Evaluation of licorice flavonoids as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a major negative regulator in insulin- and leptin-signaling cascades as well as a positive regulator in tumorigenesis, and much attention has been paid to PTP1B inhibitors as potential therapies for diabetes, obesity, and cancer. In the present study, the screening of a compound library of licorice flavonoids allowed for the discovery of several compounds, including licoagrone (3), licoagrodin (4), licoagroaurone (5), and isobavachalcone (6), as new PTP1B inhibitors. It was revealed that these compounds inhibit the activity of PTP1B in different modes and with different selectivities and that they exhibit different cellular activity in the insulin-signaling pathway. Glycybenzofuran (1), a competitive PTP1B inhibitor, showed both excellent inhibitory selectivity against PTP1B and cellular activity on the insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation level. The similarity of its action profiling in the insulin-signaling pathway suggested its potential as a new anti-insulin-resistant drug candidate.     

Negative regulation of Ros receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. An epithelial function of the SH2 domain protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1

Male "viable motheaten" (me(v)) mice, with a naturally occurring mutation in the gene of the SH2 domain protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, are sterile. Known defects in sperm maturation in these mice correlate with an impaired differentiation of the epididymis, which has similarities to the phenotype of mice with a targeted inactivation of the Ros receptor tyrosine kinase. Ros and SHP-1 are coexpressed in epididymal epithelium, and elevated phosphorylation of Ros in the epididymis of me(v) mice suggests that Ros signaling is under control of SHP-1 in vivo. Phosphorylated Ros strongly and directly associates with SHP-1 in yeast two-hybrid, glutathione S-transferase pull-down, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Strong binding of SHP-1 to Ros is selective compared to six other receptor tyrosine kinases. The interaction is mediated by the SHP-1 NH(2)-terminal SH2 domain and Ros phosphotyrosine 2267. Overexpression of SHP-1 results in Ros dephosphorylation and effectively downregulates Ros-dependent proliferation and transformation. We propose that SHP-1 is an important downstream regulator of Ros signaling.     

Knock-down of LAR protein tyrosine phosphatase induces insulin resistance

To test the role of the leukocyte common antigen-related protein tyrosine phosphatase (LAR) as a regulator of insulin receptor (IR) signalling, an siRNA probe against LAR was developed. Knock-down of LAR induced post-receptor insulin resistance with the insulin-induced activation of PKB/Akt and MAP kinases markedly inhibited. The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the IR and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins were unaffected by LAR knock-down. These results identify LAR as a crucial regulator of the sensitivity of two key insulin signalling pathways to insulin. Moreover, the siRNA probe provides a molecular tool of general applicability for further dissecting the precise targets and roles of LAR.     

Protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPRT as a regulator of synaptic formation and neuronal development

PTPRT/RPTPρ is the most recently isolated member of the type IIB receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase family and its expression is restricted to the nervous system. PTPRT plays a critical role in regulation of synaptic formation and neuronal development. When PTPRT was overexpressed in hippocampal neurons, synaptic formation and dendritic arborization were induced. On the other hand, knockdown of PTPRT decreased neuronal transmission and attenuated neuronal development. PTPRT strengthened neuronal synapses by forming homophilic trans dimers with each other and heterophilic cis complexes with neuronal adhesion molecules. Fyn tyrosine kinase regulated PTPRT activity through phosphorylation of tyrosine 912 within the membrane-proximal catalytic domain of PTPRT. Phosphorylation induced homophilic cis dimerization of PTPRT and resulted in the inhibition of phosphatase activity. BCR-Rac1 GAP and Syntaxin-binding protein were found as new endogenous substrates of PTPRT in rat brain. PTPRT induced polymerization of actin cytoskeleton that determined the morphologies of dendrites and spines by inhibiting BCR-Rac1 GAP activity. Additionally, PTPRT appeared to regulate neurotransmitter release through reinforcement of interactions between Syntaxin-binding protein and Syntaxin, a SNARE protein. In conclusion, PTPRT regulates synaptic function and neuronal development through interactions with neuronal adhesion molecules and the dephosphorylation of synaptic molecules. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(5): 249-255]     

Protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (PTPIP51) mRNA expression and localization and its in vitro interacting partner protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in human placenta of the first, second, and third trimester

The cellular localization of protein tyrosine phosphatase 51 (PTPIP51) and its in vitro interacting partner protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was studied in human placentae of different gestational stages. The expression of PTPIP51 protein and mRNA was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast layer of placentae from the first, second, and third trimesters. In contrast, PTP1B expression was restricted to the syncytiotrophoblast during all gestational stages. Cells of the cytotrophoblasts and parts of the syncytiotrophoblasts expressing high amounts of PTPIP51 were found to execute apoptosis as shown by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay, cytokeratin 18f, and caspase 3 expression. PTPIP51 could also be traced in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of placental arterial and venous vessels, identified by double immunostainings with antibodies directed against van Willebrand factor and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Some of these cells showing a high PTPIP51 reactivity were Ki67 positive, indicating proliferation. Additionally, a small population of placental CD14-positive macrophages and mesenchymal cells within the villous stroma were detected as PTPIP51 positive. Our data suggest that both proteins, PTPIP51 and PTP1B, play a role in differentiation and apoptosis of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, respectively. Moreover, PTPIP51 may also serve as a cellular signaling partner in angiogenesis and vascular remodeling.     

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of bromo-retrochalcone derivatives as protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

A series of bromo-retrochalcones was designed, synthesized and evaluated as PTP1B inhibitors based on licochalcone A and E. Compounds 6, 12, 13, 14, 25, 36, 37, 39, and 41 showed potent inhibitory effects against PTP1B, and compound 37, the most potent among the series, had an IC₅₀ value of 1.9 μM, about two-fold better than that of the positive control, ursolic acid.     

Pivotal role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in the macrophage response to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory challenge

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been suggested as an attractive target to improve insulin sensitivity in different cell types. In the present work, we have investigated the effect of PTP1B deficiency on the response of human and murine macrophages. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches in mice and silencing PTP1B in human macrophages with specific siRNAs, we have demonstrated that PTP1B deficiency increases the effects of pro-inflammatory stimuli in both human and rodent macrophages at the time that decreases the response to alternative stimulation. Moreover, the absence of PTP1B induces a loss of viability in resting macrophages and mainly after activation through the classic pathway. Analysis of early gene expression in macrophages treated with pro-inflammatory stimuli confirmed this exacerbated inflammatory response in PTP1B-deficient macrophages. Microarray analysis in samples from wild-type and PTP1B-deficient macrophages obtained after 24 h of pro-inflammatory stimulation showed an activation of the p53 pathway, including the excision base repair pathway and the insulin signaling pathway in the absence of PTP1B. In animal models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine challenge as a way to reveal in vivo inflammatory responses, animals lacking PTP1B exhibited a higher rate of death. Moreover, these animals showed an enhanced response to irradiation, in agreement with the data obtained in the microarray analysis. In summary, these results indicate that, although inhibition of PTP1B has potential benefits for the treatment of diabetes, it accentuates pro-inflammatory responses compromising at least macrophage viability.     

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and alkaline phosphatase by bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (IV)

Vanadate has been recognized as a specific and potent phosphatase inhibitor since its structure is similar to that of phosphate. In this study, we measured the inhibition of glutathione S-transferase-tagged protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (GST-PTP1B) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by the insulin enhancing compounds, bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV). The results showed that the activity of GST-PTP1B was reversibly inhibited by solutions of BMOV with an IC₅₀ value of 0.86 ± 0.02 μM. Steady state kinetic studies showed that inhibition of GST-PTP1B by BMOV was of a mixed competitive and noncompetitive type. In addition, incubation of GST-PTP1B with BMOV showed a time-dependent biphasic inactivation of the protein. On the other hand, the inhibitory behavior of BMOV on ALP activity was reversible and competitive with an IC₅₀ value of 32.1 ± 0.6 μM. Incubation with BMOV did not show biphasic inactivation of ALP. The reversible inhibition of GST-PTP1B by BMOV is more potent than that of ALP, but solutions of BMOV inhibited both enzymes. This data support the suggestion that mechanisms for the inhibitory effects of BMOV on GST-PTP1B and ALP are very different.     

Regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in intact cells by S-nitrosothiols

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) contain an active site cysteine which when oxidized leads to loss of phosphatase activity and accumulation of phosphoproteins. For example, oxidants produced following EGF stimulation inhibit PTP1B and enhance EGF receptor phosphorylation. Because NO-derived species also modify reactive thiols, we postulated that NO would reversibly inhibit PTP1B. In our studies we exposed A431 or Jurkat cells to NO donors and measured PTP1B activity or used 3-maleimidylpropionylbiocytin (MPB) to measure thiol redox status. Nitrosothiols led to a rapid inhibition of PTP1B through a mechanism that was greatly enhanced by addition of cysteine to the medium. Analysis of thiol oxidation status using immunoprecipitated PTP1B showed modification consistent with loss of activity. Both enzyme inhibition and modification were reversible in intact cells or after addition of DTT to cell lysates. While DTT reversed oxidation, ascorbate did not, suggesting that formation of a mixed disulfide (possibly glutathionylation) rather than S-nitrosylation accounts for PTP1B inhibition. Importantly, PTP1B inhibition by nitrosothiols led to EGF receptor phosphorylation even in the absence of exogenously added EGF. These findings suggest an important role for NO in modulating signaling pathways since inhibition of PTPases could potentially enhance or prolong activity of phosphoproteins.     

microRNA-135a protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

microRNAs are an emerging class of molecules that regulate pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Here we aim to elucidate the effects and mechanism of miR-135a, a previously reported regulator of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, in myocardial I/R injury. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expression level of miR-135a was significantly decreased both in the rat I/R group and H9c2 cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Overexpression of miR-135a in vivo markedly decreased the infarct size and inhibited the I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-135a in H9c2 also exerted antiapoptosis effects. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase activity, and the Western blot assay indicated that protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a direct target of miR-135a. In addition, the expression of proapoptotic-related genes, such as p53, Bax, and cleaved caspase3, were decreased in association with the downregulation of PTP1B. In summary, this study demonstrates that miR-135a exerts protective effects against myocardial I/R injury by targeting PTP1B.     

The crystal structure of human receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase kappa phosphatase domain 1

The receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are integral membrane proteins composed of extracellular adhesion molecule-like domains, a single transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. The cytoplasmic domain consists of tandem PTP domains, of which the D1 domain is enzymatically active. RPTPkappa is a member of the R2A/IIb subfamily of RPTPs along with RPTPmu, RPTPrho, and RPTPlambda. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of catalytically active, monomeric D1 domain of RPTPkappa at 1.9 A. Structural comparison with other PTP family members indicates an overall classical PTP architecture of twisted mixed beta-sheets flanked by alpha-helices, in which the catalytically important WPD loop is in an unhindered open conformation. Though the residues forming the dimeric interface in the RPTPmu structure are all conserved, they are not involved in the protein-protein interaction in RPTPkappa. The N-terminal beta-strand, formed by betax association with betay, is conserved only in RPTPs but not in cytosolic PTPs, and this feature is conserved in the RPTPkappa structure forming a beta-strand. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies show that the presence of reducing agents and higher ionic strength are necessary to maintain RPTPkappa as a monomer. In this family the crystal structure of catalytically active RPTPmu D1 was solved as a dimer, but the dimerization was proposed to be a consequence of crystallization since the protein was monomeric in solution. In agreement, we show that RPTPkappa is monomeric in solution and crystal structure.     

Identification of flavonolignans from Silybum marianum seeds as allosteric protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an attractive molecular target for anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer drug development. From the seeds of Silybum marianum, nine flavonolignans, namely, silybins A, B (1, 2), isosilybins A, B (3, 4), silychristins A, B (5, 6), isosilychristin A (7), dehydrosilychristin A (8), and silydianin (11) were identified as a novel class of natural PTP1B inhibitors (IC₅₀ 1.3 7–23.87?µM). Analysis of structure–activity relationship suggested that the absolute configurations at C-7" and C-8" greatly affected the PTP1B inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–5 were demonstrated to be non-competitive inhibitors of PTP1B based on kinetic analyses. Molecular docking simulations resulted that 1–5 docked into the allosteric site, including α3, α6, and α7 helix of PTP1B. At a concentration inhibiting PTP1B completely, compounds 1–5 moderately inhibited VHR and SHP-2, and weakly inhibited TCPTP and SHP-1. These results suggested the potentiality of these PTP1B inhibitors as lead compounds for further drug developments.     

Calix[4]arene methylenebisphosphonic acids as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Сalix[4]arenes bearing methylenebisphosphonic or hydroxymethylenebisphosphonic acid fragments at the wide rim of the macrocycle were studied as inhibitors of PTP1B. Some of the inhibitors showed IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range and good selectivity in comparison with other protein tyrosine phosphatases such as TC-PTP, PTPβ, LAR, and CD45. Kinetic studies indicated that the calix[4]arene derivatives influence PTP1B activity as slow-binding inhibitors. Based on molecular docking results, the binding modes of the macrocyclic bisphosphonates in the active centre of PTP1B are discussed.     

Identification of phospholipase C gamma1 as a protein tyrosine phosphatase mu substrate that regulates cell migration

The receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPµ has a cell‐adhesion molecule‐like extracellular segment and a catalytically active intracellular segment. This structure gives PTPµ the ability to transduce signals in response to cell–cell adhesion. Full‐length PTPµ is down‐regulated in glioma cells by proteolysis which is linked to increased migration of these cells in the brain. To gain insight into the substrates PTPµ may be dephosphorylating to suppress glioma cell migration, we used a substrate trapping method to identify PTPµ substrates in tumor cell lines. We identified both PKCδ and PLCγ1 as PTPµ substrates. As PLCγ1 activation is linked to increased invasion of cancer cells, we set out to determine whether PTPµ may be upstream of PLCγ1 in regulating glioma cell migration. We conducted brain slice assays using U87‐MG human glioma cells in which PTPµ expression was reduced by shRNA to induce migration. Treatment of the same cells with PTPµ shRNA and a PLCγ1 inhibitor prevented migration of the cells within the brain slice. These data suggest that PLCγ1 is downstream of PTPµ and that dephosphorylation of PLCγ1 is likely to be a major pathway through which PTPµ suppresses glioma cell migration. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 39–48, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Synthesis and characterization of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone derivatives as novel protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

A series of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone derivatives were synthesized and identified as reversible and competitive protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B inhibitors with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range. Compound 4k had the most potent in vitro inhibition activity against PTP1B (IC₅₀ = 2.37?±?0.37 μM) and the greatest selectivity (3.7-fold) for PTP1B relative to T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase. Cell-based studies revealed that 4k was membrane-permeable and enhanced insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation in CHO/hIR cells.     

4-Quinolone-3-carboxylic acids as cell-permeable inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is a negative regulator in the insulin and leptin signaling pathways, and has emerged as an attractive target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the essential pharmacophore of charged phosphotyrosine or its mimetic confer low selectivity and poor cell permeability. Starting from our previously reported aryl diketoacid-based PTP1B inhibitors, a drug-like scaffold of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid was introduced for the first time as a novel surrogate of phosphotyrosine. An optimal combination of hydrophobic groups installed at C-6, N-1 and C-3 positions of the quinolone motif afforded potent PTP1B inhibitors with low micromolar IC₅₀ values. These 4-quinolone-3-carboxylate based PTP1B inhibitors displayed a 2–10 fold selectivity over a panel of PTP’s. Furthermore, the bidentate inhibitors of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acids conjugated with aryl diketoacid or salicylic acid were cell permeable and enhanced insulin signaling in CHO/hIR cells. The kinetic studies and molecular modeling suggest that the 4-quinolone-3-carboxylates act as competitive inhibitors by binding to the PTP1B active site in the WPD loop closed conformation. Taken together, our study shows that the 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives exhibit improved pharmacological properties over previously described PTB1B inhibitors and warrant further preclinical studies.     

Purification and characterization of T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase reveals significant functional homology to protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B

We have developed a protocol for rapid purification of T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) and the structurally related protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B) from bacterial cells. The pH profile for TCPTP was bell-shaped with an optimum of 5.5. The catalytic domain and full-length versions of TCPTP bound a potent inhibitor with affinities similar to those of PTP-1B. The K(m) values for the catalytic domains of TCPTP and PTP-1B increased with increasing ionic strength, whereas the k(cat) values remained unchanged. Arrhenius plots revealed that TCPTP and PTP-1B possess similar activation energies of 25.3+/-1.2 and 18.4+/-3.0 kJ/mol, respectively. Increasing solvent microviscosity (up to 40% (w/v) sucrose) did not affect k(cat)/K(m) of either enzyme. However, high sucrose concentrations protected both enzymes from thermal inactivation. These studies show that, although they share a 72% amino acid sequence identity within their catalytic domains, TCPTP and PTP-1B are functionally very similar in vitro.     

Synthesis of (glycopyranosyl-triazolyl)-purines and their inhibitory activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)

Development of novel purine derivatives has attracted considerable interest, since both purine and purine-based nucleosides display a wide range of crucial biological activities in nature. We report here a novel expansion of these studies by introducing gluco- or galactopyranosyl scaffold to the N- or 9-position (or both) of 6-Cl purine moiety via Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. By such an efficient reaction, a series of glycosyl-triazolyl-purines were successfully synthesized in good yields. Biological evaluation showed that the majority of these glycoconjugates were good PTP1B inhibitors with IC(50) values in low micromolar range (1.5-11.1 μM). The benzylated sugar derivatives displayed better inhibitory potency than that of the acetylated ones. Replacement of Cl by MeO at C(6) of the purine moiety decreased the inhibition in the case of benzylated (glycosyl-mono-triazolyl)-purines 11 and 12 (IC(50) >80 μM), whereas MeO-substituted benzylated bis[galactosyl-triazolyl]-purine 16 possessed the best inhibitory activity with an IC(50) value of 1.5 μM. Additionally, these compounds exhibited 2- to 57-fold selectivity over other PTPs (TCPTP, SHP1, SHP2, and LAR).     

Identification of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives as natural protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors from Artemisia princeps

Considerable attention has been paid to protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors as a potential therapy for diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Ten caffeoylquinic acid derivatives (1–10) from leaves of Artemisia princeps Pamp. (Asteraceae) were identified as natural PTP1B inhibitors. Among them, chlorogenic acid (3) showed the most potent inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 11.1?μM). Compound 3 was demonstrated to be a noncompetitive inhibitor by a kinetic analysis. Molecular docking simulation suggested that compound 3 bound to the allosteric site of PTP1B. Furthermore, compound 3 showed remarkable selectivity against four homologous PTPs. According to these findings, compound 3 might be potentially valuable for further drug development.     

Computational revelation of binding mechanisms of inhibitors to endocellular protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B using molecular dynamics simulations

Endocellular protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is one of the most promising target for designing and developing drugs to cure type-II diabetes and obesity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) and solvated interaction energy methods were applied to study binding differences of three inhibitors (ID: 901, 941, and 968) to PTP1B, the calculated results show that the inhibitor 901 has the strongest binding ability to PTP1B among the current inhibitors. Principal component (PC) analysis was also carried out to investigate the conformational change of PTP1B, and the results indicate that the associations of inhibitors with PTP1B generate a significant effect on the motion of the WPD-loop. Free energy decomposition method was applied to study the contributions of individual residues to inhibitor bindings, it is found that three inhibitors can generate hydrogen bonding interactions and hydrophobic interactions with different residues of PTP1B, which provide important forces for associations of inhibitors with PTP1B. This research is expected to give a meaningfully theoretical guidance to design and develop of effective drugs curing type-II diabetes and obesity.