Identification of Chaulmoogric Acid as a Small Molecule Activator of Protein Phosphatase 5

Protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) is an important protein phosphatase that is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. Recent studies showed that PP5 activity in the neocortex from patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is decreased significantly, suggesting that small molecule PP5 activator may have therapeutic potential for AD. We performed a biochemical screening for PP5 activators with the microsource compound library. Chaulmoogric acid was identified to be an effective activator with EC₅₀ value of 134.5 μM. Importantly, results from circular dichroism (CD) and limited proteolysis study showed that chaulmoogric acid binds to a region of tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of PP5 resulting in complete loss of helical contents. These results demonstrate a different mechanism of action from that of arachidonic acid, a known activator for PP5 dephosphorylation activity. Synergistic activation of PP5 enzymatic activity was also observed with combined application of both compounds at relatively low concentrations. Therefore, further structure activity relationship study of chaulmoogric acid may facilitate the discovery of small molecules that can synergize with endogenous arachidonic acid for PP5 activation.     

Characterization of the tetratricopeptide-containing domain of BUB1, BUBR1, and PP5 proves that domain amphiphilicity over amino acid sequence specificity governs protein adsorption and interfacial activity

The tetratricopeptide motif repeat (TPR) is an alpha-helix-turn-alpha-helix motif that typically mediates protein-protein and, in some cases, protein-lipid interactions. Because of its success, this motif has been preserved through evolution and can be identified in proteins of a wide range of functions in lower and higher organisms. The N-terminal region of BUB1, BUBR1, and protein phosphatase 5 (PP5) contains tandem arrangements of the TPR motif. BUB1 and BUBR1 are conserved multidomain protein kinases that play a key role in the mitotic checkpoint, the mechanism that ensures the synchrony of chromosome segregation. PP5 is an enzyme that targets a wide range of protein substrates including single transmembrane receptors and mammalian cryptochromes. The N-terminal TPR domain of PP5 regulates the activity of the C-terminal catalytic domain through direct interaction with protein and lipid molecules. We portray the biophysical and biochemical properties of the tandem arrangements of the TPR motif of BUB1, BUBR1, and PP5 using far-UV spectroscopy, solution X-ray scattering, null ellipsometry, surface rheology measurements, and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) observations. We show that, despite the low amino acid sequence conservation and different function, the TPR motif repeats of the three proteins exhibit similar interfacial properties including adsorption kinetics, high surface activity, and the formation of stable, rigid films at the air/water interface. Our studies demonstrate that domain amphiphilicity is of higher importance than amino acid sequence specificity in the determination of protein adsorption and interfacial activity.     

Human Blue-light Photoreceptor hCRY2 Specifically Interacts with Protein Serine/Threonine Phosphatase 5 and Modulates Its Activity

Abstract— Photolyase/blue-light photoreceptor family of proteins includes cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase, (6-4) photolyase and blue-light photoreceptors that were recently discovered in Arabidopsis thaliana, Sinapis alba and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Recently, we identified two human genes, hCRYl and hCRY2, belonging to this family. The proteins encoded by these genes have no DNA repair activity and therefore were hypothesized to function in human blue-light response reactions. To identify downstream targets for these putative blue-light photoreceptors we searched for interacting proteins by the yeast two-hybrid method. We found that the tetratricopeptide repeat protein 1, Tpr1, and the protein serine/ threonine phosphatase 5 (PP5) that contains the TPR motif specifically interacted with hCRY2. The effect of the hCRY2-PP5 interaction on the protein phosphatase activity was investigated. We found that hCRY2, but not the highly homologous (6-4) photolyase, inhibits the phosphatase activity of PP5. This inhibition may be on the pathway of blue-light signal transduction reaction in humans.     

Displacement affinity chromatography of protein phosphatase one (PP1) complexes

Background  

Protein phosphatase one (PP1) is a ubiquitously expressed, highly conserved protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates target protein serine and threonine residues. PP1 is localized to its site of action by interacting with targeting or regulatory proteins, a majority of which contains a primary docking site referred to as the RVXF/W motif.     

Activation of protein phosphatase 1 by a small molecule designed to bind to the enzyme's regulatory site

The activity of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), a serine-threonine phosphatase that participates ubiquitously in cellular signaling, is controlled by a wide variety of regulatory proteins that interact with PP1 at an allosteric regulatory site that recognizes a "loose" consensus sequence (usually designated as RVXF) found in all such regulatory proteins. Peptides containing the regulatory consensus sequence have been found to recapitulate the binding and PP1 activity modulation of the regulatory proteins, suggesting that it might be possible to design small-molecule surrogates that activate PP1 rather than inhibiting it. This prospect constitutes a largely unexplored way of controlling signaling pathways that could be functionally complementary to the much more extensively explored stratagem of kinase inhibition. Based on these principles, we have designed a microcystin analog that activates PP1.     

Synthesis of PP2A-Activating PF-543 Derivatives and Investigation of Their Inhibitory Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Sphingosine kinase (SK) is involved in the growth of cells, including cancer cells. However, which of its two isotypes—SK1 and SK2—is more favorable for cancer growth remains unclear. Although PF-543 strongly and selectively inhibits SK1, its anticancer effect is not high, and the underlying reason remains difficult to explain. We previously determined that the tail group of PF-543 is responsible for its low metabolic stability (MS). In this study, compounds containing aromatic or aliphatic tails in the triazole group were synthesized, and changes in the SK-inhibitory effect and anticancer activity of PF-543 were assessed using pancreatic cancer cells. The compounds with aliphatic tails showed high inhibitory effects on pancreatic cancer cells but slightly lower selectivity for SK1. A compound with an introduced aliphatic tail activated protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), showing an effect similar to that of FTY720. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the PP2A-binding form of this newly synthesized compound was different from that noted in the case of FTY720. This compound also improved the MS of PF-543. These results indicate that the tail structure of PF-543 influences MS.     

Belizeanic acid: a potent protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor belonging to the okadaic acid class, with an unusual skeleton

Belizeanic acid (BA), a novel metabolite belonging to the okadaic acid class of protein phosphatase inhibitors, was isolated from artificial cultures of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum belizeanum. The structure and conformational behaviour of BA was elucidated by a combination of NMR spectroscopy and conformational analysis. The isolation of this metabolite, which possesses a simplified version of the okadaic acid skeleton, supports the biogenetic pathway previously reported for this class of compounds. BA showed potent inhibitory activity against protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) within the nM range. A plausible model for the interaction of BA with the PP1 binding pocket was derived from computational docking studies.     

PP2A in the regulation of cell motility and invasion

Cell motility is a very critical phenomenon that plays an important role in the development of eukaryotic organisms. One of the well studied cell motility phenomena is chemotaxis, which is described as a directional movement of cell in response to changes in external chemotactic gradient. Numerous studies conducted both in unicellular organism and in mammalian cells have demonstrated the importance of phosphatidylionositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in this process. In addition, it is now well established that although PI3K plays an activation role in chemotaxis, the role of phosphatases is also critical to maintain this dynamic cyclical process. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase that is a key player in regulating PI3K signaling. PP2A is abundantly and ubiquitously expressed and has been highly conserved during the evolution of eukaryotes. PP2A is composed of three protein subunits, A, B, and C. Subunit 'A' is a 60-65 kDa structural component, 'C' is a 36-38 kDa catalytic subunit, and 'B' is a 54-130 kDa regulatory subunit. The core complex of PP2A is comprised of the A and C subunits, which are tightly associated and this dimeric core complexes with the regulatory B subunit. The B subunit determines the substrate specificity as well as the spatial and temporal functions of PP2A. PP2A plays an important role in regulating multiple signal transduction pathways, including cell-cycle regulation, cell-growth and development, cytoskeleton dynamics, and cell motility. This review focuses on the role of PP2A in regulating motility of normal and transformed cells.     

Purification of Complex of SAV1 with PP1A

SAV1 is a core component involved in the Hippo pathway which can control the organ size via regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis simultaneously. We explored the regulatory mechanism of SAV1. We established the HEK293T cell pool, the cells in which can stably express SAV1 by retroviruses infection and found that SAV1 stable cells reduced the movement of themselves and resulted in multicellular aggregation. We purified SAV1 interacting protein complex using streptavidin resin and subsequently analyzed the digested peptides by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)-MS/MS. Results show that about 150 proteins were identified in the complex of SAV1 with protein. TUBA1A, OTUD4, and ATD were identified as proteins interacting with SAV1. Importantly, PP1A, serine/threonine protein phosphatase PP1-alpha 1 catalytic subunit, was also in the top 10 list. The interaction between PP1A and SAV1 was detected by both co-immunoprecipitation(CO-IP) and immunostaining. Our results indicate that PP1A might be the phosphatase of SAV1 and may take part in the regulation of the Hippo pathway.     

Structural analysis of the protein phosphatase 1 docking motif: molecular description of binding specificities identifies interacting proteins

The interplay between kinases and phosphatases represents a fundamental regulatory mechanism in biological systems. Being less numerous than kinases, phosphatases increase their diversity by the acquisition of a variety of binding partners, thereby forming a large number of holoenzymes. Proteins interacting with protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) often bind via a so-called docking motif to regulate its enzymatic activity, substrate specificity, and subcellular localization. Here, we systematically determined structural elements that mediate the binding specificity of PP1 interacting proteins, and propose a refined consensus sequence for high-affinity PP1 ligands. Applying this pattern to database searches, we predicted and experimentally confirmed several previously unknown PP1 interactors. Thus, the suggested PP1 docking motif enables a highly specific prediction of PP1 binding partners, thereby facilitating the genome-wide identification of PP1 interactors.     

Suramin Targets the Conserved Ligand-Binding Pocket of Human Raf1 Kinase Inhibitory Protein

Suramin was initially used to treat African sleeping sickness and has been clinically tested to treat human cancers and HIV infection in the recent years. However, the therapeutic index is low with numerous clinical side-effects, attributed to its diverse interactions with multiple biological macromolecules. Here, we report a novel binding target of suramin, human Raf1 kinase inhibitory protein (hRKIP), which is an important regulatory protein involved in the Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signal pathway. Biolayer interference technology showed that suramin had an intermediate affinity for binding hRKIP with a dissociation constant of 23.8 µM. Both nuclear magnetic resonance technology and molecular docking analysis revealed that suramin bound to the conserved ligand-binding pocket of hRKIP, and that residues K113, W173, and Y181 play crucial roles in hRKIP binding suramin. Furthermore, suramin treatment at 160 µM could profoundly increase the ERK phosphorylation level by around 3 times. Our results indicate that suramin binds to hRKIP and prevents hRKIP from binding with hRaf1, thus promoting the MAPK pathway. This work is beneficial to both mechanistically understanding the side-effects of suramin and efficiently improving the clinical applications of suramin.     

Synthesis of Highly Selective Submicromolar Microcystin‐Based Inhibitors of Protein Phosphatase (PP)2A over PP1

Research and therapeutic targeting of the phosphoserine/threonine phosphatases PP1 and PP2A is hindered by the lack of selective inhibitors. The microcystin (MC) natural toxins target both phosphatases with equal potency, and their complex synthesis has complicated structure–activity relationship studies in the past. We report herein the synthesis and biochemical evaluation of 11 MC analogues, which was accomplished through an efficient strategy combining solid‐ and solution‐phase approaches. Our approach led to the first MC analogue with submicromolar inhibitory potency that is strongly selective for PP2A over PP1 and does not require the complex lipophilic Adda group. Through mutational and structural analyses, we identified a new key element for binding, as well as reasons for the selectivity. This work gives unprecedented insight into how selectivity between these phosphatases can be achieved with MC analogues.     

AGSE: A Novel Grape Seed Extract Enriched for PP2A Activating Flavonoids That Combats Oxidative Stress and Promotes Skin Health

Environmental stimuli attack the skin daily resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. One pathway that regulates oxidative stress in skin involves Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a phosphatase which has been previously linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and aging. Oxidative stress decreases PP2A methylation in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Thus, we hypothesize agents that increase PP2A methylation and activity will promote skin health and combat aging. To discover novel inhibitors of PP2A demethylation activity, we screened a library of 32 natural botanical extracts. We discovered Grape Seed Extract (GSE), which has previously been reported to have several benefits for skin, to be the most potent PP2A demethylating extract. Via several fractionation and extraction steps we developed a novel grape seed extract called Activated Grape Seed Extract (AGSE), which is enriched for PP2A activating flavonoids that increase potency in preventing PP2A demethylation when compared to commercial GSE. We then determined that 1% AGSE and 1% commercial GSE exhibit distinct gene expression profiles when topically applied to a 3D human skin model. To begin to characterize AGSE’s activity, we investigated its antioxidant potential and demonstrate it reduces ROS levels in NHDFs and cell-free assays equal to or better than Vitamin C and E. Moreover, AGSE shows anti-inflammatory properties, dose-dependently inhibiting UVA, UVB and chemical-induced inflammation. These results demonstrate AGSE is a novel, multi-functional extract that modulates methylation levels of PP2A and supports the hypothesis of PP2A as a master regulator for oxidative stress signaling and aging in skin.     

Fundamental role of the fostriecin unsaturated lactone and implications for selective protein phosphatase inhibition

Key derivatives and analogues of fostriecin were prepared and examined that revealed a fundamental role for the unsaturated lactone and confirmed the essential nature of the phosphate monoester. Thus, an identical 200-fold reduction in protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibition is observed with either the saturated lactone (7) or with an analogue that lacks the entire lactone (15). This 200-fold increase in PP2A inhibition attributable to the unsaturated lactone potentially may be due to reversible C269 alkylation within the PP beta12-beta13 active site loop accounting for PP2A/4 potency and selectivity.     

高效液相色谱法测定血小板释放的5-HT

用HPLC／ECD法,采用国产10cmC18柱,测定激活因子诱导的血小板5－HT释放反应。日内变异系数为4.65％。线性范围为0.0025～1mg／L。方法具有速度快、灵敏度高、特异性强、样品制备简便、所需作本量少、试剂成本低等优点,能准确反应血小板做活状况,可应用于其它生物样本。     

A comparison of various commercially-available liquid chromatographic supports for immobilization of enzymes and immunoglobulins

A number of commercially-available, activated supports were evaluated and compared for the immobilization of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, glucose oxidase and peroxidase) and human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The supports studied included pressure-stable, epoxy-activated acrylate-based supports (Separon HEMA 1000 and Eupergit C); agarosebased, epoxy-, cyanogen bromide-, glutaraldehyde- or N-hydroxysuccimide-activated supports (epoxy-activated or cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose, ACT-Ultrogel AcA 22, Reacti-Gel 6X and Affi-Gel 10); and glass bead-based, activated supports (CDI- and NHS-Glycophase). As expected, the pH required for maximum protein immobilization and retention of activity varied with both protein and support. For example, the amount of alkaline phosphatase coupled was maximum at pH 3 or 5 for most supports, but retention of activity was greatest for immobilization at pH 7, 9 or 11. Glucose oxidase and peroxidase coupling and activity retention in general showed less variation in optimal coupling pH. Coupling of IgG and retention of anti-IgG binding activity were both optimal at a coupling pH of 9 or 11. The Separon HEMA-IgG support made in these studies was also utilized for rapid h.p.l.c, purification of anti-IgG from serum.     

A new series of 2-alkoxy(aralkoxy)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolin-5-ones as adenosine receptor antagonists

This research was carried out to study the pharmacological activity of a newly synthesized series of 2-alkoxy-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolin-5-ones as adenosine receptor antagonists. These compounds have been tested in radioligand binding assays on cloned Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with A(1), A(2A), A(2B) and A(3) receptors. In particular, among the triazoloquinazolines (1-11), the dialkoxy derivative (7b) was found to have the highest affinity at A(1) subtype receptor, and its radioligand binding activity together with 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) was studied. Finally, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on the titled compounds provide some new insights about steric hindrance and lipophilic requirements for anchoring to the adenosine receptors recognition site.     

Characterization of the interaction of hypericin with protein kinase C in U-87 MG human glioma cells

A fluorescence imaging technique was used to monitor intracellular localization of protein kinase C (PKC) in U-87 MG human glioma cells in the presence of hypericin (Hyp) and phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). It is shown that PKC localization, which reflects its activity, is influenced by Hyp and this influence is different from that observed for PMA which acts as PKC activator. Fluorescence binding experiments were used to determine the binding constants of Hyp to several isoforms of PKC. The obtained values of K(d)s (approximately 100 nM) suggest that Hyp binds with high affinity to PKC. Finally, molecular modeling was used to compare structural models of the interaction of C1B domain of PKC (PKC isoforms alpha, delta, gamma) with Hyp and our previously published model of the (C1B domain PKCgamma)/PMA complex. The influence of Hyp on PKC translocation in U-87 MG cells in comparison with PMA, colocalization fluorescence pattern of Hyp and PKC, the higher binding affinity of Hyp to PKC in comparison with known binding constants of phorbol esters, as well as the binding mode of Hyp and PMA to the C1B domain of PKC suggested by molecular modeling, support the idea that Hyp and PMA might competitively bind to the regulatory domain of PKC.     

Structural basis for selective inhibition of Src family kinases by PP1.

BACKGROUND: Small-molecule inhibitors that can target individual kinases are powerful tools for use in signal transduction research. It is difficult to find such compounds because of the enormous number of protein kinases and the highly conserved nature of their catalytic domains. Recently, a novel, potent, Src family selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor was reported (PP1). Here, we study the structural basis for this inhibitor's specificity for Src family kinases. RESULTS: A single residue corresponding to Ile338 (v-Src numbering; Thr338 in c-Src) in Src family tyrosine kinases largely controls PP1's ability to inhibit protein kinases. Mutation of Ile338 to a larger residue such as methionine or phenylalanine in v-Src makes this inhibitor less potent. Conversely, mutation of Ile338 to alanine or glycine increases PP1's potency. PP1 can inhibit Ser/Thr kinases if the residue corresponding to Ile338 in v-Src is mutated to glycine. We have accurately predicted several non-Src family kinases that are moderately (IC(50) approximately 1 microM) inhibited by PP1, including c-Abl and the MAP kinase p38. CONCLUSIONS: Our mutagenesis studies of the ATP-binding site in both tyrosine kinases and Ser/Thr kinases explain why PP1 is a specific inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinases. Determination of the structural basis of inhibitor specificity will aid in the design of more potent and more selective protein kinase inhibitors. The ability to desensitize a particular kinase to PP1 inhibition of residue 338 or conversely to sensitize a kinase to PP1 inhibition by mutation should provide a useful basis for chemical genetic studies of kinase signal transduction.     

Search of ligands for the amyloidogenic protein beta2-microglobulin by capillary electrophoresis and other techniques

Beta2-microglobulin (beta2-m) is a small amyloidogenic protein normally present on the surface of most nucleated cells and responsible for dialysis-related amyloidosis, which represents a severe complication of long-term hemodialysis. A therapeutic approach for this amyloidosis could be based on the stabilization of beta2-m through the binding to a small molecule, and consequent inhibition of protein misfolding and amyloid fibril formation. A few compounds have been described to weakly bind beta2-m, including the drug suramin. The lack of a binding site for nonpolypeptidic ligands on the beta2-m structure makes it difficult for both the identification of functional groups responsible for the binding and the search of hits to be optimized. The characterization of the binding properties of suramin for beta2-m by using three different techniques (surface plasmon resonance, affinity CE (ACE), ultrafiltration) is here described and the results obtained are compared. The common features of the chemical structures of the compounds known to bind the protein led us to select 200 sulfonated/suramin-like molecules from a wider chemical library on the basis of similarity rules, so as to possibly single out some interesting hits and to gain more information on the functional groups involved in the binding. The development of screening methods to test the compounds by using ultrafiltration and ACE is described.