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Leykauf T, Klein J, Ernst M, Dorfner M, Ignatova A, Kreis W, Lanig H, Munkert J. Overexpression and RNAi-mediated Knockdown of Two 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroid dehydrogenase Genes in Digitalis lanata Shoot Cultures Reveal Their Role in Cardenolide Biosynthesis. Planta Med 2023. [PMID: 37187191 DOI: 10.1055/a-2074-9186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroid dehydrogenases (3βHSDs) are supposed to be involved in 5β-cardenolide biosynthesis. Here, a novel 3βHSD (Dl3βHSD2) was isolated from Digitalis lanata shoot cultures and expressed in E. coli. Recombinant Dl3βHSD1 and Dl3βHSD2 shared 70% amino acid identity, reduced various 3-oxopregnanes and oxidised 3-hydroxypregnanes, but only rDl3βHSD2 converted small ketones and secondary alcohols efficiently. To explain these differences in substrate specificity, we established homology models using borneol dehydrogenase of Salvia rosmarinus (6zyz) as the template. Hydrophobicity and amino acid residues in the binding pocket may explain the difference in enzyme activities and substrate preferences. Compared to Dl3βHSD1, Dl3βHSD2 is weakly expressed in D. lanata shoots. High constitutive expression of Dl3βHSDs was realised by Agrobacterium-mediated transfer of Dl3βHSD genes fused to the CaMV-35S promotor into the genome of D. lanata wild type shoot cultures. Transformed shoots (35S:Dl3βHSD1 and 35S:Dl3βHSD2) accumulated less cardenolides than controls. The levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), which is known to inhibit cardenolide formation, were higher in the 35S:Dl3βHSD1 lines than in the controls. In the 35S:Dl3βHSD1 lines cardenolide levels were restored after adding of the substrate pregnane-3,20-dione in combination with buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH formation. RNAi-mediated knockdown of the Dl3βHSD1 yielded several shoot culture lines with strongly reduced cardenolide levels. In these lines, cardenolide biosynthesis was fully restored after addition of the downstream precursor pregnan-3β-ol-20-one, whereas upstream precursors such as progesterone had no effect, indicating that no shunt pathway could overcome the Dl3βHSD1 knockdown. These results can be taken as the first direct proof that Dl3βHSD1 is indeed involved in 5β-cardenolide biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Leykauf
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Klein
- Department of Plant Physiology, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
| | - Mona Ernst
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maja Dorfner
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anastasiia Ignatova
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Lanig
- National High Performance Computing Center (NHR@FAU), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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de Padua RM, Kratz JM, Munkert J, Bertol JW, Rigotto C, Schuster D, Maltarollo VG, Kreis W, Simões CMO, Braga F. Effects of Lipophilicity and Structural Features on the Antiherpes Activity of Digitalis Cardenolides and Derivatives. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202200411. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Maia de Padua
- UFMG: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Pharmaceutical Products Av. Antônio Carlos 6627 Belo Horizonte BRAZIL
| | - Jadel Müller Kratz
- UFSC: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Pharmaceutical Sciences R. Delfino Conti, S/N Florianópolis BRAZIL
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- University of Erlangen-Nuernberg: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg Division of Pharmaceutical Biology Staudtstraße 5 Erlangen GERMANY
| | - Jéssica Wildgrube Bertol
- UFSC: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Pharmaceutical Sciences R. Delfino Conti, S/N Florianópolis BRAZIL
| | - Caroline Rigotto
- UFSC: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Pharmaceutical Sciences R. Delfino Conti, S/N Florianópolis BRAZIL
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg: Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversitat Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Strubergasse 21 Salzburg AUSTRIA
| | | | - Wolfgang Kreis
- University of Erlangen-Nuernberg: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg Division of Pharmaceutical Biology Staudtstraße 5 Erlangen GERMANY
| | | | - Fernão Braga
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Pharmaceutical Sciences Av. Antônio Carlos 6627 31270901 Belo Horizonte BRAZIL
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Klein J, Horn E, Ernst M, Leykauf T, Leupold T, Dorfner M, Wolf L, Ignatova A, Kreis W, Munkert J. RNAi-mediated gene knockdown of progesterone 5β-reductases in Digitalis lanata reduces 5β-cardenolide content. Plant Cell Rep 2021; 40:1631-1646. [PMID: 34146141 PMCID: PMC8376734 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02707-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Studying RNAi-mediated DlP5βR1 and DlP5βR2 knockdown shoot culture lines of Digitalis lanata, we here provide direct evidence for the participation of PRISEs (progesterone 5β-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes) in 5β-cardenolide formation. Progesterone 5β-reductases (P5βR) are assumed to catalyze the reduction of progesterone to 5β-pregnane-3,20-dione, which is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of the 5β-cardenolides. P5βRs are encoded by VEP1-like genes occurring ubiquitously in embryophytes. P5βRs are substrate-promiscuous enone-1,4-reductases recently termed PRISEs (progesterone 5β-reductase/iridoid synthase-like enzymes). Two PRISE genes, termed DlP5βR1 (AY585867.1) and DlP5βR2 (HM210089.1) were isolated from Digitalis lanata. To give experimental evidence for the participation of PRISEs in 5β-cardenolide formation, we here established several RNAi-mediated DlP5βR1 and DlP5βR2 knockdown shoot culture lines of D. lanata. Cardenolide contents were lower in D. lanata P5βR-RNAi lines than in wild-type shoots. We considered that the gene knockdowns may have had pleiotropic effects such as an increase in glutathione (GSH) which is known to inhibit cardenolide formation. GSH levels and expression of glutathione reductase (GR) were measured. Both were higher in the Dl P5βR-RNAi lines than in the wild-type shoots. Cardenolide biosynthesis was restored by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) treatment in Dl P5βR2-RNAi lines but not in Dl P5βR1-RNAi lines. Since progesterone is a precursor of cardenolides but can also act as a reactive electrophile species (RES), we here discriminated between these by comparing the effects of progesterone and methyl vinyl ketone, a small RES but not a precursor of cardenolides. To the best of our knowledge, we here demonstrated for the first time that P5βR1 is involved in cardenolide formation. We also provide further evidence that PRISEs are also important for plants dealing with stress by detoxifying reactive electrophile species (RES).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Klein
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elisa Horn
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mona Ernst
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tim Leykauf
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tamara Leupold
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maja Dorfner
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Wolf
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anastasiia Ignatova
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
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Tropper M, Höhn S, Wolf LS, Fritsch J, Kastner-Detter N, Rieck C, Munkert J, Meitinger N, Lanig H, Kreis W. 21-Hydroxypregnane 21-O-malonylation, a crucial step in cardenolide biosynthesis, can be achieved by substrate-promiscuous BAHD-type phenolic glucoside malonyltransferases from Arabidopsis thaliana and homolog proteins from Digitalis lanata. Phytochemistry 2021; 187:112710. [PMID: 33930670 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Three putative 21-hydroxypregnane 21-O-malonyltransferases (21MaT) from Digitalis lanata were partially purified. Two of them were supposed to be BAHD-type enzymes. We were unable to purify them in quantities necessary for reliable sequencing. We identified two genes in A. thaliana coding for substrate-promiscuous BAHD-type phenolic glucoside malonyltransferases (AtPMaT1, AtPMaT2) and docked various 21-hydroxypregnanes into the substrate-binding site of a homology model built on the BAHD template 2XR7 (NtMaT1 from N. tabacum). Recombinant forms of Atpmat1 and Atpmat2 were expressed in E. coli and the recombinant enzymes characterized with regard to their substrate preferences. They were shown to malonylate various 21-hydroxypregnanes. The Atpmat1 sequence was used to identify candidate genes in Digitalis lanata (Dlmat1 to Dlmat4). Dlmat1 and Dlmat2 were also expressed in E. coli and shown to possess 21-hydroxypregnane 21-O-malonyltransferase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Tropper
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Höhn
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura-Sophie Wolf
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Fritsch
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nina Kastner-Detter
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Rieck
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nadine Meitinger
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Lanig
- Zentralinstitut für Scientific Computing (ZISC), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Martensstraße 5a, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
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Freitas CS, Lage DP, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Costa RR, Mendonça DVC, Martins VT, Reis TAR, Antinarelli LMR, Machado AS, Tavares GSV, Ramos FF, Brito RCF, Ludolf F, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Roatt BM, Ramos GS, Munkert J, Ottoni FM, Campana PRV, Duarte MC, Gonçalves DU, Coimbra ES, Braga FC, Pádua RM, Coelho EAF. In vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity of β-acetyl-digitoxin, a cardenolide of Digitalis lanata potentially useful to treat visceral leishmaniasis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:38. [PMID: 33851916 PMCID: PMC8045677 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current treatments of visceral leishmaniasis face limitations due to drug side effects and/or high cost, along with the emergence of parasite resistance. Novel and low-cost antileishmanial agents are therefore required. We report herein the antileishmanial activity of β-acetyl-digitoxin (b-AD), a cardenolide isolated from Digitalis lanata leaves, assayed in vitro and in vivo against Leishmania infantum. Results showed direct action of b-AD against parasites, as well as efficacy for the treatment of Leishmania-infected macrophages. In vivo experiments using b-AD-containing Pluronic® F127 polymeric micelles (b-AD/Mic) to treat L. infantum-infected mice showed that this composition reduced the parasite load in distinct organs in more significant levels. It also induced the development of anti-parasite Th1-type immunity, attested by high levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, GM-CSF, nitrite and specific IgG2a antibodies, in addition to low IL-4 and IL-10 contents, along with higher IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell frequency. Furthermore, low toxicity was found in the organs of the treated animals. Comparing the therapeutic effect between the treatments, b-AD/Mic was the most effective in protecting animals against infection, when compared to the other groups including miltefosine used as a drug control. Data found 15 days after treatment were similar to those obtained one day post-therapy. In conclusion, the results obtained suggest that b-AD/Mic is a promising antileishmanial agent and deserves further studies to investigate its potential to treat visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila S Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João A Oliveira-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafaella R Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora V C Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago A R Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana M R Antinarelli
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Amanda S Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rory C F Brito
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, 35400-000 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, 35400-000 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriela S Ramos
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Departament Biologie, LS Pharmazeutische Biologie, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Flaviano M Ottoni
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Priscilla R V Campana
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana C Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil - Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Denise U Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elaine S Coimbra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, 36036-900 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernão C Braga
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Pádua
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30130-100 Minas Gerais, Brazil - Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901 Minas Gerais, Brazil
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6
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Boff L, Schreiber A, da Rocha Matos A, Del Sarto J, Brunotte L, Munkert J, Melo Ottoni F, Silva Ramos G, Kreis W, Castro Braga F, José Alves R, Maia de Pádua R, Maria Oliveira Simões C, Ludwig S. Semisynthetic Cardenolides Acting as Antiviral Inhibitors of Influenza A Virus Replication by Preventing Polymerase Complex Formation. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204853. [PMID: 33096707 PMCID: PMC7587960 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza virus infections represent a major public health issue by causing annual epidemics and occasional pandemics that affect thousands of people worldwide. Vaccination is the main prophylaxis to prevent these epidemics/pandemics, although the effectiveness of licensed vaccines is rather limited due to the constant mutations of influenza virus antigenic characteristics. The available anti-influenza drugs are still restricted and there is an increasing viral resistance to these compounds, thus highlighting the need for research and development of new antiviral drugs. In this work, two semisynthetic derivatives of digitoxigenin, namely C10 (3β-((N-(2-hydroxyethyl)aminoacetyl)amino-3-deoxydigitoxigenin) and C11 (3β-(hydroxyacetyl)amino-3-deoxydigitoxigenin), showed anti-influenza A virus activity by affecting the expression of viral proteins at the early and late stages of replication cycle, and altering the transcription and synthesis of new viral proteins, thereby inhibiting the formation of new virions. Such antiviral action occurred due to the interference in the assembly of viral polymerase, resulting in an impaired polymerase activity and, therefore, reducing viral replication. Confirming the in vitro results, a clinically relevant ex vivo model of influenza virus infection of human tumor-free lung tissues corroborated the potential of these compounds, especially C10, to completely abrogate influenza A virus replication at the highest concentration tested (2.0 µM). Taken together, these promising results demonstrated that C10 and C11 can be considered as potential new anti-influenza drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurita Boff
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms University (WWU), 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.S.); (A.d.R.M.); (J.D.S.); (L.B.); (S.L.)
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-900, Brazil
| | - André Schreiber
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms University (WWU), 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.S.); (A.d.R.M.); (J.D.S.); (L.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Aline da Rocha Matos
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms University (WWU), 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.S.); (A.d.R.M.); (J.D.S.); (L.B.); (S.L.)
- Respiratory Viruses and Measles Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 22775-051, Brazil
| | - Juliana Del Sarto
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms University (WWU), 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.S.); (A.d.R.M.); (J.D.S.); (L.B.); (S.L.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (F.M.O.); (G.S.R.); (F.C.B.); (R.J.A.); (R.M.d.P.)
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms University (WWU), 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.S.); (A.d.R.M.); (J.D.S.); (L.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, 91054 Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany; (J.M.); (W.K.)
| | - Flaviano Melo Ottoni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (F.M.O.); (G.S.R.); (F.C.B.); (R.J.A.); (R.M.d.P.)
| | - Gabriela Silva Ramos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (F.M.O.); (G.S.R.); (F.C.B.); (R.J.A.); (R.M.d.P.)
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University, 91054 Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany; (J.M.); (W.K.)
| | - Fernão Castro Braga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (F.M.O.); (G.S.R.); (F.C.B.); (R.J.A.); (R.M.d.P.)
| | - Ricardo José Alves
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (F.M.O.); (G.S.R.); (F.C.B.); (R.J.A.); (R.M.d.P.)
| | - Rodrigo Maia de Pádua
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil; (F.M.O.); (G.S.R.); (F.C.B.); (R.J.A.); (R.M.d.P.)
| | - Cláudia Maria Oliveira Simões
- Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology (IVM), Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms University (WWU), 48149 Münster, Germany; (L.B.); (A.S.); (A.d.R.M.); (J.D.S.); (L.B.); (S.L.)
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7
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Munkert J, Gomes ER, Marostica LL, Cota BB, Lopes CLM, Andrade SF, Filho JDS, Alves RJ, Oliveira MC, Braga FC, Simões CO, Pádua RM, de Barros ALB. New 99mTc-Labeled Digitoxigenin Derivative for Cancer Cell Identification. ACS Omega 2019; 4:22048-22056. [PMID: 31891085 PMCID: PMC6933791 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, cardiac glycosides (CGs) have been investigated as potential antiviral and anticancer drugs. Digitoxigenin (DIG) and other CGs have been shown to bind and inhibit Na+/K+-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase). Tumor cells show a higher expression rate of the Na+/K+-ATPase protein or a stronger affinity towards the binding of CGs and are therefore more prone to CGs than non-tumor cells. Cancer imaging techniques using radiotracers targeted at specific receptors have yielded successful results. Technetium-99m (99mTc) is one of the radionuclides of choice to radiolabel pharmaceuticals because of its favorable physical and chemical properties along with reasonable costs. Herein, we describe a new Na+/K+-ATPase targeting radiotracer consisting of digitoxigenin and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), a bifunctional chelating ligand used to prepare 99mTc-labeled complexes, and its evaluation as an imaging probe. We report the synthesis and characterization of the radiolabeled compound including stability tests, blood clearance, and biodistribution in healthy mice. Additionally, we investigated the binding of the compound to A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer cells and the inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase by the labeled compound in vitro. The 99mTc-labeled DTPA-digitoxigenin (99mTc-DTPA-DIG) compound displayed high stability in vitro and in vivo, a fast renal excretion, and a specific binding towards A549 cancer cells in comparison to non-tumor cells. Therefore, 99mTc-DTPA-DIG could potentially be used for non-invasive visualization of tumor lesions by means of scintigraphic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munkert
- Department
of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eliza R. Gomes
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucas L. Marostica
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade
Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-970, Brazil
| | - Betânia B. Cota
- Laboratório
de Química de Produtos Naturais Bioativos, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo
Cruz, Av. Augusto de
Lima, 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Cristina L. M. Lopes
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Saulo F. Andrade
- Faculty
of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal
de Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil
| | - José
D. de Souza Filho
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J. Alves
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Monica C. Oliveira
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Fernão C. Braga
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Cláudia
M. O. Simões
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade
Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-970, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M. Pádua
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - André L. B. de Barros
- Faculty
of Pharmacy and Department of Chemistry, Universidade Federal
de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo
Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
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8
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Rieck C, Geiger D, Munkert J, Messerschmidt K, Petersen J, Strasser J, Meitinger N, Kreis W. Biosynthetic approach to combine the first steps of cardenolide formation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e925. [PMID: 31436030 PMCID: PMC6925150 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A yeast expression plasmid was constructed containing a cardenolide biosynthetic module, referred to as CARD II, using the AssemblX toolkit, which enables the assembly of large DNA constructs. The genes cloned into the vector were (a) a Δ5‐3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene from Digitalis lanata, (b) a steroid Δ5‐isomerase gene from Comamonas testosteronii, (c) a mutated steroid‐5β‐reductase gene from Arabidopsis thaliana, and (d) a steroid 21‐hydroxylase gene from Mus musculus. A second plasmid bearing an ADR/ADX fusion gene from Bos taurus was also constructed. A Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain bearing these two plasmids was generated. This strain, termed “CARD II yeast”, was capable of producing 5β‐pregnane‐3β,21‐diol‐20‐one, a central intermediate in 5β‐cardenolide biosynthesis, starting from pregnenolone which was added to the culture medium. Using this approach, five consecutive steps in cardenolide biosynthesis were realized in baker's yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Rieck
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel Geiger
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Jan Petersen
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Juliane Strasser
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nadine Meitinger
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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9
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Kreis W, Munkert J. Exploiting enzyme promiscuity to shape plant specialized metabolism. J Exp Bot 2019; 70:1435-1445. [PMID: 30715457 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The amazing variability of plant metabolism and its rapid divergence during evolution pose fundamental questions as to the driving forces, mechanisms, and players in metabolic differentiation. This review examines concepts that help us understand adaptive pathway evolution, with a particular emphasis on plant specialized metabolism, previously often termed secondary metabolism. Following a general introduction to pathway and metabolite evolution, the focus is directed to enzyme promiscuity and its classification. Promiscuous enzymes (or substrates), 'silent' elements of the metabolome, and the 'underground metabolism' may be used and combined to evolve 'new' metabolic pathways. It appears that new pathways rarely appear from scratch, but instead emerge from 'floppy' enzymes and elements of a 'messy' metabolism, and in this way a range of metabolites is generated, some of which may provide benefits to the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Biology, Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Erlangen, Germany
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Schmidt K, Petersen J, Munkert J, Egerer-Sieber C, Hornig M, Muller YA, Kreis W. PRISEs (progesterone 5β-reductase and/or iridoid synthase-like 1,4-enone reductases): Catalytic and substrate promiscuity allows for realization of multiple pathways in plant metabolism. Phytochemistry 2018; 156:9-19. [PMID: 30172078 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PRISEs (progesterone 5β-reductase and/or iridoid synthase-like 1,4-enone reductases) are involved in cardenolide and iridoid biosynthesis. We here investigated a PRISE (rAtSt5βR) from Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant producing neither cardenolides nor iridoids. The structure of rAtSt5βR was elucidated with X-ray crystallography and compared to the known structures of PRISEs from Catharanthus roseus (rCrISY) and Digitalis lanata (rDlP5βR). The three enzymes show a high degree of sequence and structure conservation in the active site. Amino acids previously considered to allow discrimination between progesterone 5β-reductase and iridoid synthase were interchanged among rAtSt5βR, rCrISY and rDlP5βR applying site-directed mutagenesis. Structural homologous substitutions had different effects, and changes in progesterone 5β-reductase and iridoid synthase activity were not correlated in all cases. Our results help to explain fortuitous emergence of metabolic pathways and product accumulation. The fact that PRISEs are found ubiquitously in spermatophytes insinuates that PRISEs might have a more general function in plant metabolism such as, for example, the detoxification of reactive carbonyl species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Schmidt
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Petersen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Egerer-Sieber
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Hornig
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yves A Muller
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany.
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11
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Silva IT, Munkert J, Nolte E, Schneider NFZ, Rocha SC, Ramos ACP, Kreis W, Braga FC, de Pádua RM, Taranto AG, Cortes V, Barbosa LA, Wach S, Taubert H, Simões CMO. Cytotoxicity of AMANTADIG - a semisynthetic digitoxigenin derivative - alone and in combination with docetaxel in human hormone-refractory prostate cancer cells and its effect on Na +/K +-ATPase inhibition. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:464-474. [PMID: 30107342 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are natural compounds used to treat congestive heart failure. They have garnered attention as a potential cancer treatment option, especially because they bind to Na+/K+-ATPase as a target and activate intracellular signaling pathways leading to a variety of cellular responses. In this study we evaluated AMANTADIG, a semisynthetic cardenolide derivative, for its cytotoxic activity in two human androgen-insensitive prostate carcinoma cell lines, and the potential synergistic effects with docetaxel. AMANTADIG induced cytotoxic effects in both cell lines, and a combination with docetaxel showed a moderate and strong synergism in DU145 and PC-3 cells, respectively, at concentrations considerably lower than their IC50 values. Cell cycle analyses showed that AMANTADIG and its synergistic combination induced G2/M arrest of DU145 and PC-3 cells by modulating Cyclin B1, CDK1, p21 and, mainly, survivin expression, a promising target in cancer therapy. Furthermore, AMANTADIG presented reduced toxicity toward non-cancerous cell type (PBMC), and computational docking studies disclosed high-affinity binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase α subunit, a result that was experimentally confirmed by Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition assays. Hence, AMANTADIG inhibited Na+/K+-ATPase activity in PC-3 cells, as well as in purified pig kidney at nanomolar range. Altogether, these data highlight the potent effects of AMANTADIG in combination with docetaxel and offer important insights for the development of more effective and selective therapies against prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Thaís Silva
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elke Nolte
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Sayonarah Carvalho Rocha
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Faculdade de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Pacheco Ramos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Faculdade de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fernão Castro Braga
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Maia de Pádua
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alex G Taranto
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cortes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Faculdade de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Leandro Augusto Barbosa
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Faculdade de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São João del Rei, Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Sven Wach
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Schneider NFZ, Cerella C, Lee JY, Mazumder A, Kim KR, de Carvalho A, Munkert J, Pádua RM, Kreis W, Kim KW, Christov C, Dicato M, Kim HJ, Han BW, Braga FC, Simões CMO, Diederich M. Cardiac Glycoside Glucoevatromonoside Induces Cancer Type-Specific Cell Death. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:70. [PMID: 29545747 PMCID: PMC5838923 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are natural compounds used traditionally to treat congestive heart diseases. Recent investigations repositioned CGs as potential anticancer agents. To discover novel cytotoxic CG scaffolds, we selected the cardenolide glucoevatromonoside (GEV) out of 46 CGs for its low nanomolar anti-lung cancer activity. GEV presented reduced toxicity toward non-cancerous cell types (lung MRC-5 and PBMC) and high-affinity binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase α subunit, assessed by computational docking. GEV-induced cell death was caspase-independent, as investigated by a multiparametric approach, and culminates in severe morphological alterations in A549 cells, monitored by transmission electron microscopy, live cell imaging and flow cytometry. This non-canonical cell death was not preceded or accompanied by exacerbation of autophagy. In the presence of GEV, markers of autophagic flux (e.g. LC3I-II conversion) were impacted, even in presence of bafilomycin A1. Cell death induction remained unaffected by calpain, cathepsin, parthanatos, or necroptosis inhibitors. Interestingly, GEV triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis in U937 acute myeloid leukemia cells, witnessing cancer-type specific cell death induction. Differential cell cycle modulation by this CG led to a G2/M arrest, cyclin B1 and p53 downregulation in A549, but not in U937 cells. We further extended the anti-cancer potential of GEV to 3D cell culture using clonogenic and spheroid formation assays and validated our findings in vivo by zebrafish xenografts. Altogether, GEV shows an interesting anticancer profile with the ability to exert cytotoxic effects via induction of different cell death modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira F Z Schneider
- Laboratorio de Virologia Applicada, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Claudia Cerella
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Young Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aloran Mazumder
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung Rok Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Annelise de Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Virologia Applicada, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rodrigo M Pádua
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kyu-Won Kim
- SNU-Harvard Neurovascular Protection Center, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Mario Dicato
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du Cancer, Hôpital Kirchberg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Hyun-Jung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byung Woo Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Fernão C Braga
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cláudia M O Simões
- Laboratorio de Virologia Applicada, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Marc Diederich
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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13
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Schneider NFZ, Persich L, Rocha SC, Ramos ACP, Cortes VF, Silva IT, Munkert J, Pádua RM, Kreis W, Taranto AG, Barbosa LA, Braga FC, Simões CM. Cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of digitoxigenin monodigitoxoside (DGX) in human lung cancer cells and its link to Na,K-ATPase. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 97:684-696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.10.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
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14
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Klein J, Munkert J, Stadler R. Regeneration of Plantago species plants from explants useable for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Am J Transl Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Klein
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Munkert
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Biology, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - R Stadler
- Molecular Plant Physiology, Department of Biology, FAU, Erlangen, Germany
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15
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Nolte E, Wach S, Silva IT, Lukat S, Ekici AB, Munkert J, Müller-Uri F, Kreis W, Oliveira Simões CM, Vera J, Wullich B, Taubert H, Lai X. A new semisynthetic cardenolide analog 3β-[2-(1-amantadine)- 1-on-ethylamine]-digitoxigenin (AMANTADIG) affects G2/M cell cycle arrest and miRNA expression profiles and enhances proapoptotic survivin-2B expression in renal cell carcinoma cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11676-11691. [PMID: 28099931 PMCID: PMC5355295 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac glycosides are well known in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases; however, their application as treatment option for cancer patients is under discussion. We showed that the cardiac glycoside digitoxin and its analog AMANTADIG can inhibit the growth of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and increase G2/M cell cycle arrest. To identify the signaling pathways and molecular basis of this G2/M arrest, microRNAs were profiled using microRNA arrays. Cardiac glycoside treatment significantly deregulated two microRNAs, miR-2278 and miR-670-5p. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that all cardiac glycoside treatments affected the MAPK and the axon guidance pathway. Within these pathways, three genes, MAPK1, NRAS and RAC2, were identified as in silico targets of the deregulated miRNAs. MAPK1 and NRAS are known regulators of G2/M cell cycle arrest. AMANTADIG treatment enhanced the expression of phosphorylated MAPK1 in 786-O cells. Secondly, we studied the expression of survivin known to be affected by cardiac glycosides and to regulate the G2/M cell phase. AMANTADIG treatment upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic survivin-2B variant in Caki-1 and 786-O cells. Moreover, treatment with AMANTADIG resulted in significantly lower survivin protein expression compared to 786-O control cells. Summarizing, treatment with all cardiac glycosides induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and downregulated the miR-2278 and miR-670-5p in microarray analysis. All cardiac glycosides affected the MAPK-pathway and survivin expression, both associated with the G2/M phase. Because cells in the G2/M phase are radio- and chemotherapy sensitive, cardiac glycosides like AMANTADIG could potentially improve the efficacy of radio- and/or chemotherapy in RCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Nolte
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Izabella Thais Silva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sabine Lukat
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frieder Müller-Uri
- Department of Biology, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Julio Vera
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wullich
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xin Lai
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Munkert J, Santiago Franco M, Nolte E, Thaís Silva I, Oliveira Castilho R, Melo Ottoni F, Schneider NFZ, Oliveira MC, Taubert H, Bauer W, Andrade SF, Alves RJ, Simões CMO, Braga FC, Kreis W, de Pádua RM. Production of the Cytotoxic Cardenolide Glucoevatromonoside by Semisynthesis and Biotransformation of Evatromonoside by a Digitalis lanata Cell Culture. Planta Med 2017; 83:1035-1043. [PMID: 28486743 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-109557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that cardiac glycosides, known to inhibit Na+/K+-ATPase in humans, have increased susceptibility to cancer cells that can be used in tumor therapy. One of the most promising candidates identified so far is glucoevatromonoside, which can be isolated from the endangered species Digitalis mariana ssp. heywoodii. Due to its complex structure, glucoevatromonoside cannot be obtained economically by total chemical synthesis. Here we describe two methods for glucoevatromonoside production, both using evatromonoside obtained by chemical degradation of digitoxin as the precursor. 1) Catalyst-controlled, regioselective glycosylation of evatromonoside to glucoevatromonoside using 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide as the sugar donor and 2-aminoethyldiphenylborinate as the catalyst resulted in an overall 30 % yield. 2) Biotransformation of evatromonoside using Digitalis lanata plant cell suspension cultures was less efficient and resulted only in overall 18 % pure product. Structural proof of products has been provided by extensive NMR data. Glucoevatromonoside and its non-natural 1-3 linked isomer neo-glucoevatromonoside obtained by semisynthesis were evaluated against renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | | | - Elke Nolte
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Izabella Thaís Silva
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Flaviano Melo Ottoni
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Naira F Z Schneider
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Mônica C Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helge Taubert
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Walter Bauer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J Alves
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cláudia M O Simões
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Fernão C Braga
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Maia de Pádua
- Department of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Geiger D, Petersen J, Metinger N, Munkert J, Rieck C, Kreis W. Biosynthetic approach to combine early steps of cardenolide biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. N Biotechnol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2016.06.1361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Munkert J, Geiger D, Meitinger N, Rieck C, Petersen J, Kreis W. Production of natural and semisynthetic cardenolides – A synthetic biology approach. N Biotechnol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2016.06.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Meitinger N, Munkert J, Maia de Pádua R, de Souza Filho JD, Maid H, Bauer W, Braga FC, Kreis W. The catalytic mechanism of the 3-ketosteroid isomerase of Digitalis lanata involves an intramolecular proton transfer and the activity is not associated with the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Tetrahedron Lett 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2016.02.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ernst M, Munkert J, Campa M, Malnoy M, Martens S, Müller-Uri F. Steroid 5β-Reductase from Leaves of Vitis vinifera: Molecular Cloning, Expression, and Modeling. J Agric Food Chem 2015; 63:10112-10120. [PMID: 26537436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b04261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A steroid 5β-reductase gene corresponding to the hypothetical protein LOC100247199 from leaves of Vitis vinifera (var. 'Chardonnay') was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein showed 5β-reductase activity when progesterone was used as a substrate. The reaction was stereoselective, producing only 5β-products such as 5β-pregnane-3,20-dione. Other small substrates (terpenoids and enones) were also accepted as substrates, indicating the highly promiscuous character of the enzyme class. Our results show that the steroid 5β-reductase gene, encoding an orthologous enzyme described as a key enzyme in cardenolide biosynthesis, is also expressed in leaves of the cardenolide-free plant V. vinifera. We emphasize the fact that, on some occasions, different reductases (e.g., progesterone 5β-reductase and monoterpenoid reductase) can also use molecules that are similar to the final products as a substrate. Therefore, in planta, the different reductases may contribute to the immense number of diverse small natural products finally leading to the flavor of wine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Ernst
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg , Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg , Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manuela Campa
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) , Via Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige (Trentino), Italy
| | - Mickael Malnoy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) , Via Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige (Trentino), Italy
| | - Stefan Martens
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) , Via Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige (Trentino), Italy
| | - Frieder Müller-Uri
- Chair of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg , Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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Munkert J, Costa C, Budeanu O, Petersen J, Bertolucci S, Fischer G, Müller-Uri F, Kreis W. Progesterone 5β-reductase genes of the Brassicaceae family as function-associated molecular markers. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2015; 17:1113-22. [PMID: 26108256 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to define progesterone 5β-reductases (P5βR, EC 1.3.99.6, enone 1,4-reductases) as function-associated molecular markers at the plant family level. Therefore cDNAs were isolated from 25 Brassicaceae species, including two species, Erysimum crepidifolium and Draba aizoides, known to produce cardiac glycosides. The sequences were used in a molecular phylogeny study. The cladogram created is congruent to the existing molecular analyses. Recombinant His-tagged forms of the P5βR cDNAs from Aethionema grandiflorum, Draba aizoides, Nasturtium officinale, Raphanus sativus and Sisymbrium officinale were expressed in E. coli. Enone 1,4-reductase activity was demonstrated in vitro using progesterone and 2-cyclohexen-1-one as substrates. Evidence is provided that functional P5βRs are ubiquitous in the Brassicaceae. The recombinant P5βR enzymes showed different substrate preferences towards progesterone and 2-cyclohexen-1-one. Sequence comparison of the catalytic pocket of the P5βR enzymes and homology modelling using Digitalis lanata P5βR (PDB ID: 2V6G) as template highlighted the importance of the hydrophobicity of the binding pocket for substrate discrimination. It is concluded that P5βR genes or P5βR proteins can be used as valuable function-associated molecular markers to infer taxonomic relationship and evolutionary diversification from a metabolic/catalytic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Munkert
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Costa
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - O Budeanu
- University of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Chisinau, Moldova Republic
| | - J Petersen
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Bertolucci
- Agriculture Department, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
| | - G Fischer
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - F Müller-Uri
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - W Kreis
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Petersen J, Lanig H, Munkert J, Bauer P, Müller-Uri F, Kreis W. Progesterone 5β-reductases/iridoid synthases (PRISE): gatekeeper role of highly conserved phenylalanines in substrate preference and trapping is supported by molecular dynamics simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2015; 34:1667-80. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2015.1088797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Petersen
- Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Lanig
- ZISC, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Martensstr. 5a, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Munkert
- Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Bauer
- Bionorica SE, Kerschensterinerstr. 11-15, D-92318 Neumarkt, Germany
| | - Frieder Müller-Uri
- Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
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Munkert J, Pollier J, Miettinen K, Van Moerkercke A, Payne R, Müller-Uri F, Burlat V, O'Connor SE, Memelink J, Kreis W, Goossens A. Iridoid synthase activity is common among the plant progesterone 5β-reductase family. Mol Plant 2015; 8:136-52. [PMID: 25578278 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Catharanthus roseus, the Madagascar periwinkle, synthesizes bioactive monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, including the anti-cancer drugs vinblastine and vincristine. The monoterpenoid branch of the alkaloid pathway leads to the secoiridoid secologanin and involves the enzyme iridoid synthase (IS), a member of the progesterone 5β-reductase (P5βR) family. IS reduces 8-oxogeranial to iridodial. Through transcriptome mining, we show that IS belongs to a family of six C. roseus P5βR genes. Characterization of recombinant CrP5βR proteins demonstrates that all but CrP5βR3 can reduce progesterone and thus can be classified as P5βRs. Three of them, namely CrP5βR1, CrP5βR2, and CrP5βR4, can also reduce 8-oxogeranial, pointing to a possible redundancy with IS (corresponding to CrP5βR5) in secoiridoid synthesis. In-depth functional analysis by subcellular protein localization, gene expression analysis, in situ hybridization, and virus-induced gene silencing indicate that besides IS, CrP5βR4 may also participate in secoiridoid biosynthesis. We cloned a set of P5βR genes from angiosperm plant species not known to produce iridoids and demonstrate that the corresponding recombinant proteins are also capable of using 8-oxogeranial as a substrate. This suggests that IS activity is intrinsic to angiosperm P5βR proteins and has evolved early during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jacob Pollier
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Karel Miettinen
- Sylvius Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Van Moerkercke
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Richard Payne
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Frieder Müller-Uri
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vincent Burlat
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, UMR 5546, Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, BP 42617 Auzeville, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; CNRS, UMR 5546, BP 42617, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Sarah E O'Connor
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Johan Memelink
- Sylvius Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Alain Goossens
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Gent, Belgium; Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium.
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Munkert J, Pollier J, Miettinen K, Van Moerkercke A, Payne R, Müller-Uri F, Burlat V, O'Connor SE, Memelink J, Kreis W, Goossens A. Iridoid Synthase Activity Is Common among the Plant Progesterone 5β-Reductase Family. Mol Plant 2014:ssu100. [PMID: 25239067 DOI: 10.1093/mp/ssu100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Catharanthus roseus, the Madagascar periwinkle, synthesizes bioactive monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, among which the anti-cancer drugs vinblastine and vincristine. The monoterpenoid branch of the alkaloid pathway leads to the secoiridoid secologanin and involves the enzyme iridoid synthase (IS), a member of the progesterone 5β-reductase (P5βR) family. IS reduces 8-oxogeranial to iridodial. Through transcriptome mining, we show that IS belongs to a family of six C. roseus P5βR genes. Characterisation of recombinant CrP5βR proteins demonstrates that all but CrP5βR3 can reduce progesterone, and thus can be classified as P5βRs. Three of them, namely CrP5βR1, CrP5βR2 and CrP5βR4, could also reduce 8-oxogeranial, pointing to a possible redundancy with IS (corresponding to CrP5βR5) in secoiridoid synthesis. In depth functional analysis by subcellular protein localisation, gene expression analysis, in situ hybridisation and virus-induced gene silencing, indicates that besides IS, CrP5βR4 may also participate in secoiridoid biosynthesis. Finally, we cloned a set of P5βR genes from angiosperm plant species not known to produce iridoids and demonstrate that the corresponding recombinant proteins are also capable of using 8-oxogeranial as a substrate. This suggests that 'IS activity' is intrinsic to angiosperm P5βR proteins and has evolved early during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munkert
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jacob Pollier
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Karel Miettinen
- Sylvius Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Van Moerkercke
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
| | - Richard Payne
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Frieder Müller-Uri
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Vincent Burlat
- Université de Toulouse, UPS, UMR 5546, Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales, BP 42617 Auzeville, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France CNRS, UMR 5546, BP 42617, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Sarah E O'Connor
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Johan Memelink
- Sylvius Laboratory, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 BE, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alain Goossens
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, 9052 Gent, Belgium
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Munkert J, Ernst M, Müller-Uri F, Kreis W. Identification and stress-induced expression of three 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases from Erysimum crepidifolium Rchb. and their putative role in cardenolide biosynthesis. Phytochemistry 2014; 100:26-33. [PMID: 24512841 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3βHSD) are supposed to be involved in cardenolide biosynthesis in plants. Erysimum crepidifolium Rchb., a member of the Brassicaceae accumulating cardenolides, is a close relative to Arabidopsis thaliana. Full length cDNAs encoding for three individual 3βHSDs (EcHSD1, EcHSD2, EcHSD3) were isolated from E. crepidifolium leaves. EcHSD1 and EcHSD2 encode proteins assembled from 257 amino acids whereas EcHSD3 encodes a protein assembled from 260 amino acids. All three proteins qualify as members of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases family of proteins (SDRs). EcHSD1 and EcHSD2 shared a high amino acid sequence identity of about 86% and 91% with putative 3βHSDs of A. thaliana (AT2G47140 and AT2G47130). EcHSD3 showed high homology to the A. thaliana SDRs AT2G47150 (74%) and AT2G47120 (81%). All three EcHSD genes were expressed in Escherichia coli and the recombinant enzymes were characterized biochemically. All three recombinant EcHSDs catalyzed the dehydrogenation of pregnenolone and the 3-reduction of 5α/β-pregnane-3,20-dione when NAD and NADH were used as cosubstrates, respectively. After exposure to different stress conditions, no increased transcription was seen for EcHSD1 whereas EcHSD2 was expressed four times higher under osmotic stress than under control conditions. EcHSD3 expression was 10 times and 6 times higher after osmotic stress and MeJA treatment, respectively, than in controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munkert
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mona Ernst
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frieder Müller-Uri
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kreis
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Department Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; ECROPS Erlangen Center of Plant Science, Germany.
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Munkert J, Bauer P, Burda E, Müller-Uri F, Kreis W. Progesterone 5β-reductase of Erysimum crepidifolium: cDNA cloning, expression in Escherichia coli, and reduction of enones with the recombinant protein. Phytochemistry 2011; 72:1710-1717. [PMID: 21767854 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Erysimum is a genus of the Brassicaceae family closely related to the genus Arabidopsis. Several Erysimum species accumulate 5β-cardenolides. Progesterone 5β-reductases (P5βRs) first described in Digitalis species are thought to be involved in 5β-cardenolide biosynthesis. P5βRs belong to the dehydrogenase/reductase super-family of proteins. A full length cDNA clone encoding a P5βR was isolated from Erysimum crepidifolium leaves by 5'/3' RACE-PCR (termed EcP5βR). Subsequently, the P5βR cDNAs of another nine Erysimum species were amplified by RT-PCR using 5' and 3' end primers deduced from the EcP5βR cDNA. The EcP5βR cDNA is 1170bp long and encodes for 389 amino acids. The EcP5βR cDNA was ligated into the vector pQE 30 UA and the recombinant His-tagged protein (termed rEcP5βR) was over-expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-chelate affinity chromatography. Kinetic constants were determined for progesterone, 2-cyclohexen-1-one, isophorone, and NADPH. The by far highest specificity constant (k(cat)K(M)⁻¹) was estimated for 2-cyclohexen-1-one indicating that this monocyclic enone may be more related to the natural substrate of the enzyme than progesterone. The atomic structure of rEcP5βR was modelled using the crystal structure of P5βR from Digitalis lanata 2V6G as the template. All sequence motifs specific for SDRs as well as the NFYYxxED motif typical for P5βR-like enzymes were present and the protein sequence fitted into the template smoothly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Munkert
- Lehrstuhl für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Department Biologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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Bauer P, Munkert J, Brydziun M, Burda E, Müller-Uri F, Gröger H, Muller YA, Kreis W. Highly conserved progesterone 5 beta-reductase genes (P5 beta R) from 5 beta-cardenolide-free and 5 beta-cardenolide-producing angiosperms. Phytochemistry 2010; 71:1495-505. [PMID: 20598327 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/03/2010] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Most cardenolides used in the therapy of cardiac insufficiency are 5 beta-configured and thus the stereo-specific reduction of the Delta(4,5)-double bond of a steroid precursor is a crucial step in their biosynthesis. This step is thought to be catalysed by progesterone 5 beta-reductases. We report here on the isolation of 11 progesterone 5 beta-reductase (P5 beta R) orthologues from 5 beta-cardenolide-free and 5 beta-cardenolide-producing plant species belonging to five different angiosperm orders (Brassicales, Gentianales, Lamiales, Malvales and Solanales). Amino acid sequences of the P5 beta R described here were highly conserved. They all contain certain motifs qualifying them as members of a class of stereo-selective enone reductases capable of reducing activated C=C double bonds by a 1,4-addition mechanism. Protein modeling revealed seven conserved amino acids in the substrate-binding/catalytic site of these enzymes which are all supposed to exhibit low substrate specificity. Eight P5 beta R genes isolated were expressed in Escherichia coli. Recombinant enzymes reduced progesterone stereo-specifically to 5 beta-pregane-3,20-dione. The progesterone 5 beta-reductases from Digitalis canariensis and Arabidopsis thaliana reduced activated C=C double bonds of molecules much smaller than progesterone. The specific role of progesterone 5 beta-reductases of P5 beta Rs in cardenolide metabolism is challenged because this class of enone reductases is widespread in higher plants, and they accept a wide range of enone substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bauer
- Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstr. 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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