Malformin A1 Research Articles

Synthesis of malformin‐A1, C, a glycan, and an aglycon analog: Potential scaffolds for targeted cancer therapy

AbstractImprovement in therapeutic efficacy while reducing chemotherapeutic side effects remains a vital objective in synthetic design for cancer treatment. In keeping with the ethos of therapeutic development and inspired by the Warburg effect for augmenting biological activities of the malformin family of cyclic‐peptide natural products, specifically anti‐tumor activity, a β‐glucoside of malformin C has been designed and synthesized utilizing precise glycosylation and solution phase peptide synthesis. We optimized several glycosylation procedures utilizing different donors and acceptors. The overarching goal of this study was to ensure a targeted delivery of a glyco‐malformin C analog through the coupling of D‐glucose moiety; selective transport via glucose transporters (GLUTs) into tumor cells, followed by hydrolysis in the tumor microenvironment releasing the active malformin C a glycon analog. Furthermore, total synthesis of malformin C was carried out with overall improved strategies avoiding unwanted side reactions thus increasing easier purification. We also report on an improved solid phase peptide synthesis protocol for malformin A1.

Malformin-A1 (MA1) Sensitizes Chemoresistant Ovarian Cancer Cells to Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis.

High-grade epithelial ovarian cancer is a fatal disease in women frequently associated with drug resistance and poor outcomes. We previously demonstrated that a marine-derived compound MalforminA1 (MA1) was cytotoxic for the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of MA1 on human ovarian cancer cells. The potential cytotoxicity of MA1was tested on cisplatin-sensitive (A2780S) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780CP) ovarian cancer cell lines using AlamarBlue assay, Hoechst dye, flow cytometry, Western blot, and RT-qPCR. MA1 had higher cytotoxic activity on A2780S (IC50 = 0.23 µM) and A2780CP (IC50 = 0.34 µM) cell lines when compared to cisplatin (IC50 = 31.4 µM and 76.9 µM, respectively). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the cytotoxic effect of MA1. The synergistic effect of the two drugs was obvious, since only 13% of A2780S and 7% of A2780CP cells remained alive after 24 h of treatment with both MA1 and cisplatin. Moreover, we examined the expression of bcl2, p53, caspase3/9 genes at RNA and protein levels using RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively, to figure out the cell death mechanism induced by MA1. A significant down-regulation in bcl2 and p53 genes was observed in treated cells compared to non-treated cells (p < 0.05), suggesting that MA1 may not follow the canonical pathway to induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cell lines. MalforminA1 showed promising anticancer activity by inducing cytotoxicity in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cancer cell lines. Interestingly, a synergistic effect was observed when MA1 was combined with cisplatin, leading to it overcoming its resistance to cisplatin.

Genome-Scale CRISPR/Cas9 Screening Reveals Squalene Epoxidase as a Susceptibility Factor for Cytotoxicity of Malformin A1.

Malformin A1 (MA1) is a fungus‐produced cyclic pentapeptide. MA1 exhibits teratogenicity to plants, fibrinolysis‐enhancing activity, and cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. To clarify the cytotoxic mechanism of MA1, we screened for the genes involved in the cytotoxicity of MA1 in monocytoid U937 cells by using a CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome‐wide knockout library. Screening was performed by positive selection for cells that were resistant to MA1 treatment, and single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) integrated into MA1‐resistant cells were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing. As a result of the evaluation of sgRNAs that were enriched in MA1‐resistant cells, SQLE, which encodes squalene epoxidase, was identified as a candidate gene. SQLE‐depleted U937 cells were viable in the presence of MA1, and squalene epoxidase inhibitor conferred MA1 resistance to wild‐type cells. These results indicate that squalene epoxidase is implicated in the cytotoxicity of MA1. This finding represents a new insight into applications of MA1 for treating ischemic diseases.

Bacillus methylotrophicus ASWU-C2, a strain inhabiting hot desert soil, a new source for antibacterial bacillopyrone, pyrophen, and cyclopeptides.

A strain of Bacillus methylotrophicus was isolated from a soil sample collected in Aswan eastern desert, which is known for its extremely arid climate. After fermentation of the strain in liquid culture and subsequent extraction, a bioassay-guided isolation procedure yielded five compounds: 2-benzyl-4H-pyran-4-one, named bacillopyrone (1), pyrophen (2), macrolactin A (3) and the cyclopeptides malformin A1 (4), and bacillopeptin A (5). The structures were determined by interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) data. This is the first report on the isolation of compounds 1 and 2 from Bacillus species; compound 1 was reported previously as synthetic product. Bacillopyrone (1) exhibited moderate activity against the Gram-negative Chromobacterium violaceum with minimum inhibitory concentration 266.6 μg/mL, while macrolactin A (3) and malformin A1 (4) inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (minimum inhibitory concentrations 13.3 and 133.3 μg/mL, respectively).

Involvement of RSK1 activation in malformin-enhanced cellular fibrinolytic activity

Pharmacological interventions to enhance fibrinolysis are effective for treating thrombotic disorders. Utilizing the in vitro U937 cell line-based fibrin degradation assay, we had previously found a cyclic pentapeptide malformin A1 (MA1) as a novel activating compound for cellular fibrinolytic activity. The mechanism by which MA1 enhances cellular fibrinolytic activity remains unknown. In the present study, we show that RSK1 is a crucial mediator of MA1-induced cellular fibrinolysis. Treatment with rhodamine-conjugated MA1 showed that MA1 localizes mainly in the cytoplasm of U937 cells. Screening with an antibody macroarray revealed that MA1 induces the phosphorylation of RSK1 at Ser380 in U937 cells. SL0101, an inhibitor of RSK, inhibited MA1-induced fibrinolytic activity, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of RSK1 but not RSK2 suppressed MA1-enhanced fibrinolysis in U937 cells. Synthetic active MA1 derivatives also induced the phosphorylation of RSK1. Furthermore, MA1 treatment stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MEK1/2. PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK1/2, inhibited MA1-induced phosphorylation of RSK1 and ERK1/2, indicating that MA1 induces the activation of the MEK-ERK-RSK pathway. Moreover, MA1 upregulated the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and increased uPA secretion. These inductions were abrogated in RSK1 knockout cells. These results indicate that RSK1 is a key regulator of MA1-induced extracellular fibrinolytic activity.

MalforminA1 treatment alters invasive and oncogenic phenotypes of human colorectal cancer cells through stimulation of the p38 signaling pathway.

MalforminA1 (MA1), a cyclic pentapeptide isolated from Aspergillus niger, has been found to possess a range of bioactive properties including antibacterial activity. However, it is unclear whether MA1 exerts an anticancer effect or not. In this study, we conducted invitro experiments to investigate its anticancer properties in human colorectal cancer cells. The effect of MA1 on human colorectal cancer cells, SW480 and DKO1, was examined by the WST-1 cell viability assay, inverted microscopy, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine(BrdU) incorporation, flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation, wound healing, Transwell assays, and western blotting. MA1 treatment showed potent cytotoxic activities on human colorectal cancer cells. MA1 treatment induced apoptosis by activating the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase‑3, -7, and -9. MA1 treatment led to the increase in p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) and the decrease in X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and Survivin. In addition, MA1 treatment induced cell cycle arrest in the sub-G1 phase. The pan-caspase inhibitor, Z‑VAD‑FMK, attenuated these MA1-induced apoptotic effects on human colorectal cancer cells. Moreover, MA1 treatment suppressed tumor cell migration and invasion. The phosphorylation level of p38 was upregulated by MA1 treatment, and the inhibitor of p38, SB203580, attenuated the MA1-induced p38 phosphorylation as well as caspase‑3 and PARP activation. These results indicate that MA1 treatment alters invasive and oncogenic phenotypes of human colorectal cancer cells through the stimulation of the p38 signaling pathway.

New cytotoxic furan from the marine sediment-derived fungi Aspergillus niger

A fungal strain of Aspergillus niger was recovered from sediments collected in the Northeast coast of Brazil (Pecém’s offshore port terminal). Cultivation in different growth media yielded a new ester furan derivative, 1, along with malformin A1, malformin C, cyclo (trans-4-hydroxy-L-Pro-L-Leu), cyclo (trans-4-hydroxy-L-Pro-L-Phe), cyclo (L-Pro-L-Leu), cyclo (L-Pro-L-Phe), pseurotin D, pseurotin A, chlovalicin, cyclo (L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo (L-Pro-L-Val). Compound 1 was cytotoxic against HCT-116 cell line, showing IC50 = 2.9 μg/mL (CI 95% from 1.8 to 4.7 μg/mL).

Trypanocidal activity, cytotoxicity and histone modifications induced by malformin A1 isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus tubingensis IFM 63452

Trypanocidal activity, cytotoxicity and histone modifications induced by malformin A1 isolated from the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus tubingensis IFM 63452

Structure–activity relationship of cyclic pentapeptide malformins as fibrinolysis enhancers

The formation of blood clots in blood vessels causes severe ischemic diseases such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction. While searching for microbial products that increase fibrinolytic activity using an in vitro fibrin degradation assay, we found malformin A1, a disulfide form of cyclo(–d-Cys-d-Cys-l-Val-d-Leu-l-Ile–), as an active compound. In this study, we synthesized malformin derivatives using a solid-phase peptide synthesis method and evaluated their fibrinolytic activity and cytotoxicity. Reduction of the disulfide bond and linearization of the cyclic peptide frame decreased the pro-fibrinolytic activity. Substitution of a branched-chain amino acid with lysine resulted in loss of activity. However, protection of the amino group in the lysine derivatives by the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group rescued the inactivity. Furthermore, the phenylalanine derivatives also exhibited a similar pro-fibrinolytic effect compared to malformin A1. These results suggest that the disulfide bond, the cyclic peptide frame, and the bulky hydrophobic side chains play a crucial role in the pro-fibrinolytic activity of malformin. The effective dose of the active derivatives for the in vitro fibrin degradation showed similar ranges (1–5μM), while the order of cytotoxic potency for the active derivatives was as follows: Phe-derivatives>BocLys-derivatives>malformin A1>reduced form. These results showed no correlation between pro-fibrinolytic activity and cytotoxicity, suggesting the possibility of the synthesis for non-toxic malformin derivatives possessing the activity.

Malformin A1 promotes cell death through induction of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy in prostate cancer cells.

Malformin A1 (MA1), a cyclopentapeptide isolated from fungal origin, has been identified to induce varieties of intriguing biological activities. Here, we reported the mode of mechanism underlying MA1-mediated cytotoxicity through induction of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Human PCa cells PC3 and LNCaP were treated with MA1, and cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and autophagy were analyzed, respectively. Pharmacological inhibitors, transient transfection of plasmids and siRNAs were then used to identify the roles of oxidative stress and autophagy in MA1-triggered cell death. In both PC3 and LNCaP cells, MA1 inhibited cell proliferation and triggered oxidative stress via the rapid accumulation of reactive oxygen species and a decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Mitochondrial damage by MA1 triggered caspase activation and intracellular ATP deletion, leading to apoptosis and necrosis, respectively. Meanwhile, MA1 activated autophagy as indicated by conversion of LC3BI to LC3BII and increased GFP-tagged LC3B punctate dots. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy or knocking down LC3B attenuated MA1-mediated cell death. Excessive oxidative stress and decreased ATP stimulated AMPK/mTOR pathway, which led to induction of MA1-mediated autophagy. Coaction of apoptotic, necrotic and autophagic cell death induced by mitochondrial damage defines a novel mechanism contributing to the growth suppression of MA1 in prostate cancer cells, and activation of autophagy might be a potential strategy for improving its chemotherapeutic effects.

Anti-TMV Activity of Malformin A1, a Cyclic Penta-Peptide Produced by an Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus tubingensis FJBJ11

Plant-associated microorganisms are known to produce a variety of metabolites with novel structures and interesting biological activities. An endophytic fungus FJBJ11, isolated from the plant tissue of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (Simaroubaceae), was proven to be significantly effective in producing metabolites with anti-Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) activities. The isolate was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis FJBJ11 based on morphological characteristics and ITS sequence. Bioassay-guided isolation led to the identification of a cycli penta-peptide, malformin A1, along with two cyclic dipeptides, cyclo (Gly-l-Pro) and cyclo (Ala-Leu). Malformin A1 showed potent inhibitory effect against the infection and replication of TMV with IC50 values of 19.7 and 45.4 μg·mL−1, as tested using local lesion assay and leaf-disc method, respectively. The results indicated the potential use of malformin A1 as a leading compound or a promising candidate of new viricide.

Naphtho‐γ‐pyrones from Endophyte Aspergillus niger Occurring in the Liverwort Heteroscyphus tener (Steph.) Schiffn.

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the cytotoxic extract of Aspergillus niger, an endophytic fungus from the Chinese liverwort Heteroscyphus tener (Steph.) Schiffn., afforded five new naphtho-γ-pyrones, rubrofusarin-6-O-α-D-ribofuranoside (1), (R)-10-(3-succinimidyl)-TMC-256A1 (2), asperpyrone E (3), isoaurasperone A (4), and isoaurasperone F (5), as well as four known ones, dianhydroaurasperone C (6), aurasperone D (7), asperpyrone D (8), and asperpyrone A (9), together with a cytotoxic cyclic pentapeptide, malformin A1 (10). Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configurations of dimeric naphtho-γ-pyrones 3-9 were also determined by analysis of their respective CD spectra.

Fibrinolytic Activation Promoted by the Cyclopentapeptide Malformin: Involvement of Cytoskeletal Reorganization

Malformin A₁, a cyclopentapeptide of fungal origin, enhances cellular fibrinolytic activity depending on the existence of a cofactor in blood plasma. However, the nature of this cofactor remains unknown. Here, we report that vitronectin acts as a plasma cofactor of malformin A₁. We purified the cofactor from bovine plasma by activity-based fractionation, and confirmed that vitronectin in conjunction with plasminogen supports the activity of malformin A₁ to promote the fibrinolytic activity of U937 cells. Malformin A₁ action was abolished by Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (a competitor of vitronectin-integrin binding), wortmannin (an inhibitor of signaling kinases), and cytochalasin B (an inhibitor of actin polymerization). Changes in actin organization and a decrease in filopodia were observed in cells treated with malformin A₁ and plasma. A focal localization of plasminogen on the cell surface was augmented by malformin A₁, whereas the amount of cell-surface-bound plasminogen was minimally altered by the treatment. Our results suggest the involvement of cytoskeletal reorganization via vitronectin signaling in the cellular fibrinolytic activity-enhancing action of malformin A₁.

Biologically Active Cyclic Peptide from Collectotrichum sp.

An ethyl acetate extract of Collectotrichum sp. (ATCC 20980) fermentation broth showed remarkable activity against Plasmodium falciparum (chloroquine sensitive) D-6 and (chloroquine resistant) W-2 clones [1]. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of malformin A1 (1) [2] and a new cyclic pentapeptide (cyclo -Leu-Val-Cys-Ile-Cys) with a disulfide bridge (2). Both these compounds showed potent in vitro antimalarial activity against both P. falciparum clones, D-6 (1 IC50 = 37 ng/ml, 2 IC50 = 27 ng/ml, chloroquine IC50 = 7.0 ng/ml)) and W-2 (1 IC50 = 28 ng/ml, 2 IC50 = 23 ng/ml, chloroquine IC50 = 90 ng/ml) clones and low toxicity towards mammalian kidney fibroblast (vero) cells (1, 2 IC50 > 10 µg/ml). However, both these compounds showed high toxicity towards cancer cell lines (IC50 < 0.65 µg/ml) [3] indicating that the observed anti-Plasmodial activity was most probably a manifestation of their cytotoxicity.

옥수수 뿌리에서 칼슘 이온 조절제가 malformin A1에 의해 유도된 굴중성과 에틸렌 생합성에 미치는 영향

malformin A1은 옥수수 뿌리에서 대조구와 비교하여 에틸렌 생성을 4시간에는 130%, 8시간에는 56%를 각각 촉진하였다. 에틸렌 생성량이 4시간을 최대로 하여 8시간까지 서서히 증가율이 감소하였다. 칼슘 이온 조절제인 A23187 (calcium ionophore)과 verapamil (calcium channel blocker)을 각각 단독으로 처리한 경우 모두 대조구와 비교하여 4시간에는 30%, 8시간에는 20% 정도로 에틸렌 생성을 촉진하였다. 칼슘 이온 조절제가 malformin A1에 의해 유도된 에틸렌 생성에 미치는 영향을 조사한 결과 4시간에는 malformin A1만 처리하였을 경우에 관찰되는 수준만큼 촉진되지 않았지만 칼슘 이온 조절제의 촉진 효과는 8시간까지 유지되었다. 이러한 결과는 malformin A1이 에틸렌 생성을 촉진하기 위하여 적절한 칼슘 농도가 필요할 가능성을 제시하고 있다. Malformin A1은 굴중성 굴곡 반응을 대조구와 비교하여 4시간과 8시간에 각각 58%와 42% 정도 억제하였다. A23187과 달리, verapamil은 굴중성 굴곡반응을 4시간과 8시간에 대조구와 비교하여 각각 54%와 23%를 억제하였다. 더 나아가 verapamil은 malformin A1에 의해 유도된 굴중성 굴곡 반응을 A23187보다 더 억제하였다. 이러한 결과는 칼슘이온 조절제가 malformin A1에 의해 유도된 옥수수 뿌리의 굴중성 반응에 영향을 주며, 칼슘 이온이 굴중성 반응에 중요한 역할을 한다는 증거를 제시한다. Treatment of malformin A1 is known to increase ethylene production 130% at 4 hr and 56% at 8 hr after treatment in maize root compared to untreated plants. The ethylene production by malformin A1 was maximum level at 4 hr and slowly decreased up to 8 hr. Calcium ion regulators such as A23187 (calcium ionophore) and verapamil (calcium channel blocker) stimulated ethylene production. Treatment of both calcium ion regulators increased about 30% of ethylene production at 4 hr, and 20% at 8 hr. Both calcium ion regulators did not stimulate malformin A1-induced ethylene production at 4 hr as malformin A1 itself did. However, the treatment of calcium ion regulators with malformin A1 maintains the ethylene production for 8 hr. These results suggested that the proper concentration of calcium might need to confer the effect of malformin A1 on the ethylene production. Malformin A1 suppressed the gravitropic curvature of maize root about 58% at 4 hr and 42% at 8 hr compared to control plant. Verapamil inhibited the gravitropic curvature about 54% at 4 hr and 23% at 8 hr compared to control, respectively. But A23187 could not. In addition, verapamil showed more inhibition in malformin A1-induced gravitropic curvature than A23187 in malformin A1 induced. These data suggested that calcium ion regulators affect the malformin A1-induced ethylene production and gravitropic curvature, and give the evidence that calcium ion play an important role in gravitropic curvature in maize root.

Fungal Malformins Inhibit Bleomycin-Induced G2 Checkpoint in Jurkat Cells

A DNA-damaging agent, bleomycin, arrests the cell cycle at the G2 phase of Jurkat cells, which are defective in the G1 checkpoint, while microtubule-disrupting colchicine arrests it at M phase. Fungal cyclopeptides, malformin A1 and malformin C, were found to abrogate bleomycin-induced G2 arrest (IC(50); 0.48 microM and 0.9 nM, respectively), resulting in a drastic decrease in cells in G2 phase and increase in cells in subG1 phase. On the other hand, malformins showed little effect on the colchicine-induced M phase arrest in Jurkat cells (IC(50); 2.7 microM and 24 nM, respectively). Malformin C (0.026 microM) also abrogated bleomycin-induced G2 arrest in colon cancer-derived HCT-116 cells. These data strongly suggest that malformin C disrupted the cell cycle at the G2 checkpoint of cancer cells, leading to sensitization of the cancer cells to the anti-cancer reagent.

Dose-dependent effects of malformin A1 on IAA-induced ethylene production in mung bean (Vigna radiate L.) hypocotyl segments

Purified malformin A1 (cyclo-D-Cys-D-Cys-L-Val-D-Leu-L-lle), a cyclicpentapeptide toxin fromAspergillus niger, was applied to the hypocotyl segments of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) seedlings to investigate its role in regulating ethylene biosynthesis. Production of ethylene was induced by treating the plants with 0.1 mM indole-3-acetic acid (1AA). When 0.1 μM malformin A1 was then applied, ethylene production increased and the activities of two key enzymes for its biosynthesis, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-synthase (ACS) and ACC-oxidase (ACO), were also stimulated. However, at levels of 1 or 10 μM malformin A1, both ethylene production and enzymatic activities were significantly reduced. In the case of ACO,in vitro activity was regulated by malformin A1, independent of ACS activity or the influence of IAA. Furthermore, the conjugate form of ACC, N-malonyl ACC, was significantly promoted by treatment with 0.1 μM malformin A1. These data suggest that malformin A1 can modulate ethylene production through diverse paths and that its effect depends on the concentration of the treatment administered.

Enhancement of fibrinolytic activity of U937 cells by malformin A1.

We have found that malformin A1, a cyclopentapeptide metabolite of Aspergillus niger, enhanced 2.0- to 3.2-fold the 125I-fibrin clot lysis when incubated at 1 to approximately 10 microM with both U937 cells and blood plasma, both of which were essential to the malformin A1 action. The effect was inhibited by epsilon-aminocaproic acid and anti-urokinase serum, but not by anti-tissue-type plasminogen activator IgG, showing that the enhancement was mediated by urokinase-catalyzed plasminogen activation. However, malformin A1 affected neither cellular urokinase activity nor cell-free reactions involved in the fibrinolytic pathway. Malformin-treated, washed cell had an increased capacity to degrade fibrin in the presence of plasma. These results suggest that malformin A1 enhances fibrinolytic activity by affecting cell-mediated response to initiate and/or propagate fibrinolytic activity.

Action of malformin A1 on gravitropic curvature in primary roots of maize (Zea mays L.)

Malformins, a small family of cyclic pentapeptides, are active plant growth regulators isolated from the fungusAspergillus niger. We purified malformin A1 from the crude malformin A mixture, and studied its action in the gravitropic response of maize roots. Intact primary roots that had been pretreated vertically with malformin A1 were placed in a humidified box in the horizontal position. Positive curvature (downward) was inhibited in the pretreated roots compared with the control. In addition, we measured the lateral transport of IAA in primary roots. Roots pretreated with malformin A, did not show asymmetric distribution of IAA between the upper and lower sides of the elongation zone. Malformin A, also stimulated ethylene production in maize root segments. Our results had suggested that malformin A1 might inhibit the lateral transport of IAA across the roots from the upper to the lower side because of an increased level of ethylene. Therefore, we placed more IAA on the upper side at the initial phase of gravistimulation. These results were consistent with malformin A1-pretreated roots showing inhibited positive gravitropic curvature.

Structure of Malformin A, a Phytotoxic Metabolite Produced by Aspergillus niger.

Malformins-produced by Aspergillus niger were separated by HPLC and subjected to structural determination. Amino acid analyses and mass spectra suggested that all of them structurally resembled cyclic pentapeptide malformin A1. Two-dimensional NMR experiments and MS/MS experiments led us to deduce cyclo-D-cysteinyl-D-cysteinyl-L-amino acid-D-amino acid-L-amino acid as being the essential structure of malformins.