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Baltasar-Marchueta M, Llona L, M-Alicante S, Barbolla I, Ibarluzea MG, Ramis R, Salomon AM, Fundora B, Araujo A, Muguruza-Montero A, Nuñez E, Pérez-Olea S, Villanueva C, Leonardo A, Arrasate S, Sotomayor N, Villarroel A, Bergara A, Lete E, González-Díaz H. Identification of Riluzole derivatives as novel calmodulin inhibitors with neuroprotective activity by a joint synthesis, biosensor, and computational guided strategy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116602. [PMID: 38636396 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116602] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of new molecules for the treatment of calmodulin related cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases is an interesting goal. In this work, we introduce a novel strategy with four main steps: (1) chemical synthesis of target molecules, (2) Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) biosensor development and in vitro biological assay of new derivatives, (3) Cheminformatics models development and in vivo activity prediction, and (4) Docking studies. This strategy is illustrated with a case study. Firstly, a series of 4-substituted Riluzole derivatives 1-3 were synthetized through a strategy that involves the construction of the 4-bromoriluzole framework and its further functionalization via palladium catalysis or organolithium chemistry. Next, a FRET biosensor for monitoring Ca2+-dependent CaM-ligands interactions has been developed and used for the in vitro assay of Riluzole derivatives. In particular, the best inhibition (80%) was observed for 4-methoxyphenylriluzole 2b. Besides, we trained and validated a new Networks Invariant, Information Fusion, Perturbation Theory, and Machine Learning (NIFPTML) model for predicting probability profiles of in vivo biological activity parameters in different regions of the brain. Next, we used this model to predict the in vivo activity of the compounds experimentally studied in vitro. Last, docking study conducted on Riluzole and its derivatives has provided valuable insights into their binding conformations with the target protein, involving calmodulin and the SK4 channel. This new combined strategy may be useful to reduce assay costs (animals, materials, time, and human resources) in the drug discovery process of calmodulin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Baltasar-Marchueta
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Leire Llona
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | | | - Iratxe Barbolla
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Markel Garcia Ibarluzea
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain; Departament of Physics, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Rafael Ramis
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain; Departament of Physics, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ane Miren Salomon
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Brenda Fundora
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Ariane Araujo
- Biofisika Institute, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | | | - Eider Nuñez
- Biofisika Institute, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Scarlett Pérez-Olea
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Christian Villanueva
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Aritz Leonardo
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain; Departament of Physics, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Sonia Arrasate
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | - Nuria Sotomayor
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain
| | | | - Aitor Bergara
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain; Departament of Physics, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Esther Lete
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain.
| | - Humberto González-Díaz
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain; Biofisika Institute, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa 48940, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48011, Spain.
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Saez-Matia A, Ibarluzea MG, M-Alicante S, Muguruza-Montero A, Nuñez E, Ramis R, Ballesteros OR, Lasa-Goicuria D, Fons C, Gallego M, Casis O, Leonardo A, Bergara A, Villarroel A. MLe-KCNQ2: An Artificial Intelligence Model for the Prognosis of Missense KCNQ2 Gene Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2910. [PMID: 38474157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052910] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing availability of genomic data and enhanced data analysis procedures, predicting the severity of associated diseases remains elusive in the absence of clinical descriptors. To address this challenge, we have focused on the KV7.2 voltage-gated potassium channel gene (KCNQ2), known for its link to developmental delays and various epilepsies, including self-limited benign familial neonatal epilepsy and epileptic encephalopathy. Genome-wide tools often exhibit a tendency to overestimate deleterious mutations, frequently overlooking tolerated variants, and lack the capacity to discriminate variant severity. This study introduces a novel approach by evaluating multiple machine learning (ML) protocols and descriptors. The combination of genomic information with a novel Variant Frequency Index (VFI) builds a robust foundation for constructing reliable gene-specific ML models. The ensemble model, MLe-KCNQ2, formed through logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest and gradient boosting algorithms, achieves specificity and sensitivity values surpassing 0.95 (AUC-ROC > 0.98). The ensemble MLe-KCNQ2 model also categorizes pathogenic mutations as benign or severe, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) above 0.67. This study not only presents a transferable methodology for accurately classifying KCNQ2 missense variants, but also provides valuable insights for clinical counseling and aids in the determination of variant severity. The research context emphasizes the necessity of precise variant classification, especially for genes like KCNQ2, contributing to the broader understanding of gene-specific challenges in the field of genomic research. The MLe-KCNQ2 model stands as a promising tool for enhancing clinical decision making and prognosis in the realm of KCNQ2-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markel G Ibarluzea
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Sara M-Alicante
- Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Eider Nuñez
- Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Rafael Ramis
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Oscar R Ballesteros
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales CFM, CSIC-UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Fons
- Pediatric Neurology Department, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona University, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gallego
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Oscar Casis
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Aritz Leonardo
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 Donostia, Spain
| | - Aitor Bergara
- Physics Department, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 Donostia, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales CFM, CSIC-UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia, Spain
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Ramis R, Ballesteros ÓR, Muguruza-Montero A, M-Alicante S, Núñez E, Villarroel Á, Leonardo A, Bergara A. Molecular dynamics simulations of the calmodulin-induced α-helix in the SK2 calcium-gated potassium ion channel. J Biol Chem 2022; 299:102850. [PMID: 36587765 PMCID: PMC9874072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102850] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The family of small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium ion channels (SK channels) is composed of four members (SK1, SK2, SK3, and SK4) involved in neuron-firing regulation. The gating of these channels depends on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and their sensitivity to this ion is provided by calmodulin (CaM). This protein binds to a specific region in SK channels known as the calmodulin-binding domain (CaMBD), an event which is essential for their gating. While CaMBDs are typically disordered in the absence of CaM, the SK2 channel subtype displays a small prefolded α-helical region in its CaMBD even if CaM is not present. This small helix is known to turn into a full α-helix upon CaM binding, although the molecular-level details for this conversion are not fully understood yet. In this work, we offer new insights on this physiologically relevant process by means of enhanced sampling, atomistic Hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations, providing a more detailed understanding of CaM binding to this target. Our results show that CaM is necessary for inducing a full α-helix along the SK2 CaMBD through hydrophobic interactions with V426 and L427. However, it is also necessary that W431 does not compete for these interactions; the role of the small prefolded α-helix in the SK2 CaMBD would be to stabilize W431 so that this is the case. In conclusion, our findings provide further insight into a key interaction between CaM and SK channels that is important for channel sensitivity to Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ramis
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain; Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Óscar R. Ballesteros
- Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain,Centro de Física de Materiales CFM, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain
| | | | - Sara M-Alicante
- Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain,Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Eider Núñez
- Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain,Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Aritz Leonardo
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Bergara
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain,Centro de Física de Materiales CFM, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain
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Muguruza-Montero A, Ramis R, Nuñez E, R Ballesteros O, G Ibarluzea M, Araujo A, M-Alicante S, Urrutia J, Leonardo A, Bergara A, Villarroel A. Do calmodulin binding IQ motifs have built-in capping domains? Protein Sci 2021; 30:2029-2041. [PMID: 34392571 PMCID: PMC8442972 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Most calmodulin (CaM) targets are α-helices. It is not clear if CaM induces the adoption of an α-helix configuration to its targets or if those targets are selected as they spontaneously adopt an α-helical conformation. Other than an α-helix propensity, there is a great variety of CaM targets with little more in common. One exception to this rule is the IQ site that can be recognized in a number of targets, such as those ion channels belonging to the KCNQ family. Although there is negligible sequence similarity between the IQ motif and the docking site on SK2 channels, both adopt a similar three-dimensional disposition. The isolated SK2 target presents a pre-folded core region that becomes fully α-helical upon binding to CaM. The existence of this pre-folded state suggests the occurrence of capping within CaM targets. In this review, we examine the capping properties within the residues flanking this core domain, and relate known IQ motifs and capping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Ramis
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain.,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Eider Nuñez
- LaboKCNQ, Barrio Sarriena, Leioa, Spain.,Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Oscar R Ballesteros
- Centro de Física de Materiales CFM, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain.,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Markel G Ibarluzea
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain.,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ariane Araujo
- LaboKCNQ, Barrio Sarriena, Leioa, Spain.,Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Janire Urrutia
- LaboKCNQ, Barrio Sarriena, Leioa, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Aritz Leonardo
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain.,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Bergara
- Donostia International Physics Center, Donostia, Spain.,Centro de Física de Materiales CFM, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Donostia, Spain.,Departamento de Física, Universidad del País Vasco, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Alvaro Villarroel
- LaboKCNQ, Barrio Sarriena, Leioa, Spain.,Instituto Biofisika, CSIC-UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
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