scholarly journals Structure-Based Design, Synthesis and Bioactivity of a New Anti-TNFα Cyclopeptide

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohannad Idress ◽  
Bruce F. Milne ◽  
Gary S. Thompson ◽  
Laurent Trembleau ◽  
Marcel Jaspars ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Macrocyclic Peptides

As opposed to small molecules, macrocyclic peptides possess a large surface area and are recognised as promising candidates to selectively treat diseases by disrupting specific protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Due to the difficulty in predicting cyclopeptide conformations in solution, the de novo design of bioactive cyclopeptides remains significantly challenging. In this study, we used the combination of conformational analyses and molecular docking studies to design a new cyclopeptide inhibitor of the interaction between the human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and its receptor TNFR-1. This interaction is a key in mediating the inflammatory response to tissue injury and infection in humans, and it is also an important causative factor of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. The solution state NMR structure of the cyclopeptide was determined, which helped to deduce its mode of interaction with TNFα. TNFα sensor cells were used to evaluate the biological activity of the peptide.

A Target-Based Method for Designing Heterochiral Cyclic Peptide Binders: De Novo Inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Guardiola ◽  
Monica Varese ◽  
Xavier Roig ◽  
Jesús Garcia ◽  
Ernest Giralt
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Cyclic Peptides ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cyclic Peptide ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Macrocyclic Peptides ◽  
Pharmaceutical Properties

<p>Peptides, together with antibodies, are among the most potent biochemical tools to modulate challenging protein-protein interactions. However, current structure-based methods are largely limited to natural peptides and are not suitable for designing target-specific binders with improved pharmaceutical properties, such as macrocyclic peptides. Here we report a general framework that leverages the computational power of Rosetta for large-scale backbone sampling and energy scoring, followed by side-chain composition, to design heterochiral cyclic peptides that bind to a protein surface of interest. To showcase the applicability of our approach, we identified two peptides (PD-<i>i</i>3 and PD-<i>i</i>6) that target PD-1, a key immune checkpoint, and work as protein ligand decoys. A comprehensive biophysical evaluation confirmed their binding mechanism to PD-1 and their inhibitory effect on the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Finally, elucidation of their solution structures by NMR served as validation of our <i>de novo </i>design approach. We anticipate that our results will provide a general framework for designing target-specific drug-like peptides.<i></i></p>

scholarly journals Structure ofPlasmodium falciparumorotate phosphoribosyltransferase with autologous inhibitory protein–protein interactions

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 600-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiva Kumar ◽  
Kalyanaraman Krishnamoorthy ◽  
Devaraja G. Mudeppa ◽  
Pradipsinh K. Rathod
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Low Complexity ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Inhibitory Protein ◽  
Pyrimidine Synthesis ◽  
Salvage Pathways

The most severe form of malaria is caused by the obligate parasitePlasmodium falciparum. Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRTase) is the fifth enzyme in thede novopyrimidine-synthesis pathway in the parasite, which lacks salvage pathways. Among all of the malariade novopyrimidine-biosynthesis enzymes, the structure ofP. falciparumOPRTase (PfOPRTase) was the only one unavailable until now.PfOPRTase that could be crystallized was obtained after some low-complexity sequences were removed. Four catalytic dimers were seen in the asymmetic unit (a total of eight polypeptides). In addition to revealing unique amino acids in thePfOPRTase active sites, asymmetric dimers in the larger structure pointed to novel parasite-specific protein–protein interactions that occlude the catalytic active sites. The latter could potentially modulatePfOPRTase activity in parasites and possibly provide new insights for blockingPfOPRTase functions.

Target-Templated de novo Design of Macrocyclic D-/L-Peptides: Inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Guardiola ◽  
Monica Varese ◽  
Xavier Roig ◽  
Jesús Garcia ◽  
Ernest Giralt
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Cyclic Peptides ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Original Text ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Retraction Notice ◽  
Pharmaceutical Properties

<p>NOTE: This preprint has been retracted by consensus from all authors. See the retraction notice in place above; the original text can be found under "Version 1", accessible from the version selector above.</p><p><br></p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><br></p><p>Peptides, together with antibodies, are among the most potent biochemical tools to modulate challenging protein-protein interactions. However, current structure-based methods are largely limited to natural peptides and are not suitable for designing target-specific binders with improved pharmaceutical properties, such as macrocyclic peptides. Here we report a general framework that leverages the computational power of Rosetta for large-scale backbone sampling and energy scoring, followed by side-chain composition, to design heterochiral cyclic peptides that bind to a protein surface of interest. To showcase the applicability of our approach, we identified two peptides (PD-<i>i</i>3 and PD-<i>i</i>6) that target PD-1, a key immune checkpoint, and work as protein ligand decoys. A comprehensive biophysical evaluation confirmed their binding mechanism to PD-1 and their inhibitory effect on the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Finally, elucidation of their solution structures by NMR served as validation of our <i>de novo </i>design approach. We anticipate that our results will provide a general framework for designing target-specific drug-like peptides.<i></i></p>

Target-Templated de novo Design of Macrocyclic D-/L-Peptides: Inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvador Guardiola ◽  
Monica Varese ◽  
Xavier Roig ◽  
Jesús Garcia ◽  
Ernest Giralt
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Cyclic Peptides ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Original Text ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Retraction Notice ◽  
Pharmaceutical Properties

<p>NOTE: This preprint has been retracted by consensus from all authors. See the retraction notice in place above; the original text can be found under "Version 1", accessible from the version selector above.</p><p><br></p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p><br></p><p>Peptides, together with antibodies, are among the most potent biochemical tools to modulate challenging protein-protein interactions. However, current structure-based methods are largely limited to natural peptides and are not suitable for designing target-specific binders with improved pharmaceutical properties, such as macrocyclic peptides. Here we report a general framework that leverages the computational power of Rosetta for large-scale backbone sampling and energy scoring, followed by side-chain composition, to design heterochiral cyclic peptides that bind to a protein surface of interest. To showcase the applicability of our approach, we identified two peptides (PD-<i>i</i>3 and PD-<i>i</i>6) that target PD-1, a key immune checkpoint, and work as protein ligand decoys. A comprehensive biophysical evaluation confirmed their binding mechanism to PD-1 and their inhibitory effect on the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Finally, elucidation of their solution structures by NMR served as validation of our <i>de novo </i>design approach. We anticipate that our results will provide a general framework for designing target-specific drug-like peptides.<i></i></p>

scholarly journals De novo design of a reversible phosphorylation-dependent switch for membrane targeting

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Harrington ◽  
Jordan M. Fletcher ◽  
Tamara Heermann ◽  
Derek N. Woolfson ◽  
Petra Schwille
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Lipid Membrane ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Protein Localization ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Spatiotemporal Pattern ◽  
Membrane Targeting ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Reversible Phosphorylation ◽  
Potential Applications

AbstractModules that switch protein-protein interactions on and off are essential to develop synthetic biology; for example, to construct orthogonal signaling pathways, to control artificial protein structures dynamically, and for protein localization in cells or protocells. In nature, the E. coli MinCDE system couples nucleotide-dependent switching of MinD dimerization to membrane targeting to trigger spatiotemporal pattern formation. Here we present a de novo peptide-based molecular switch that toggles reversibly between monomer and dimer in response to phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. In combination with other modules, we construct fusion proteins that couple switching to lipid-membrane targeting by: (i) tethering a ‘cargo’ molecule reversibly to a permanent membrane ‘anchor’; and (ii) creating a ‘membrane-avidity switch’ that mimics the MinD system but operates by reversible phosphorylation. These minimal, de novo molecular switches have potential applications for introducing dynamic processes into designed and engineered proteins to augment functions in living cells and add functionality to protocells.

Structure, Function, Involvement in Diseases and Targeting of 14-3-3 Proteins: An Update

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ylenia Cau ◽  
Daniela Valensin ◽  
Mattia Mori ◽  
Sara Draghi ◽  
Maurizio Botta
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Protein Partners ◽  
High Sequence Homology ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

14-3-3 is a class of proteins able to interact with a multitude of targets by establishing protein-protein interactions (PPIs). They are usually found in all eukaryotes with a conserved secondary structure and high sequence homology among species. 14-3-3 proteins are involved in many physiological and pathological cellular processes either by triggering or interfering with the activity of specific protein partners. In the last years, the scientific community has collected many evidences on the role played by seven human 14-3-3 isoforms in cancer or neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, these proteins regulate the molecular mechanisms associated to these diseases by interacting with (i) oncogenic and (ii) pro-apoptotic proteins and (iii) with proteins involved in Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases. The discovery of small molecule modulators of 14-3-3 PPIs could facilitate complete understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, and might offer valuable therapeutic approaches for these critical pathological states.

Metallocluster transactions: dynamic protein interactions guide the biosynthesis of Fe–S clusters in bacteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1593-1603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenkang Zheng ◽  
Patricia C. Dos Santos
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Biological Synthesis ◽  
Cluster Assembly ◽  
Sequence Motifs ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Cysteine Desulfurase ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Domains Of Life

Iron–sulfur (Fe–S) clusters are ubiquitous cofactors present in all domains of life. The chemistries catalyzed by these inorganic cofactors are diverse and their associated enzymes are involved in many cellular processes. Despite the wide range of structures reported for Fe–S clusters inserted into proteins, the biological synthesis of all Fe–S clusters starts with the assembly of simple units of 2Fe–2S and 4Fe–4S clusters. Several systems have been associated with the formation of Fe–S clusters in bacteria with varying phylogenetic origins and number of biosynthetic and regulatory components. All systems, however, construct Fe–S clusters through a similar biosynthetic scheme involving three main steps: (1) sulfur activation by a cysteine desulfurase, (2) cluster assembly by a scaffold protein, and (3) guided delivery of Fe–S units to either final acceptors or biosynthetic enzymes involved in the formation of complex metalloclusters. Another unifying feature on the biological formation of Fe–S clusters in bacteria is that these systems are tightly regulated by a network of protein interactions. Thus, the formation of transient protein complexes among biosynthetic components allows for the direct transfer of reactive sulfur and Fe–S intermediates preventing oxygen damage and reactions with non-physiological targets. Recent studies revealed the importance of reciprocal signature sequence motifs that enable specific protein–protein interactions and consequently guide the transactions between physiological donors and acceptors. Such findings provide insights into strategies used by bacteria to regulate the flow of reactive intermediates and provide protein barcodes to uncover yet-unidentified cellular components involved in Fe–S metabolism.

scholarly journals Cytosolic localization and in vitro assembly of human de novo thymidylate synthesis complex

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Spizzichino ◽  
Dalila Boi ◽  
Giovanna Boumis ◽  
Roberta Lucchi ◽  
Francesca R. Liberati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Proximity Ligation Assay ◽  
Protein Protein Interactions ◽  
Aggregation State ◽  
Entire Complex ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Thymidylate Synthesis

ABSTRACTDe novo thymidylate synthesis is a crucial pathway for normal and cancer cells. Deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP) is synthesized by the combined action of three enzymes: thymidylate synthase (TYMS), serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), targets of widely used chemotherapeutics such as antifolates and 5-fluorouracil. These proteins translocate to the nucleus after SUMOylation and are suggested to assemble in this compartment into the thymidylate synthesis complex (dTMP-SC). We report the intracellular dynamics of the complex in lung cancer cells by in situ proximity ligation assay, showing that it is also detected in the cytoplasm. We have successfully assembled the dTMP synthesis complex in vitro, employing tetrameric SHMT1 and a bifunctional chimeric enzyme comprising human TYMS and DHFR. We show that the SHMT1 tetrameric state is required for efficient complex assembly, indicating that this aggregation state is evolutionary selected in eukaryotes to optimize protein-protein interactions. Lastly, our results on the activity of the complete thymidylate cycle in vitro, provide a useful tool to develop drugs targeting the entire complex instead of the individual components.

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