Synthesis of L-Sangivamycin and Toyocamycin Analogues and Their Inhibitory Activities of SER/THR Protein Kinases

Abstract

Novel _l-sangivamycin and toyocamycin analogues were synthesized and evaluated for Cdc2 protein kinase activity. Among the compounds tested, _l-xylose derivative and _l-arabinose derivative exhibited potent inhibitory activity against Cdc2 protein kinase with IC₅₀ values of 3.7 and 1.6 μM, respectively.     

Purification and characterization of a 60-kDa protein from oat, formerly known as a TCP1-related chaperone

Recently, Mummertet al. [Nature 363, 644–648 (1993)] isolated a proposed TCP1-related chaperone. Here we report several findings concerning the protein which they sequenced. Two similar N-terminal sequences were obtained from this abundant 60-kDa protein. Internal sequences were also acquired by protease digestion. Initially it was believed the protein was able to completely inhibit citrate synthase aggregation, but later purifications demonstrated that the 60-kDa polypeptide lacked both chaperone activity and the previously reported kinase activity [Grimmet al., Planta 178, 199–206 (1989)]. It is now our belief that this protein is neither a chaperone nor a kinase.     

Relationship Between the Structure of Sangivamycin-Derived Nucleosides and Their Effect on Leukemic Cell Growth and on Protein Kinase A and C Activity

Abstract

The nucleoside antibiotic sangivamycin (4-amino-7-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-5-carboxamide, (1) is an effective inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) but, upon its phosphorylation in intact cells, it gains the ability to affect other targets as well. To retain its selectivity for the protein kinases, a series of nonphosphorylatable sangivamycin derivatives was prepared by replacing the 5′-hydroxyl group with other functions including N₃, F, SO₂NH₂, NO₂, and NH₂, These derivatives were more potent inhibitors of PKA and PKC than were the phosphorylatable compounds, although the latter were more potent inhibitors of leukemic cell growth.     

AMP-activated protein kinase regulates PDGF-BB-stimulated interleukin-6 synthesis in osteoblasts: involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases

AimWe have previously reported that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB stimulates synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a potent bone resorptive agent, in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that the activation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, p38MAP kinase and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) is implicated in the IL-6 synthesis. In the present study,we investigated the involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a regulator of energy metabolism, in the PDGF-BB-stimulated IL-6 synthesis in MC3T3-E1 cells.Main methodsThe levels of IL-6 were measured by ELISA. The phosphorylation of each protein kinases was analyzed by Western blotting. The mRNA levels of IL-6 were determined by real-time RT-PCR.Key findingsPDGF-BB time-dependently induced the phosphorylation of AMPK. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, which reduced PDGF-BB-induced acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation, dose-dependently suppressed the PDGF-BB-stimulated IL-6 release. In addition, the PDGF-BB-stimulated IL-6 release in human osteoblasts was also inhibited by compound C. The mRNA expression of IL-6 induced by PDGF-BB was markedly reduced by compound C. The PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAP kinase, p38 MAP kinase and SAPK/JNK was inhibited by compound C.SignificanceThese results strongly suggest that AMPK positively regulates PDGF-BB-stimulated IL-6 synthesis via the MAP kinases in osteoblasts.     

Evaluation of therapeutic effect of Premna herbacea in diabetic rat and isoverbascoside against insulin resistance in L6 muscle cells through bioenergetics and stimulation of JNK and AKT/mTOR signaling cascade

BackgroundPremna herbacea Roxb., a perennial herb is well documented for its therapeutic uses among the traditional health care-givers of Assam, India. Scientific validation on the traditional use of the medicinal plant using modern technology may promote further research in health care.PurposeThis study evaluates the therapeutic potential of methanolic extract of P. herbacea (MEPH) against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its phytochemical(s) in ameliorating insulin resistance (IR), thereby endorsing the plant bioactives as effective anti-hyperglycemic agents.MethodsThe anti-diabetic potential of the plant extract was explored both in L6 muscle cells and high fructose high fat diet (HF-HFD) fed male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Bioactivity guided fractionation and isolation procedure yielded Verbascoside and Isoverbascoside (ISOVER) as bioactive and major phytochemicals in P. herbacea. The bioenergetics profile of bioactive ISOVER and its anti-hyperglycemic potential was validated in vitro by XFe24 analyzer, glucose uptake assay and intracellular ROS generation by flourometer, FACS and confocal microscopy. The potential of ISOVER was also checked by screening various protein markers via immunoblotting.ResultsMEPH enhanced glucose uptake in FFA-induced insulin resistant (IR) L6 muscle cells and decreased elevated blood glucose levels in HF-HFD fed rats. Isoverbascoside (ISOVER) was identified as most bioactive phytochemical for the first time from the plant in the Premna genus. ISOVER activated the protein kinase B/AMP-activated protein kinase signaling cascades and enhanced glucose uptake in IR-L6 muscle cells. ISOVER decreased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and increased that of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), thereby attenuating IR. However, molecular docking revealed that ISOVER increases insulin sensitivity by targeting the JNK1 kinase as a competitive inhibitor rather than mTOR. These findings were further supported by the bioenergetics profile of ISOVER.ConclusionThis study for the first time depicts the functional properties of ISOVER, derived from Premna herbacea, in ameliorating IR. The phytochemical significantly altered IR with enhanced glucose uptake and inhibition of ROS through JNK-AKT/mTOR signaling which may pave the way for further research in T2DM therapeutics.     

Withaferin A exerts an anti-obesity effect by increasing energy expenditure through thermogenic gene expression in high-fat diet-fed obese mice

BackgroundThe enhancement of energy expenditure has attracted attention as a therapeutic target for the management of body weight. Withaferin A (WFA), a major constituent of Withania somnifera extract, has been reported to possess anti-obesity properties, however the underlying mechanism remains unknown.PurposeTo investigate whether WFA exerts anti-obesity effects via increased energy expenditure, and if so, to characterize the underlying pathway.MethodsC57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks, and WFA was orally administered for 7 days. The oxygen consumption rate of mice was measured at 9 weeks using an OxyletPro™ system. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and real-time PCR methods were used.ResultsTreatment with WFA ameliorated HFD-induced obesity by increasing energy expenditure by improving of mitochondrial activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and promotion of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) browning via increasing uncoupling protein 1 levels. WFA administration also significantly increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the BAT of obese mice. Additionally, WFA activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, including p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK, in both BAT and scWAT.ConclusionWFA enhances energy expenditure and ameliorates obesity via the induction of AMPK and activating p38/extracellular signal-regulated kinase MAPK, which triggers mitochondrial biogenesis and browning-related gene expression.     

梨果黑斑病菌AaCaMK基因克隆、生物信息学分析及其在侵染结构分化中的表达分析

[背景] 钙/钙调素依赖型蛋白激酶（Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase,CaMK）是真核生物细胞钙信号途径中钙调素下游的一类重要靶蛋白,对病原物生长、胁迫响应及致病性等具有重要的调控作用。[目的] 对梨果黑斑病菌互隔交链孢（Alternaria alternata）AaCaMK基因进行克隆、生物信息学分析,并对其在侵染结构分化过程中的基因表达情况进行分析,为进一步研究梨果黑斑病菌钙离子信号途径中AaCaMK对A.alternata侵染结构分化调控的分子机制提供一定的理论依据。[方法] 采用同源克隆法从A. alternata JT-03中克隆得到3个AaCaMK基因;通过TMHMM、ProtScale、SOPMA等软件对AaCaMK基因进行生物信息学分析;利用实时荧光定量PCR （RT-qPCR）技术分析AaCaMK在梨果黑斑病菌侵染结构分化过程中的表达情况。[结果] 克隆得到片段分别为1 212、1 200、2 349 bp的AaCaMK1、AaCaMK2和AaCaMK3基因;生物信息学分析表明,AaCaMK1、AaCaMK2和AaCaMK3均含有典型的蛋白激酶超家族催化结构域（PKC_Like Superfamily）,并且AaCaMK1和AaCaMK2共同含有CaMK类丝/苏氨酸蛋白激酶催化结构域（STKc_CaMK）,AaCaMK3含有LKB1/CaMKK类丝/苏氨酸蛋白激酶催化结构域（STKc_LKB1_CaMKK）;同源性分析表明,AaCaMK1、AaCaMK2和AaCaMK3分别与玉米大斑病菌CAK1、CAK2和CAK3的相似性高达94.32%、97.49%和86.57%;RT-qPCR分析表明,AaCaMK1、AaCaMK2和AaCaMK3在疏水及果蜡诱导A. alternata侵染结构分化过程中均显著上调表达（P<0.05）,而且果蜡诱导作用更显著。其中AaCaMK1和AaCaMK2在附着胞形成时期（6 h）表达量为对照的1.51倍和3.05倍,而AaCaMK3在侵染菌丝形成阶段（8 h）表达量最高,为对照的2.86倍,并且在果蜡诱导下,这3个基因在芽管伸长阶段（4 h）的上调表达量显著高于疏水界面。[结论] 钙信号中AaCaMK基因在疏水及果蜡诱导A.alternata侵染结构分化过程中发挥重要的调控作用。     

Regulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β by cAMP signaling

BackgroundCa²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) is a pivotal activator of CaMKI, CaMKIV and 5’-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), controlling Ca²⁺-dependent intracellular signaling including various neuronal, metabolic and pathophysiological responses. Recently, we demonstrated that CaMKKβ is feedback phosphorylated at Thr144 by the downstream AMPK, resulting in the conversion of CaMKKβ into Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent enzyme. However, the regulatory phosphorylation of CaMKKβ at Thr144 in intact cells and in vivo remains unclear.MethodsAnti-phosphoThr144 antibody was used to characterize the site-specific phosphorylation of CaMKKβ in immunoprecipitated samples from mouse cerebellum and in transfected mammalian cells that were treated with various agonists and protein kinase inhibitors. CaMKK activity assay and LC-MS/MS analysis were used for biochemical characterization of phosphorylated CaMKKβ.ResultsOur data suggest that the phosphorylation of Thr144 in CaMKKβ is rapidly induced by cAMP/cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling in CaMKKβ-transfected HeLa cells, that is physiologically relevant in mouse cerebellum. We confirmed that the catalytic subunit of PKA was capable of directly phosphorylating CaMKKβ at Thr144 in vitro and in transfected cells. In addition, the basal phosphorylation of CaMKKβ at Thr144 in transfected HeLa cells was suppressed by AMPK inhibitor (compound C). PKA-catalyzed phosphorylation reduced the autonomous activity of CaMKKβ in vitro without significant effect on the Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent activity, resulting in the conversion of CaMKKβ into Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent enzyme.ConclusioncAMP/PKA signaling may confer Ca²⁺-dependency to the CaMKKβ-mediated signaling pathway through direct phosphorylation of Thr144 in intact cells.General significanceOur results suggest a novel cross-talk between cAMP/PKA and Ca²⁺/CaM/CaMKKβ signaling through regulatory phosphorylation.     

ASK1 and its role in cardiovascular and other disorders: available treatments and future prospects

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), also known as MAP3K5, is a member of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family and is well reported as crucial in the regulation of the JNK and P38 pathways. ASK1 is activated in response to a diverse array of stresses such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, lipopolysaccharides, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and reactive oxygen species. The activation of ASK1 induces various stress responses.

Areas covered: Considering ASK1 as an important therapeutic drug target, here we have discussed the role of ASK1 in the progression of various diseases. We have also provided an overview of the available inhibitors for ASK1. The success of computational-based approaches toward ASK1 inhibitor design has also been discussed.

Expert opinion: A number of reports have outlined the prominent role of ASK1 in the pathogenesis of several diseases. The discovery of novel ASK1 inhibitors would have a wide range of applications in medical science. In-silico techniques have been successfully used in the design of some novel ASK1 inhibitors. The use of machine learning-based approaches in combination with structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) and ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) will be helpful toward the development of potent ASK1 inhibitors.     

Discovery of a broad spectrum antiproliferative agent with selectivity for DDR1 kinase: cell line-based assay,kinase panel,molecular docking,and toxicity studies

Herein, we report compound KST9046, a new agent possessing quinazoline-urea scaffold. Preliminary biological evaluation done by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, showed a great inhibitory effect of KST9046 over the 60 cell-line tumor panel. Accordingly, it was selected for a dose-response assay; a broad spectrum antiproliferative activity with GI₅₀ ranging from 1.3 to 3.9?µM was exerted. To explore a potential kinase inhibitory effect, KST9046 was applied at a single dose of 10?µM against a kinase panel of 347 different enzymes representing >50% of the predicted human protein kinome. Interestingly, selective inhibition of 76% was observed on DDR1 kinase. Further, KST9046 showed an IC₅₀ value of 4.38?µM for DDR1. A molecular docking model presented KST9046 as a potential type III inhibitor for DDR1 kinase with an allosteric mode of interaction, which may offer an explanation for its selectivity. As further investigation, CYP450 assay was carried out for KST9046, it showed a promising toxicity profile against four different isoforms. Based on these findings, KST9046 can be further evaluated as a promising safe new hit for the development of broad spectrum anticancer agents with a selectivity for DDR1 kinase.     

Isolation and Immunological Properties of Adenosine Kinase

ABSTRACT

Bovine liver adenosine kinase is a 43 kDa protein that catalyzes the transfer of phosphate from GTP or ATP to adenosine. Its immunological properties were compared to other GTP-binding proteins of ～ 40 kDa, in particular those involved in signal transduction, such as G_s and G_i, the stimulatory and inhibitory regulatory proteins of adenylyl cyclase, G_t, from the visual excitation system, and G_o, a similar protein of unknown function. Antibodies elicited in rabbits against adenosine kinase did not significantly cross-react with other guanyl nucleotide-binding proteins. Antibodies against the other GTP-binding proteins did not react with adenosine kinase. Thus these GTP-binding proteins do not exhibit immunological cross-reactivity.     

Cholesterol Conjugated Uniform and Gapmer Phosphorothioate Oligonucleotides Targeted Against PKC-α and C-raf Gene Expression

Abstract

In vitra and in vivo antitumor activity of phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides targeted against two protein kinases within the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling cascade has been well documented by ISIS 3521/CGP 6412XA (targeted against PKC-α protein) and ISIS 5132KGP69846A (targeted against C-rwfl kinase). For both of these compounds, cationic lipid formulations are necessary to observe any pharmacological activity in cell culture. In contrast, in vivo functional delivery of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides to cells in tissues does not appear to be a prohlem. These oligonucleotides have demonstrated reduction in either PKC-α or C-raf gene expression in tissues or human tumor xenografts following systemic administration.     

Regulation of the Protein Kinase Activity of the Human Insulin Receptor

Abstract

The insulin receptor is a hormone-dependent protein tyrosine kinase that belongs to the family of tyrosine kinases associated with growth factor receptors and oncogene products. The activity of the insulin receptor kinase is regulated by the phosphorylation state of specific domains of the protein. Phosphorylation of the receptor on tyrosine residues activates its kinase activity whereas phosphorylation on serine and/or threonine residues inhibits it. In this review, we discuss the evidence that supports a role of the kinase activity of the receptor in the molecular mechanism of insulin action.     

Aurora-A激酶对急性胰腺炎大鼠肺脏损伤的修复作用研究

摘要 目的：探讨与研究Aurora-A激酶对急性胰腺炎大鼠肺脏损伤的修复作用。方法：36只雄性SD大鼠均分为三组：对照组、模型组与Aurora-A组。对照组进行假手术操作,模型组建立急性胰腺炎模型后给予注射等量生理盐水治疗,Aurora-A组建立急性胰腺炎模型后给予阴茎背静脉注射鼠Aurora-A类因子-MLN8054 10 mg/kg治疗,记录大鼠肺脏损伤的修复情况。结果：造模过程中无大鼠死亡情况发生,模型组与Aurora-A组造模后2 w与4 w的肺组织病理评分、血清中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(neutrophil elastase,NE)与髓过氧化物酶(myeloperoxidase,MPO)含量、肺组织W/D、肺组织蛋白激酶B(AKT)、细胞外信号调节激酶1(ERK1)蛋白相对表达水平都高于对照组(P<0.05),Aurora-A组少于模型组(P<0.05)。结论：Aurora-A激酶在急性胰腺炎大鼠的应用能抑制Akt/ERK信号通路激活,减少血清NE与MPO的表达,从而促进肺脏损伤修复。     

Exploring calmodulin-related proteins, which mediate development of hypertension, in vascular tissues of spontaneous hypertensive rats

Calmodulin (CaM) is associated with a variety of cell functions including inflammation, apoptosis, and muscular contraction. It is recently clarified that some CaM-related proteins are responsible for cardiovascular diseases. We therefore explored CaM-related proteins that mediate hypertensive vascular diseases. Expression levels of six CaM-related proteins with almost unknown function in blood vessels were examined in aorta and mesenteric artery from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) by Western blotting. In aorta from SHR, eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF)2 kinase (eEF2K) and death-associated protein kinase (DAPK)3 protein increased compared with WKY, while Ca²⁺/CaM-dependent protein kinase IIδ, histone deacetylases (HDAC)4 and HDAC5 protein decreased. In mesenteric artery from SHR, eEF2K, HDAC4 and DAPK3 protein increased compared with WKY, while HDAC5 decreased. Our findings demonstrate that expression levels of several CaM-related proteins are changed in vascular tissues of SHR and suggest that CaM-related proteins might be at least in part related to the pathogenesis of hypertensive vascular diseases.     

A key role for KCl cotransport in cell volume regulation in human erythroleukemia cells

AimsKCl cotransport is believed to be involved in volume regulation in various erythroid cells of vertebrates, although the mechanism of activation and the role of the signaling elements involved remain uncertain. In this study, we characterized KCl cotransport activated by hypo-osmotic stress, and clarified several signaling elements involved in the regulation of this pathway within the human erythroleukemia cell line K562.Main methodsThe Cl^?-dependent K⁺ efflux (measured using ⁸⁶Rb⁺) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD) from pre-loaded K562 cells subjected to hypo-osmotic challenge were measured in cells treated with/without KCl cotransport inhibitors [(dihydroindenyl)oxy]alkanoic acid (DIOA) and Ba²⁺. This Cl^?-dependent K⁺ efflux has also been measured in cells treated with the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (protein kinase C (PKC) activator), RO 31-8220 or calphostin C (PKC inhibitor), genistein (protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor), PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor), AG18 or AG1478 (epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor), wortmannin or LY294002 (phosphatatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor), or PD98059 (mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor).Key findingsCl^?-dependent K⁺ efflux was strongly stimulated by hypo-osmotic challenge and this increased K⁺ efflux was mediated by the DIOA- and Ba²⁺-sensitive KCl cotransport. RO 31-8220, calphostin C, genistein, PP2, AG18, AG1478, wortmannin, LY294002 and PD98059 were shown to significantly inhibit or stimulate the activity of this pathway.SignificanceOur results suggest that the hypo-osmotically-activated KCl cotransport is an important regulator of K562 cell volume, and the activity of this pathway is modulated by PKC, PTK, PI 3-kinase and/or MAP kinases.     

Gain-of-function hot spot mutant p53R248Q regulation of integrin/FAK/ERK signaling in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PurposeTP53, encoding the protein p53, is among the most frequently mutated genes in all cancers. A high frequency of 60 – 90% mutations is seen in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Certain p53 mutants show gain-of-function (GoF) oncogenic features unrelated to its wild type functions.MethodsThis study functionally characterized a panel of p53 mutants in individual ESCC cell lines and assayed for GoF oncogenic properties.ResultsThe ESCC cell line with endogenous p53^R248Q expression showed suppressed tumor growth in an immunocompromised mouse model and suppressed colony growth in in vitro three-dimensional culture, when depleted of the endogenous p53 protein expression. This suppression is accompanied by suppressed cell cycle progression, along with reduced integrin expression and decreased focal adhesion kinase and extracellular-regulated protein kinase signaling and can be compensated by expression of a constitutively active mitogen-activated protein. P53^R248Q enhances cell proliferation upon glutamine deprivation, as compared to other non-GoF mutants.ConclusionsIn summary, study of the functional contributions of endogenous p53 mutants identified a novel GoF mechanism through which a specific p53 mutant exerts oncogenic features and contributes to ESCC tumorigenesis.     

Influence of Phospholipase A2-Prostaglawdin System Linked to A1 Adexosine Becepmb on Protein Kinase C Activity of Cultubed Glial Cells

Abstract

In cultured astrocytes phospholipase A₂ seems to be functionally linked to G₁ protein of A₁ adenosine receptors. Phospholipase A₂ inhibition and A₁-linked G₁ protein inactivation resulted in purine release increase due to protein kinase C activation.