mini-Ins is monomeric and, despite the lack of the canonical B-chain C-terminal octapeptide, has similar receptor binding affinity to human insulin. Four mutations compensate for the lack of contacts normally made by the octapeptide. Mini-Ins also has similar in vitro insulin signaling and in vivo bioactivities to human insulin. The full bioactivity of mini-Ins demonstrates the dispensability of the PheB24-PheB25-TyrB26 aromatic triplet and opens a new direction for therapeutic insulin development.
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20
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Mitrofanova A, Sosa MA, Fornoni A. Lipid mediators of insulin signaling in diabetic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 317:F1241-F1252. [PMID: 31545927 PMCID: PMC6879940 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00379.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects ∼40% of patients with diabetes and is associated with high mortality rates. Among different cellular targets in DKD, podocytes, highly specialized epithelial cells of the glomerular filtration barrier, are injured in the early stages of DKD. Both clinical and experimental data support the role of preserved insulin signaling as a major contributor to podocyte function and survival. However, little is known about the key modulators of podocyte insulin signaling. This review summarizes the novel knowledge that intracellular lipids such as cholesterol and sphingolipids are major determinants of podocyte insulin signaling. In particular, the implications of these lipids on DKD development, progression, and treatment will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Mitrofanova
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Marie Anne Sosa
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Alessia Fornoni
- Katz Family Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
- Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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21
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Chavali SS, Bonn-Breach R, Wedekind JE. Face-time with TAR: Portraits of an HIV-1 RNA with diverse modes of effector recognition relevant for drug discovery. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:9326-9341. [PMID: 31080171 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev119.006860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecules and short peptides that potently and selectively bind RNA are rare, making the molecular structures of these complexes highly exceptional. Accordingly, several recent investigations have provided unprecedented structural insights into how peptides and proteins recognize the HIV-1 transactivation response (TAR) element, a 59-nucleotide-long, noncoding RNA segment in the 5' long terminal repeat region of viral transcripts. Here, we offer an integrated perspective on these advances by describing earlier progress on TAR binding to small molecules, and by drawing parallels to recent successes in the identification of compounds that target the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and the flavin-mononucleotide riboswitch. We relate this work to recent progress that pinpoints specific determinants of TAR recognition by: (i) viral Tat proteins, (ii) an innovative lab-evolved TAR-binding protein, and (iii) an ultrahigh-affinity cyclic peptide. New structural details are used to model the TAR-Tat-super-elongation complex (SEC) that is essential for efficient viral transcription and represents a focal point for antiviral drug design. A key prediction is that the Tat transactivation domain makes modest contacts with the TAR apical loop, whereas its arginine-rich motif spans the entire length of the TAR major groove. This expansive interface has significant implications for drug discovery and design, and it further suggests that future lab-evolved proteins could be deployed to discover steric restriction points that block Tat-mediated recruitment of the host SEC to HIV-1 TAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Shashank Chavali
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Rachel Bonn-Breach
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Joseph E Wedekind
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for AIDS Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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22
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Insulin and Insulin Receptors in Adipose Tissue Development. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030759. [PMID: 30754657 PMCID: PMC6387287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin is a major endocrine hormone also involved in the regulation of energy and lipid metabolism via the activation of an intracellular signaling cascade involving the insulin receptor (INSR), insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins, phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT). Specifically, insulin regulates several aspects of the development and function of adipose tissue and stimulates the differentiation program of adipose cells. Insulin can activate its responses in adipose tissue through two INSR splicing variants: INSR-A, which is predominantly expressed in mesenchymal and less-differentiated cells and mainly linked to cell proliferation, and INSR-B, which is more expressed in terminally differentiated cells and coupled to metabolic effects. Recent findings have revealed that different distributions of INSR and an altered INSR-A:INSR-B ratio may contribute to metabolic abnormalities during the onset of insulin resistance and the progression to type 2 diabetes. In this review, we discuss the role of insulin and the INSR in the development and endocrine activity of adipose tissue and the pharmacological implications for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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23
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Weis F, Menting JG, Margetts MB, Chan SJ, Xu Y, Tennagels N, Wohlfart P, Langer T, Müller CW, Dreyer MK, Lawrence MC. The signalling conformation of the insulin receptor ectodomain. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4420. [PMID: 30356040 PMCID: PMC6200814 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06826-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the structural biology of the insulin receptor and how it signals is of key importance in the development of insulin analogs to treat diabetes. We report here a cryo-electron microscopy structure of a single insulin bound to a physiologically relevant, high-affinity version of the receptor ectodomain, the latter generated through attachment of C-terminal leucine zipper elements to overcome the conformational flexibility associated with ectodomain truncation. The resolution of the cryo-electron microscopy maps is 3.2 Å in the insulin-binding region and 4.2 Å in the membrane-proximal region. The structure reveals how the membrane proximal domains of the receptor come together to effect signalling and how insulin's negative cooperativity of binding likely arises. Our structure further provides insight into the high affinity of certain super-mitogenic insulins. Together, these findings provide a new platform for insulin analog investigation and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Weis
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John G Menting
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3015, Australia
| | - Mai B Margetts
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3015, Australia
| | - Shu Jin Chan
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
- 6515 North Knox Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois, 60712, USA
| | - Yibin Xu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3015, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia
| | - Norbert Tennagels
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, TA Diabetes and Integrated Drug Discovery, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Paulus Wohlfart
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, TA Diabetes and Integrated Drug Discovery, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Langer
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, TA Diabetes and Integrated Drug Discovery, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christoph W Müller
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Matthias K Dreyer
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, TA Diabetes and Integrated Drug Discovery, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Michael C Lawrence
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3015, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia.
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24
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Fabre B, Pícha J, Selicharová I, Žáková L, Chrudinová M, Hajduch J, Jiráček J. Probing Tripodal Peptide Scaffolds as Insulin and IGF-1 Receptor Ligands. European J Org Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201800606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Fabre
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pícha
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Irena Selicharová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Žáková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Martina Chrudinová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hajduch
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Jiráček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i.; Flemingovo n. 2, 16610 6 Praha Czech Republic
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25
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Yunn NO, Kim J, Kim Y, Leibiger I, Berggren PO, Ryu SH. Mechanistic understanding of insulin receptor modulation: Implications for the development of anti-diabetic drugs. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 185:86-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Brandt SJ, Mayer JP, Ford J, Gelfanov VM, DiMarchi RD. Controlled intramolecular antagonism as a regulator of insulin receptor maximal activity. Peptides 2018; 100:18-23. [PMID: 29412818 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes the risk of a fatal insulin overdose is a persistent fear to most patients. In order to potentially reduce the risk of overdose, we report the design, synthesis, and biochemical characterization of a set of insulin analogs designed to be fractionally reduced in maximal agonism at the insulin receptor isoforms. These analogs consist of native insulin that is site-specifically conjugated to a peptide-based insulin receptor antagonist. The structural refinement of the antagonist once conjugated to insulin provided a set of partial agonists exhibiting between 25 and 70% of the maximal agonism of native insulin at the two insulin receptor isoforms, with only slight differences in inherent potency. These rationally-designed partial agonists provide an approach to interrogate whether control of maximal activity can provide glycemic control with reduced hypoglycemic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Brandt
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Center D-85748 Munich, Germany; Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - John P Mayer
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - James Ford
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States
| | - Vasily M Gelfanov
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States; Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46241, United States
| | - Richard D DiMarchi
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States; Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46241, United States.
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27
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Belfiore A, Malaguarnera R, Vella V, Lawrence MC, Sciacca L, Frasca F, Morrione A, Vigneri R. Insulin Receptor Isoforms in Physiology and Disease: An Updated View. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:379-431. [PMID: 28973479 PMCID: PMC5629070 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The insulin receptor (IR) gene undergoes differential splicing that generates two IR isoforms, IR-A and IR-B. The physiological roles of IR isoforms are incompletely understood and appear to be determined by their different binding affinities for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), particularly for IGF-2. Predominant roles of IR-A in prenatal growth and development and of IR-B in metabolic regulation are well established. However, emerging evidence indicates that the differential expression of IR isoforms may also help explain the diversification of insulin and IGF signaling and actions in various organs and tissues by involving not only different ligand-binding affinities but also different membrane partitioning and trafficking and possibly different abilities to interact with a variety of molecular partners. Of note, dysregulation of the IR-A/IR-B ratio is associated with insulin resistance, aging, and increased proliferative activity of normal and neoplastic tissues and appears to sustain detrimental effects. This review discusses novel information that has generated remarkable progress in our understanding of the physiology of IR isoforms and their role in disease. We also focus on novel IR ligands and modulators that should now be considered as an important strategy for better and safer treatment of diabetes and cancer and possibly other IR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Veronica Vella
- School of Human and Social Sciences, University Kore of Enna, via della Cooperazione, 94100 Enna, Italy
| | - Michael C. Lawrence
- Structural Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Laura Sciacca
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Frasca
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Urology and Biology of Prostate Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Riccardo Vigneri
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy
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28
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Bloom GS, Lazo JS, Norambuena A. Reduced brain insulin signaling: A seminal process in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Neuropharmacology 2017; 136:192-195. [PMID: 28965829 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The synaptic dysfunction and death of neurons that mediate memory and cognition account together for the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reduced insulin signaling in the brain is a hallmark of AD patients, even in the absence of systemic type 1 or type 2 diabetes, prompting some researchers to refer to AD as brain-specific, or type 3 diabetes. A key question that arises about this signature feature of AD is "how, if at all, does the brain's impaired ability to utilize insulin contribute to the behavioral deficits associated with AD?" The fact that type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for AD suggests a causative role for impaired insulin responsiveness in AD pathogenesis, but how that might occur at a detailed molecular level had been elusive. Here we review recent findings that mechanistically link soluble forms of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, the respective building blocks of the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate in the brains of AD patients, with neuronal decline that is associated with poor insulin responsiveness and may begin long before AD symptoms become evident. We discuss how Aβ and tau work coordinately to deprive neurons of functionally accessible insulin receptors and dysregulate normal signaling by the protein kinase, mTOR. Finally, we suggest how newly gained knowledge about pathogenic signaling caused by reduced brain insulin signaling might be exploited for improved early detection and therapeutic intervention for AD. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabolic Impairment as Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Disorders.'
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - John S Lazo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrés Norambuena
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Hossain MA, Bathgate RAD. Challenges in the design of insulin and relaxin/insulin-like peptide mimetics. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:2827-2841. [PMID: 28988628 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomimetics are designed to overcome the poor pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics associated with the native peptide or protein on which they are based. The design of peptidomimetics starts from developing structure-activity relationships of the native ligand-target pair that identify the key residues that are responsible for the biological effect of the native peptide or protein. Then minimization of the structure and introduction of constraints are applied to create the core active site that can interact with the target with high affinity and selectivity. Developing peptidomimetics is not trivial and often challenging, particularly when peptides' interaction mechanism with their target is complex. This review will discuss the challenges of developing peptidomimetics of therapeutically important insulin superfamily peptides, particularly those which have two chains (A and B) and three disulfide bonds and whose receptors are known, namely insulin, H2 relaxin, H3 relaxin, INSL3 and INSL5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Mohammadiarani H, Vashisth H. Insulin mimetic peptide S371 folds into a helical structure. J Comput Chem 2017; 38:1158-1166. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.24746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harish Vashisth
- Department of Chemical Engineering; University of New Hampshire; Durham New Hampshire
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31
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De Meyts P. Structural basis for the poisonous activity of a predator's venom insulin. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2016; 23:872-874. [PMID: 27706132 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre De Meyts
- de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium, and at Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
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