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Kolokotroni A, Gkikopoulou E, Rinotas V, Ntari L, Zareifi D, Rouchota M, Sarpaki S, Lymperopoulos I, Alexopoulos LG, Loudos G, Denis MC, Karagianni N, Douni E. Α Humanized RANKL Transgenic Mouse Model of Progestin-Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis for Evaluation of Novel Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4006. [PMID: 37568820 PMCID: PMC10417415 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15154006] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is critically involved in mammary gland pathophysiology, while its pharmaceutical inhibition is being currently investigated in breast cancer. Herein, we investigated whether the overexpression of human RANKL in transgenic mice affects hormone-induced mammary carcinogenesis, and evaluated the efficacy of anti-RANKL treatments, such as OPG-Fc targeting both human and mouse RANKL or Denosumab against human RANKL. We established novel MPA/DMBA-driven mammary carcinogenesis models in TgRANKL mice that express both human and mouse RANKL, as well as in humanized humTgRANKL mice expressing only human RANKL, and compared them to MPA/DMBA-treated wild-type (WT) mice. Our results show that TgRANKL and WT mice have similar levels of susceptibility to mammary carcinogenesis, while OPG-Fc treatment restored mammary ductal density, and prevented ductal branching and the formation of neoplastic foci in both genotypes. humTgRANKL mice also developed MPA/DMBA-induced tumors with similar incidence and burden to those of WT and TgRANKL mice. The prophylactic treatment of humTgRANKL mice with Denosumab significantly prevented the rate of appearance of mammary tumors from 86.7% to 15.4% and the early stages of carcinogenesis, whereas therapeutic treatment did not lead to any significant attenuation of tumor incidence or tumor burden compared to control mice, suggesting the importance of RANKL primarily in the initial stages of tumorigenesis. Overall, we provide unique genetic tools for investigating the involvement of RANKL in breast carcinogenesis, and allow the preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics that target hormone-related breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthi Kolokotroni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Evi Gkikopoulou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Lydia Ntari
- Biomedcode Hellas SA, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece (M.C.D.)
| | - Danae Zareifi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 10682 Athens, Greece
| | - Maritina Rouchota
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park, NCSR “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi, 15343 Athens, Greece (G.L.)
| | - Sophia Sarpaki
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park, NCSR “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi, 15343 Athens, Greece (G.L.)
| | | | - Leonidas G. Alexopoulos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 10682 Athens, Greece
| | - George Loudos
- BIOEMTECH, Lefkippos Attica Technology Park, NCSR “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi, 15343 Athens, Greece (G.L.)
| | - Maria C. Denis
- Biomedcode Hellas SA, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece (M.C.D.)
| | - Niki Karagianni
- Biomedcode Hellas SA, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece (M.C.D.)
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
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2
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Rinotas V, Liepouri F, Ouzouni MD, Chalkidi N, Papaneophytou C, Lampropoulou M, Vidali VP, Kontopidis G, Couladouros E, Eliopoulos E, Papakyriakou A, Douni E. Structure-Based Discovery of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand (RANKL)-Induced Osteoclastogenesis Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11290. [PMID: 37511048 PMCID: PMC10379842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411290] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) has been actively pursued as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis, given that RANKL is the master mediator of bone resorption as it promotes osteoclast differentiation, activity and survival. We employed a structure-based virtual screening approach comprising two stages of experimental evaluation and identified 11 commercially available compounds that displayed dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Their inhibitory effects were quantified through TRAP activity at the low micromolar range (IC50 < 5 μΜ), but more importantly, 3 compounds displayed very low toxicity (LC50 > 100 μΜ). We also assessed the potential of an N-(1-aryl-1H-indol-5-yl)aryl-sulfonamide scaffold that was based on the structure of a hit compound, through synthesis of 30 derivatives. Their evaluation revealed 4 additional hits that inhibited osteoclastogenesis at low micromolar concentrations; however, cellular toxicity concerns preclude their further development. Taken together with the structure-activity relationships provided by the hit compounds, our study revealed potent inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis of high therapeutic index, which bear diverse scaffolds that can be employed in hit-to-lead optimization for the development of therapeutics against osteolytic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagelis Rinotas
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | | | - Maria-Dimitra Ouzouni
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Chalkidi
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patr. Gregoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Elias Couladouros
- proACTINA SA, 20 Delfon Street, 15125 Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Patr. Gregoriou E & 27 Neapoleos Str, 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
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3
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Kolokotroni A, Gkikopoulou E, Rinotas V, Douni E. Phosphotungstic acid-enhanced microcomputed tomography for quantitative visualization of mouse mammary gland morphology. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2023; 10:S22402. [PMID: 36825256 PMCID: PMC9941684 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.10.s2.s22402] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Even though current techniques provide two-dimensional (2D) imaging of the mouse mammary gland, they fail to achieve high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and quantification. The objective of this study is to establish and evaluate quantitative visualization of the mouse mammary epithelium through microcomputed tomography (microCT) using phosphotungstic acid (PTA) as a contrast agent. Approach Ex vivo microCT scan images of the mouse mammary glands were obtained following staining by PTA, whereas for quantification we adapted volumetric parameters that are used for assessing trabecular bone morphometry and can be structurally applicable in the mammary ductal system. The proposed method was validated in distinct developmental stages and upon short-term treatment with synthetic progesterone, using the carmine alum staining for comparison. Results We demonstrate a simple PTA staining procedure that allows high contrast 3D imaging of mammary glands and quantitation of mammary duct structures using microCT. We validated the proposed method in distinct developmental stages, such as at puberty, adult mice, pregnancy as well as upon progesterone treatment. Compared with carmine alum staining, the microCT analysis provided higher resolution 2D and 3D images of the mammary gland morphology, with lower background that enabled the detection of subtle changes. Conclusions This work is the first study that employs PTA-enhanced microCT for 3D imaging and volumetric analysis of mouse mammary glands. Our results establish PTA-enhanced microCT as a useful tool for comparative studies of the mouse mammary gland morphology that can apply in mutant mice and for the preclinical evaluation of pharmaceuticals in breast cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthi Kolokotroni
- Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming,” Institute for Bioinnovation, Vari, Greece
| | - Evi Gkikopoulou
- Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming,” Institute for Bioinnovation, Vari, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming,” Institute for Bioinnovation, Vari, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming,” Institute for Bioinnovation, Vari, Greece
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4
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Martens A, Hertens P, Priem D, Rinotas V, Meletakos T, Gennadi M, Van Hove L, Louagie E, Coudenys J, De Muynck A, Gaublomme D, Sze M, van Hengel J, Catrysse L, Hoste E, Zajac JD, Davey RA, Van Hoorebeke L, Hochepied T, Bertrand MJM, Armaka M, Elewaut D, van Loo G. A20 controls RANK-dependent osteoclast formation and bone physiology. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e55233. [PMID: 36194667 PMCID: PMC9724664 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory protein A20 serves as a critical brake on NF-κB signaling and NF-κB-dependent inflammation. In humans, polymorphisms in or near the TNFAIP3/A20 gene have been associated with several inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and experimental studies in mice have demonstrated that myeloid-specific A20 deficiency causes the development of a severe polyarthritis resembling human RA. Myeloid A20 deficiency also promotes osteoclastogenesis in mice, suggesting a role for A20 in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation and bone formation. We show here that osteoclast-specific A20 knockout mice develop severe osteoporosis, but not inflammatory arthritis. In vitro, osteoclast precursor cells from A20 deficient mice are hyper-responsive to RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, we show that A20 is recruited to the RANK receptor complex within minutes of ligand binding, where it restrains NF-κB activation independently of its deubiquitinating activity but through its zinc finger (ZnF) 4 and 7 ubiquitin-binding functions. Together, these data demonstrate that A20 acts as a regulator of RANK-induced NF-κB signaling to control osteoclast differentiation, assuring proper bone development and turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Martens
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Pieter Hertens
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Dario Priem
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming'VariGreece
| | | | - Meropi Gennadi
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming'VariGreece
| | - Lisette Van Hove
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Els Louagie
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of RheumatologyGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | - Julie Coudenys
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of RheumatologyGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | | | - Djoere Gaublomme
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of RheumatologyGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | - Mozes Sze
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | | | - Leen Catrysse
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Esther Hoste
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, Austin HealthUniversity of MelbourneHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rachel A Davey
- Department of Medicine, Austin HealthUniversity of MelbourneHeidelbergVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Tino Hochepied
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Mathieu J M Bertrand
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Marietta Armaka
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming'VariGreece
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of RheumatologyGhent University HospitalGhentBelgium
| | - Geert van Loo
- Center for Inflammation Research VIBGhentBelgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular BiologyGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
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Athanasoulia I, Louli V, Schinas P, Rinotas V, Douni E, Tarantili P, Magoulas K. The effect of foaming process with supercritical
CO
2
on the morphology and properties of
3D
porous polylactic acid scaffolds. POLYM ENG SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.26020] [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: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Louli
- Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena Lab., School of Chemical Engineering National Technical University of Athens Greece
| | - Petros Schinas
- Environment and Quality of Life Lab., School of Chemical Engineering National Technical University of Athens Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Institute for Bioinnovation Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming” Vari Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Institute for Bioinnovation Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming” Vari Greece
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology Agricultural University of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Petroula Tarantili
- Polymer Technology Lab., School of Chemical Engineering National Technical University of Athens Greece
| | - Konstantinos Magoulas
- Thermodynamics and Transport Phenomena Lab., School of Chemical Engineering National Technical University of Athens Greece
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Ioannidou E, Rinotas V, Douni E. Analysis of the transcriptome in the TgRANKL mouse model of osteoporosis reveals mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs as potent regulators of osteoporosis. Bone Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2022.101316] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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7
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Kolokotroni A, Gkikopoulou E, Geronta V, Rinotas V, Zareifi D, Rouchota M, Lymperopoulos I, Alexopoulos L, Loudos G, Denis M, Karagianni N, Douni E. Inhibition of RANKL decreases mammary density and attenuates progestin-driven carcinogenesis in osteoporotic TgRANKL mice. Bone Rep 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2022.101210] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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8
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Perivolidi VI, Violitzi F, Ioannidou E, Rinotas V, Stamatakis G, Samiotaki M, Panayotou G, Douni E. Proteomic Identification of the SLC25A46 Interactome in Transgenic Mice Expressing SLC25A46-FLAG. J Proteome Res 2022; 21:375-394. [PMID: 34983179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The outer mitochondrial membrane protein SLC25A46 has been recently identified as a novel genetic cause of a wide spectrum of neurological diseases. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the physiological role of SLC25A46 through the identification of its interactome with immunoprecipitation and proteomic analysis in whole cell extracts from the cerebellum, cerebrum, heart, and thymus of transgenic mice expressing ubiquitously SLC25A46-FLAG. Our analysis identified 371 novel putative interactors of SLC25A46 and confirmed 17 known ones. A total of 79 co-immunoprecipitated proteins were common in two or more tissues, mainly participating in mitochondrial activities such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ATP production, active transport of ions or molecules, and the metabolism. Tissue-specific co-immunoprecipitated proteins were enriched for synapse annotated proteins in the cerebellum and cerebrum for metabolic processes in the heart and for nuclear processes and proteasome in the thymus. Our proteomic approach confirmed known mitochondrial interactors of SLC25A46 including MICOS complex subunits and also OPA1 and VDACs, while we identified novel interactors including the ADP/ATP translocases SLC25A4 and SLC25A5, subunits of the OXPHOS complexes and F1Fo-ATP synthase, and components of the mitochondria-ER contact sites. Our results show that SLC25A46 interacts with a large number of proteins and protein complexes involved in the mitochondria architecture, energy production, and flux and also in inter-organellar contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki-Iris Perivolidi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Foteini Violitzi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Elisavet Ioannidou
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - George Stamatakis
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - George Panayotou
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Fleming 34, 16672 Vari, Greece
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Kolokotroni A, Gkikopoulou E, Rinotas V, Ntari L, Zareifi D, Rouchota M, Fragogeorgi E, Lymperopoulos I, Alexopoulos L, Loudos G, Denis M, Karagianni N, Douni E. Investigating the pathophysiological role of RANKL in mammary gland density and oncogenesis in osteoporotic TgRANKL mice. Bone Rep 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2021.100838] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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10
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Gkikopoulou E, Kolokotroni A, Rinotas V, Dragolia M, Ntafis V, Rauner M, Douni E. Studying the role of RANKL in breast cancer and bone metastasis mouse models. Bone Rep 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2021.100900] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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11
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Rinotas V, Ntouskou ED, Dragolia M, Ntafis V, Yavropoulou M, Anastasilakis A, Makras P, Douni E. Investigating Denosumab discontinuation in the TgRANKL osteoporotic mouse model. Bone Rep 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2021.100782] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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12
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Rinotas V, Papakyriakou A, Violitzi F, Papaneophytou C, Ouzouni MD, Alexiou P, Strongilos A, Couladouros E, Kontopidis G, Eliopoulos E, Douni E. Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand with a Superior Therapeutic Index. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12043-12059. [PMID: 32955874 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) constitutes the master mediator of osteoclastogenesis, while its pharmaceutical inhibition by a monoclonal antibody has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. To date, the pursuit of pharmacologically more favorable approaches using low-molecular-weight inhibitors has been hampered by low specificity and high toxicity issues. This study aimed to discover small-molecule inhibitors targeting RANKL trimer formation. Through a systematic screening of 39 analogues of SPD-304, a dual inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and RANKL trimerization, we identified four compounds (1b, 3b, 4a, and 4c) that selectively inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting TNF activity or osteoblast differentiation. Based on structure-activity observations extracted from the most potent and less toxic inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, we synthesized a focused set of compounds that revealed three potent inhibitors (19a, 19b, and 20a) with remarkably low cell-toxicity and improved therapeutic indexes as shown by the LC50 to IC50 ratio. These RANKL-selective inhibitors are an excellent starting point for the development of small-molecule therapeutics against osteolytic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagelis Rinotas
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 15341 Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Foteini Violitzi
- Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, 46 Makedonitissas Avenue, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria-Dimitra Ouzouni
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Alexiou
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Elias Couladouros
- Laboratory of General Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece.,Institute for Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 34 Fleming Street, 16672 Vari, Greece
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13
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Rinotas V, Nikolaou P, Kritikos K, Papadopoulos A, Plestilova L, Jüngel A, Samiotaki M, Panayotou G, Douni E. Bone remodeling mechanisms in osteoporotic TgRANKL transgenic mouse models. Bone Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100461] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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14
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Kolokotroni A, Rinotas V, Gkikopoulou E, Ntari L, Rouchota M, Fragogeorgi E, Zareifi D, Fotis C, Lymperopoulos I, Alexopoulos L, Loudos G, Denis M, Karagianni N, Douni E. Establishment of progesterone-induced mammary carcinogenesis in a humanized TgRANKL osteoporotic mouse model. Bone Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100424] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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15
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Kolokotroni A, Rinotas V, Gkikopoulou E, Efstathiou E, Dermitzaki E, Rentis T, Zareifi D, Lymperopoulos I, Samiotaki M, Alexopoulos L, Panayotou G, Douni E. RANKL promotes the expansion of mammary epithelial cells in osteoporotic TgRANKL mouse models. Bone Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100683] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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16
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Papadaki M, Rinotas V, Violitzi F, Thireou T, Panayotou G, Samiotaki M, Douni E. New Insights for RANKL as a Proinflammatory Modulator in Modeled Inflammatory Arthritis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:97. [PMID: 30804932 PMCID: PMC6370657 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) superfamily, constitutes the master regulator of osteoclast formation and bone resorption, whereas its involvement in inflammatory diseases remains unclear. Here, we used the human TNF transgenic mouse model of erosive inflammatory arthritis to determine if the progression of inflammation is affected by either genetic inactivation or overexpression of RANKL in transgenic mouse models. TNF-mediated inflammatory arthritis was significantly attenuated in the absence of functional RANKL. Notably, TNF overexpression could not compensate for RANKL-mediated osteopetrosis, but promoted osteoclastogenesis between the pannus and bone interface, suggesting RANKL-independent mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis in inflamed joints. On the other hand, simultaneous overexpression of RANKL and TNF in double transgenic mice accelerated disease onset and led to severe arthritis characterized by significantly elevated clinical and histological scores as shown by aggressive pannus formation, extended bone resorption, and massive accumulation of inflammatory cells, mainly of myeloid origin. RANKL and TNF cooperated not only in local bone loss identified in the inflamed calcaneous bone, but also systemically in distal femurs as shown by microCT analysis. Proteomic analysis in inflamed ankles from double transgenic mice overexpressing human TNF and RANKL showed an abundance of proteins involved in osteoclastogenesis, pro-inflammatory processes, gene expression regulation, and cell proliferation, while proteins participating in basic metabolic processes were downregulated compared to TNF and RANKL single transgenic mice. Collectively, these results suggest that RANKL modulates modeled inflammatory arthritis not only as a mediator of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption but also as a disease modifier affecting inflammation and immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papadaki
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
| | - Foteini Violitzi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
| | - Trias Thireou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Panayotou
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens, Greece
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17
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Melagraki G, Leonis G, Ntougkos E, Rinotas V, Papaneophytou C, Mavromoustakos T, Kontopidis G, Douni E, Kollias G, Afantitis A. Current Status and Future Prospects of Small-molecule Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) Inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). Curr Top Med Chem 2018; 18:661-673. [PMID: 29875003 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666180607084430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The overexpression of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is directly related to the development of several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, refractory asthma, and multiple sclerosis. Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa- B Ligand (RANKL) belongs to the TNF family and is the primary mediator of osteoclast-induced bone resorption through interaction with its receptor RANK. The function of RANKL is physiologically inhibited by the action of osteoprotegerin (OPG), which is a decoy receptor that binds to RANKL and prevents the process of osteoclastogenesis. Malfunction among RANK/RANKL/OPG can also result in bone loss diseases, including postmenopausal osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone metastasis and multiple myeloma. To disrupt the unwanted functions of TNF and RANKL, current attempts focus on blocking TNF and RANKL binding to their receptors. In this review, we present the research efforts toward the development of low-molecular-weight pharmaceuticals that directly block the detrimental actions of TNF and RANKL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evangelos Ntougkos
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.,Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece.,Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.,Institute for Research and Technology Thessaly (IRETETH), Volos, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.,Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece.,Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- NovaMechanics Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari, Greece
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18
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Melagraki G, Ntougkos E, Papadopoulou D, Rinotas V, Leonis G, Douni E, Afantitis A, Kollias G. In Silico Discovery of Plant-Origin Natural Product Inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:800. [PMID: 30090063 PMCID: PMC6068282 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An in silico drug discovery pipeline for the virtual screening of plant-origin natural products (NPs) was developed to explore new direct inhibitors of TNF and its close relative receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), both representing attractive therapeutic targets for many chronic inflammatory conditions. Direct TNF inhibition through identification of potent small molecules is a highly desired goal; however, it is often hampered by severe limitations. Our approach yielded a priority list of 15 NPs as potential direct TNF inhibitors that were subsequently tested in vitro against TNF and RANKL. We thus identified two potent direct inhibitors of TNF function with low micromolar IC50 values and minimal toxicity even at high concentrations. Most importantly, one of them (A11) was proved to be a dual inhibitor of both TNF and RANKL. Extended molecular dynamics simulations with the fully automated EnalosMD suite rationalized the mode of action of the compounds at the molecular level. To our knowledge, these compounds constitute the first NP TNF inhibitors, one of which being the first NP small-molecule dual inhibitor of TNF and RANKL, and could serve as lead compounds for the development of novel treatments for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangelos Ntougkos
- Division of Immunology Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming,", Vari, Greece
| | - Dimitra Papadopoulou
- Division of Immunology Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming,", Vari, Greece.,Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Division of Immunology Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming,", Vari, Greece.,Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Douni
- Division of Immunology Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming,", Vari, Greece.,Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- Division of Immunology Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming,", Vari, Greece.,NovaMechanics Ltd., Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George Kollias
- Division of Immunology Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming,", Vari, Greece.,Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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19
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Llop-Guevara A, Porras M, Cendón C, Di Ceglie I, Siracusa F, Madarena F, Rinotas V, Gómez L, van Lent PL, Douni E, Chang HD, Kamradt T, Román J. Simultaneous inhibition of JAK and SYK kinases ameliorates chronic and destructive arthritis in mice. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:356. [PMID: 26653844 PMCID: PMC4675041 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the broad spectrum of antirheumatic drugs, RA is still not well controlled in up to 30-50 % of patients. Inhibition of JAK kinases by means of the pan-JAK inhibitor tofacitinib has demonstrated to be effective even in difficult-to-treat patients. Here, we discuss whether the efficacy of JAK inhibition can be improved by simultaneously inhibiting SYK kinase, since both kinases mediate complementary and non-redundant pathways in RA. METHODS Efficacy of dual JAK + SYK inhibition with selective small molecule inhibitors was evaluated in chronic G6PI-induced arthritis, a non-self-remitting and destructive arthritis model in mice. Clinical and histopathological scores, as well as cytokine and anti-G6PI antibody production were assessed in both preventive and curative protocols. Potential immunotoxicity was also evaluated in G6PI-induced arthritis and in a 28-day TDAR model, by analysing the effects of JAK + SYK inhibition on hematological parameters, lymphoid organs, leukocyte subsets and cell function. RESULTS Simultaneous JAK + SYK inhibition completely prevented mice from developing arthritis. This therapeutic strategy was also very effective in ameliorating already established arthritis. Dual kinase inhibition immediately resulted in greatly decreased clinical and histopathological scores and led to disease remission in over 70 % of the animals. In contrast, single JAK inhibition and anti-TNF therapy (etanercept) were able to stop disease progression but not to revert it. Dual kinase inhibition decreased Treg and NK cell counts to the same extent as single JAK inhibition but overall cytotoxicity remained intact. Interestingly, treatment discontinuation rapidly reversed such immune cell reduction without compromising clinical efficacy, suggesting long-lasting curative effects. Dual kinase inhibition reduced the Th1/Th17 cytokine cascade and the differentiation and function of joint cells, in particular osteoclasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes. CONCLUSIONS Concurrent JAK + SYK inhibition resulted in higher efficacy than single kinase inhibition and TNF blockade in a chronic and severe arthritis model. Thus, blockade of multiple immune signals with dual JAK + SYK inhibition represents a reasonable therapeutic strategy for RA, in particular in patients with inadequate responses to current treatments. Our data supports the multiplicity of events underlying this heterogeneous and complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mónica Porras
- Draconis Pharma S.L., Calle Pallars 179, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carla Cendón
- Draconis Pharma S.L., Calle Pallars 179, Barcelona, Spain.
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Lluís Gómez
- Draconis Pharma S.L., Calle Pallars 179, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece.
| | | | | | - Juan Román
- Draconis Pharma S.L., Calle Pallars 179, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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Ioakeimidis F, Ott C, Kozjak-Pavlovic V, Violitzi F, Rinotas V, Makrinou E, Eliopoulos E, Fasseas C, Kollias G, Douni E. A splicing mutation in the novel mitochondrial protein DNAJC11 causes motor neuron pathology associated with cristae disorganization, and lymphoid abnormalities in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104237. [PMID: 25111180 PMCID: PMC4128653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial structure and function is emerging as a major contributor to neuromuscular disease, highlighting the need for the complete elucidation of the underlying molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms. Following a forward genetics approach with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-mediated random mutagenesis, we identified a novel mouse model of autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by a splice-site hypomorphic mutation in a novel gene of unknown function, DnaJC11. Recent findings have demonstrated that DNAJC11 protein co-immunoprecipitates with proteins of the mitochondrial contact site (MICOS) complex involved in the formation of mitochondrial cristae and cristae junctions. Homozygous mutant mice developed locomotion defects, muscle weakness, spasticity, limb tremor, leucopenia, thymic and splenic hypoplasia, general wasting and early lethality. Neuropathological analysis showed severe vacuolation of the motor neurons in the spinal cord, originating from dilatations of the endoplasmic reticulum and notably from mitochondria that had lost their proper inner membrane organization. The causal role of the identified mutation in DnaJC11 was verified in rescue experiments by overexpressing the human ortholog. The full length 63 kDa isoform of human DNAJC11 was shown to localize in the periphery of the mitochondrial outer membrane whereas putative additional isoforms displayed differential submitochondrial localization. Moreover, we showed that DNAJC11 is assembled in a high molecular weight complex, similarly to mitofilin and that downregulation of mitofilin or SAM50 affected the levels of DNAJC11 in HeLa cells. Our findings provide the first mouse mutant for a putative MICOS protein and establish a link between DNAJC11 and neuromuscular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotis Ioakeimidis
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | - Christine Ott
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vera Kozjak-Pavlovic
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Foteini Violitzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | - Eleni Makrinou
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Costas Fasseas
- Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kollias
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Division of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari, Greece
- * E-mail:
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21
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Rinotas V, Niti A, Dacquin R, Bonnet N, Stolina M, Han CY, Kostenuik P, Jurdic P, Ferrari S, Douni E. Novel genetic models of osteoporosis by overexpression of human RANKL in transgenic mice. J Bone Miner Res 2014; 29:1158-69. [PMID: 24127173 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 09/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) plays a key role in osteoclast-induced bone resorption across a range of degenerative bone diseases, and its specific inhibition has been recently approved as a treatment for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis at high or increased risk of fracture in the United States and globally. In the present study, we generated transgenic mice (TghuRANKL) carrying the human RANKL (huRANKL) genomic region and achieved a physiologically relevant pattern of RANKL overexpression in order to establish novel genetic models for assessing skeletal and extraskeletal pathologies associated with excessive RANKL and for testing clinical therapeutic candidates that inhibit human RANKL. TghuRANKL mice of both sexes developed early-onset bone loss, and the levels of huRANKL expression were correlated with bone resorption and disease severity. Low copy Tg5516 mice expressing huRANKL at low levels displayed a mild osteoporotic phenotype as shown by trabecular bone loss and reduced biomechanical properties. Notably, overexpression of huRANKL, in the medium copy Tg5519 line, resulted in severe early-onset osteoporosis characterized by lack of trabecular bone, destruction of the growth plate, increased osteoclastogenesis, bone marrow adiposity, increased bone remodeling, and severe cortical bone porosity accompanied by decreased bone strength. An even more severe skeletal phenotype developed in the high copy Tg5520 founder with extensive soft tissue calcification. Model validation was further established by evidence that denosumab, an antibody that inhibits human but not murine RANKL, fully corrected the hyper-resorptive and osteoporotic phenotypes of Tg5519 mice. Furthermore, overexpression of huRANKL rescued osteopetrotic phenotypes of RANKL-defective mice. These novel huRANKL transgenic models of osteoporosis represent an important advance for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of high-turnover bone diseases and other disease states caused by excessive RANKL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagelis Rinotas
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Vari, Greece
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22
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Papaneophytou CP, Rinotas V, Douni E, Kontopidis G. A statistical approach for optimization of RANKL overexpression in Escherichia coli: purification and characterization of the protein. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 90:9-19. [PMID: 23623854 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and its cognate ligand (RANKL) is a member of the TNF superfamily of cytokines which is essential in osteobiology and its overexpression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bone degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. Therefore, RANKL is considered a major therapeutic target for the suppression of bone resorption in bone metabolic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer metastasis. To evaluate the inhibitory effect of potential RANKL inhibitors a sufficient amount of protein is required. In this work RANKL was cloned for expression at high levels in Escherichia coli with the interaction of changing cultures conditions in order to produce the protein in a soluble form. In an initial step, the effect of expression host on soluble protein production was investigated and BL21(DE3) pLysS was the most efficient one found for the production of RANKL. Central composite design experiment in the following revealed that cell density before induction, IPTG concentration, post-induction temperature and time as well as their interactions had a significant influence on soluble RANKL production. An 80% increase of protein production was achieved after the determination of the optimum induction conditions: OD600nm before induction 0.55, an IPTG concentration of 0.3mM, a post-induction temperature of 25°C and a post-induction time of 6.5h. Following RANKL purification the thermal stability of the protein was studied. The interaction of RANKL with SPD304, a patented small-molecule inhibitor of TNF-α, was also studied in a fluorescence binding assay resulting in a Kd value of 14.1 ± 0.5 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos P Papaneophytou
- Institute for Research and Technology - Thessaly, The Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Technology Park of Thessaly, 1st Industrial Area, Volos 38500, Greece
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23
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Papaneophytou CP, Mettou AK, Rinotas V, Douni E, Kontopidis GA. Solvent Selection for Insoluble Ligands, a Challenge for Biological Assay Development: A TNF-α/SPD304 Study. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:137-41. [PMID: 24900576 DOI: 10.1021/ml300380h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Many active compounds may be excluded from biological assays due to their low aqueous solubility. In this study, a simple method for the determination of the solubility of compounds containing aromatic rings is proposed. In addition to DMSO, five organic solvents for screening experiments of TNF-α inhibitors were explored. DMSO and PEG3350 were the most suitable for both protein stability and ligand-binding experiments. In addition, glycerol is a promising solvent for the screening of other compounds for which it might provide acceptable solubilization, due to its strong tendency to preserve the protein. Moreover, a fluorescence binding assay was developed using the TNF-α/SPD304 system, and a K d of 5.36 ± 0.21 μM was determined. The results of this study could be used for the future screening of potential TNF-α inhibitors, while the protocols developed in this work could be applied to other proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos P. Papaneophytou
- The Centre for Research and Technology of Thessaly (CE.RE.TE.TH.),
3rd km Karditsa-Mitropolis, Karditsa 43100, Greece
| | - Anthi K. Mettou
- The Centre for Research and Technology of Thessaly (CE.RE.TE.TH.),
3rd km Karditsa-Mitropolis, Karditsa 43100, Greece
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Trikalon 224, Karditsa 43100,
Greece
| | - Vagelis Rinotas
- Laboratory of Genetics,
Department
of Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 11855, Greece
- Biomedical Science Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari 16672, Greece
| | - Eleni Douni
- Laboratory of Genetics,
Department
of Agricultural Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens 11855, Greece
- Biomedical Science Research Center 'Alexander Fleming', Vari 16672, Greece
| | - George A. Kontopidis
- The Centre for Research and Technology of Thessaly (CE.RE.TE.TH.),
3rd km Karditsa-Mitropolis, Karditsa 43100, Greece
- Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, Trikalon 224, Karditsa 43100,
Greece
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24
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Douni E, Rinotas V, Makrinou E, Zwerina J, Penninger JM, Eliopoulos E, Schett G, Kollias G. A RANKL G278R mutation causing osteopetrosis identifies a functional amino acid essential for trimer assembly in RANKL and TNF. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 21:784-98. [PMID: 22068587 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), a trimeric tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member, is the central mediator of osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Functional mutations in RANKL lead to human autosomal recessive osteopetrosis (ARO), whereas RANKL overexpression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bone degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. Following a forward genetics approach using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-mediated random mutagenesis, we generated a novel mouse model of ARO caused by a new loss-of-function allele of Rankl with a glycine-to-arginine mutation at codon 278 (G278R) at the extracellular inner hydrophobic F β-strand of RANKL. Mutant mice develop severe osteopetrosis similar to Rankl-deficient mice, whereas exogenous administration of recombinant RANKL restores osteoclast formation in vivo. We show that RANKL(G278R) monomers fail to assemble into homotrimers, are unable to bind and activate the RANK receptor and interact with wild-type RANKL exerting a dominant-negative effect on its trimerization and function in vitro. Since G278 is highly conserved within the TNF superfamily, we identified that a similar substitution in TNF, G122R, also abrogated trimerization, binding to TNF receptor and consequently impaired TNF biological activity. Notably, SPD304, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of TNF trimerization that interacts with G122, also inhibited RANKL activity, suggesting analogous inhibitory mechanisms. Our results provide a new disease model for ARO and identify a functional amino acid in the TNF-like core domain essential for trimer formation both in RANKL and in TNF that could be considered a novel potential target for inhibiting their biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Douni
- Institute of Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, Vari 16672, Greece.
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