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Sharrock AV, Mumm JS, Williams EM, Čėnas N, Smaill JB, Patterson AV, Ackerley DF, Bagdžiūnas G, Arcus VL. Structural Evaluation of a Nitroreductase Engineered for Improved Activation of the 5-Nitroimidazole PET Probe SN33623. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6593. [PMID: 38928299 PMCID: PMC11203732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126593] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial nitroreductase enzymes capable of activating imaging probes and prodrugs are valuable tools for gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapies and targeted cell ablation models. We recently engineered a nitroreductase (E. coli NfsB F70A/F108Y) for the substantially enhanced reduction of the 5-nitroimidazole PET-capable probe, SN33623, which permits the theranostic imaging of vectors labeled with oxygen-insensitive bacterial nitroreductases. This mutant enzyme also shows improved activation of the DNA-alkylation prodrugs CB1954 and metronidazole. To elucidate the mechanism behind these enhancements, we resolved the crystal structure of the mutant enzyme to 1.98 Å and compared it to the wild-type enzyme. Structural analysis revealed an expanded substrate access channel and new hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, computational modeling of SN33623, CB1954, and metronidazole binding in the active sites of both the mutant and wild-type enzymes revealed key differences in substrate orientations and interactions, with improvements in activity being mirrored by reduced distances between the N5-H of isoalloxazine and the substrate nitro group oxygen in the mutant models. These findings deepen our understanding of nitroreductase substrate specificity and catalytic mechanisms and have potential implications for developing more effective theranostic imaging strategies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V. Sharrock
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; (A.V.S.)
| | - Jeff S. Mumm
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Elsie M. Williams
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; (A.V.S.)
| | - Narimantas Čėnas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Jeff B. Smaill
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.B.S.); (A.V.P.)
| | - Adam V. Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.B.S.); (A.V.P.)
| | - David F. Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; (A.V.S.)
| | - Gintautas Bagdžiūnas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Vickery L. Arcus
- Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand;
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Theys J, Patterson AV, Mowday AM. Clostridium Bacteria: Harnessing Tumour Necrosis for Targeted Gene Delivery. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:141-151. [PMID: 38302842 PMCID: PMC10925577 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00695-0] [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] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Necrosis is a common feature of solid tumours that offers a unique opportunity for targeted cancer therapy as it is absent from normal healthy tissues. Tumour necrosis provides an ideal environment for germination of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium from endospores, resulting in tumour-specific colonisation. Two main species, Clostridium novyi-NT and Clostridium sporogenes, are at the forefront of this therapy, showing promise in preclinical models. However, anti-tumour activity is modest when used as a single agent, encouraging development of Clostridium as a tumour-selective gene delivery system. Various methods, such as allele-coupled exchange and CRISPR-cas9 technology, can facilitate the genetic modification of Clostridium, allowing chromosomal integration of transgenes to ensure long-term stability of expression. Strains of Clostridium can be engineered to express prodrug-activating enzymes, resulting in the generation of active drug selectively in the tumour microenvironment (a concept termed Clostridium-directed enzyme prodrug therapy). More recently, Clostridium strains have been investigated in the context of cancer immunotherapy, either in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors or with engineered strains expressing immunomodulatory molecules such as IL-2 and TNF-α. Localised expression of these molecules using tumour-targeting Clostridium strains has the potential to improve delivery and reduce systemic toxicity. In summary, Clostridium species represent a promising platform for cancer therapy, with potential for localised gene delivery and immunomodulation selectively within the tumour microenvironment. The ongoing clinical progress being made with C. novyi-NT, in addition to developments in genetic modification techniques and non-invasive imaging capabilities, are expected to further progress Clostridium as an option for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Theys
- M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School of Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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Liu Y, Li J, Huang H, Shu Y. A fluorescent probe for imaging nitroreductase with signal amplification in high-viscosity environments. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:9509-9515. [PMID: 37740378 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01760e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we developed a fluorescent probe ENBT for in vitro detection of nitroreductase (NTR) as well as imaging intracellular NTR. ENBT itself is non-fluorescent and it could be catalyzed by NTR to generate a viscosity-sensitive fluorophore EBT. The fluorescence intensity of EBT could be further enhanced in cancer cells with relatively high viscosity due to the inhibition of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer effect. The probe ENBT has a good response to NTR with a detection limit of 36.8 ng mL-1, and EBT has a good response to viscosity. Furthermore, different concentrations of NTR (0-1.4 μg mL-1) were used to react with the probe and the reaction systems were subjected to different viscosity solutions, and the fluorescence signals of the products in the viscosity range of 45.86-163.60 cP were increased up to 1.69-fold. ENBT was successfully used to image NTR in cells under different hypoxic conditions as well as in Staphylococcus aureus. Finally, lipopolysaccharide was added to stimulate an increase in cellular viscosity after ENBT was catalyzed by intracellular NTR into EBT, and the fluorescence signals were observed to increase by 1.72-fold. The signal amplification capability gives ENBT higher sensitivity and immunity to interference. Moreover, it has the advantages of mitochondrial targeting, large Stokes shift (190 nm), high selectivity, and can be easily synthesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfan Liu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
| | - Jiaying Li
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
| | - Hongjin Huang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
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Liao S, Zhou M, Wang Y, Lu C, Yin B, Zhang Y, Liu H, Yin X, Song G. Emerging biomedical imaging-based companion diagnostics for precision medicine. iScience 2023; 26:107277. [PMID: 37520706 PMCID: PMC10371849 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor heterogeneity, which leads to individual variations in tumor microenvironments, causes poor prognoses and limits therapeutic response. Emerging technology such as companion diagnostics (CDx) detects biomarkers and monitors therapeutic responses, allowing identification of patients who would benefit most from treatment. However, currently, most US Food and Drug Administration-approved CDx tests are designed to detect biomarkers in vitro and ex vivo, making it difficult to dynamically report variations of targets in vivo. Various medical imaging techniques offer dynamic measurement of tumor heterogeneity and treatment response, complementing CDx tests. Imaging-based companion diagnostics allow for patient stratification for targeted medicines and identification of patient populations benefiting from alternative therapeutic methods. This review summarizes recent developments in molecular imaging for predicting and assessing responses to cancer therapies, as well as the various biomarkers used in imaging-based CDx tests. We hope this review provides informative insights into imaging-based companion diagnostics and advances precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Mengjie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Youjuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chang Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Baoli Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Huiyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xia Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Guosheng Song
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo, Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical, Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
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Zhang H, Wang L, Cui J, Wang S, Han Y, Shao H, Wang C, Hu Y, Li X, Zhou Q, Guo J, Zhuang X, Sheng S, Zhang T, Zhou D, Chen J, Wang F, Gao Q, Jing Y, Chen X, Su J. Maintaining hypoxia environment of subchondral bone alleviates osteoarthritis progression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabo7868. [PMID: 37018403 PMCID: PMC10075992 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo7868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal subchondral bone remodeling featured by overactivated osteoclastogenesis leads to articular cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) progression, but the mechanism is unclear. We used lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (Lcp1) knockout mice to suppress subchondral osteoclasts in a mice OA model with anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and Lcp1-/- mice showed decreased bone remodeling in subchondral bone and retarded cartilage degeneration. For mechanisms, the activated osteoclasts in subchondral bone induced type-H vessels and elevated oxygen concentration, which ubiquitylated hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF-1α) in chondrocytes and led to cartilage degeneration. Lcp1 knockout impeded angiogenesis, which maintained hypoxia environment in joints and delayed the OA progression. Stabilization of HIF-1α delayed cartilage degeneration, and knockdown of Hif1a abolished the protective effects of Lcp1 knockout. Last, we showed that Oroxylin A, an Lcp1-encoded protein l-plastin (LPL) inhibitor, could alleviate OA progression. In conclusion, maintaining hypoxic environment is an attractive strategy for OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedic, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lipeng Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jin Cui
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Sicheng Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Zhongye Hospital, Shanghai 200941, China
| | - Yafei Han
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Hongda Shao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedic, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoqun Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Orthopedics, No. 929 Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qirong Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiawei Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xinchen Zhuang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shihao Sheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dongyang Zhou
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Fuxiao Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Qianmin Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yingying Jing
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Orthopedic, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Department of Orthopedic, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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Tang Z, Yan Z, Gong L, Zhang L, Yin X, Sun J, Wu K, Yang W, Fan G, Li Y, Jiang H. Precise Monitoring and Assessing Treatment Response of Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Hypoxia with a Nitroreductase-Activated Golgi-Targetable Fluorescent Probe. Anal Chem 2022; 94:14778-14784. [PMID: 36223488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is mostly attributed to an outbreak of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which makes leukocytes infiltrate into the lung and results in lung hypoxia. Nitroreductase (NTR) is significantly upregulated under hypoxia, which is commonly regarded as a potential biomarker for assessing sepsis-induced acute lung hypoxia. Increasing evidence shows that NTR in the Golgi apparatus could be induced in sepsis-induced ALI. Meanwhile, the prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitor (dimethyloxalylglycine, DMOG) attenuated sepsis-induced ALI through further increasing the level of Golgi NTR by improving hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) activity, but as yet, no Golgi-targetable probe has been developed for monitoring and assessing treatment response of sepsis-induced ALI. Herein, we report a Golgi-targetable probe, Gol-NTR, for monitoring and assessing treatment response of sepsis-induced ALI through mapping the generation of NTR. The probe displayed high sensitivity with a low detection limit of 54.8 ng/mL and good selectivity to NTR. In addition, due to the excellent characteristics of Golgi-targetable, Gol-NTR was successfully applied in mapping the change of Golgi NTR in cells and zebrafish caused by various stimuli. Most importantly, the production of Golgi NTR in the sepsis-induced ALI and the PHD inhibitor (DMOG) against sepsis-induced ALI were visualized and precisely assessed for the first time with the assistance of Gol-NTR. The results demonstrated the practicability of Gol-NTR for the precise monitoring and assessing of the personalized treatment response of sepsis-induced ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Tang
- Experimental Center, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Zhi Yan
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Lili Gong
- Experimental Center, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Experimental Center, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Basic Research, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Xuemiao Yin
- Advanced Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Advanced Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Ke Wu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.,First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Yunlun Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Haiqiang Jiang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
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Recent advances in aggregation-induced emission luminogens in photoacoustic imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2560-2583. [PMID: 35277741 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of prodrugs for nitroreductase based 4-β-amino-4′-Demethylepipodophyllotoxin as potential anticancer agents. Med Chem Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-022-02847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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