Thiol-disulfide Exchange Reactions Research Articles

Physical interaction between human ribonucleotide reductase large subunit and thioredoxin increases colorectal cancer malignancy

Ribonucleotide reductase (RR) is the rate-limiting enzyme in DNA synthesis, catalyzing the reduction of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides. During each enzymatic turnover, reduction of the active site disulfide in the catalytic large subunit is performed by a pair of shuttle cysteine residues in its C-terminal tail. Thioredoxin (Trx) and glutaredoxin (Grx) are ubiquitous redox proteins, catalyzing thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Here, immunohistochemical examination of clinical colorectal cancer (CRC) specimens revealed that human thioredoxin1 (hTrx1), but not human glutaredoxin1 (hGrx1), was up-regulated along with human RR large subunit (RRM1) in cancer tissues, and the expression levels of both proteins were correlated with cancer malignancy stage. Ectopically expressed hTrx1 significantly increased RR activity, DNA synthesis, and cell proliferation and migration. Importantly, inhibition of both hTrx1 and RRM1 produced a synergistic anticancer effect in CRC cells and xenograft mice. Furthermore, hTrx1 rather than hGrx1 was the efficient reductase for RRM1 regeneration. We also observed a direct protein-protein interaction between RRM1 and hTrx1 in CRC cells. Interestingly, besides the known two conserved cysteines, a third cysteine (Cys779) in the RRM1 C terminus was essential for RRM1 regeneration and binding to hTrx1, whereas both Cys32 and Cys35 in hTrx1 played a counterpart role. Our findings suggest that the up-regulated RRM1 and hTrx1 in CRC directly interact with each other and promote RR activity, resulting in enhanced DNA synthesis and cancer malignancy. We propose that the RRM1-hTrx1 interaction might be a novel potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Rapid degradation of disulfide-based thermosets through thiol-disulfide exchange reaction

Development of a methodology to achieve the rapid degradation of thermosets under mild conditions is an important challenge. In this paper, we present a new method for rapid disassembly of thermosetting polyurethanes (PUs), using synergism of multiple stimuli. The PUs were prepared using multi-sensitivity dynamic disulfide bonds as the cross-linker. When soaked in DMF, the fabricated PUs only swell but undissolve. While reducing agent was added, the polymer completely dissolved after 12 h immersion at 25 °C, owing to the thiol-disulfide exchange mechanism. Moreover, as the temperature increases from 25 °C to 60 °C, the time required for complete dissolution of the PUs decreases from 12 h to 50 min, indicating that the synergistic effect of reducing agent and temperature can accelerate the degradation. In addition, other combined multi-stimuli, including reducing agent and ultrasound, can also be used to adjust the dissolution rate of the disulfide bonds cross-linked thermosets. When used as adhesives, the rapidly detachable PUs have potential applications in recycling the valuable adhesive components conveniently.

A Smart Nano-Prodrug Platform with Reactive Drug Loading, Superb Stability, and Fast Responsive Drug Release for Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Nano-prodrugs usually involve a multistep synthesis which largely compromises their benefits. Here, a smart nano-prodrug platform with reactive drug loading, superb stability, and triggered drug release is reported for targeted melanoma therapy. cRGD-decorated polymersomal mertansine prodrug (cRGD-PS-DM1) is readily fabricated from cRGD-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-dithiolane trimethylene carbonate) with simultaneous loading of mertansine (DM1) via thiol-disulfide exchange reaction and disulfide cross-linking of polymersomal membrane. cRGD-PS-DM1 exhibits a size of ≈100 nm, little drug leakage, and fast DM1 release in the presence of 2 × 10-3 -10 × 10-3 m glutathione. Tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT) and confocal microscopy studies confirm effective homing of cRGD-PS-DM1 to αv β3 overexpressing B16F10 melanoma cells. Notably, the in vivo studies show that cRGD-PS-DM1 has a greatly improved toleration as compared with free DM1 and effectively inhibits tumor growth and extends the survival time of B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice. cRGD-PS-DM1 nano-prodrug with reactive drug loading and multifunction provides an advanced nanomedicine for cancer therapy.

Iron Binding Properties of Recombinant Class A Protein Disulfide Isomerase from Arabidopsis thaliana.

The protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family comprises a wide set of enzymes mainly involved in thiol-disulfide exchange reactions in the endoplasmic reticulum. Class A PDIs (PDI-A) constitute the smallest members of the family, consisting of a single thioredoxin (TRX) module without any additional domains. To date, their catalytic activity and cellular function are still poorly understood. To gain insight into the role of higher-plant class A PDIs, the biochemical properties of rAtPDI-A, the recombinant form of Arabidopsis thaliana PDI-A, have been investigated. As expressed, rAtPDI-A has only little oxidoreductase activity, but it appears to be capable of binding an iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster, most likely a [2Fe-2S] center, at the interface between two protein monomers. A mutational survey of all cysteine residues of rAtPDI-A indicates that only the second and third cysteines of the CXXXCKHC stretch, containing the putative catalytic site CKHC, are primarily involved in cluster coordination. A key role is also played by the lysine residue. Its substitution with glycine, which restores the canonical PDI active site CGHC, does not influence the oxidoreductase activity of the protein, which remains marginal, but strongly affects the binding of the cluster. It is therefore proposed that the unexpected ability of rAtPDI-A to accommodate an Fe-S cluster is due to its very unique CKHC motif, which is conserved in all higher-plant class A PDIs, differentiating them from all other members of the PDI family.

Comparison of the protective effect of self-emulsifying peptide drug delivery systems towards intestinal proteases and glutathione

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) for therapeutic peptides towards intestinal proteases and reduced glutathione (GSH). MethodsSodium docusate was applied as anionic surfactant for hydrophobic ion pairing with leuprorelin (LEU), insulin (INS) and desmopressin (DES). The complexes were loaded into SEDDS that were characterized regarding droplet size distribution and zeta potential. The release profile of the peptides was examined by dialysis membrane method. Enzymatic digestion studies were performed by applying α-chymotrypsin, trypsin and elastase. Furthermore, the protective effect of SEDDS towards degradation through thiol-disulfide exchange reactions was examined by addition of GSH. ResultsSEDDS showed a mean droplet size of 0.27–3.9μm and a zeta potential of –25 to –33mV. All formulations provided a sustained release of the peptides over 6h. Degradation of the model peptides by intestinal proteases and GSH could only be observed in the release medium. In the oily phase of SEDDS neither any of the proteases nor GSH was soluble (≤0.1%). Furthermore, no degradation of the model peptides by proteases and GSH took place in the oily phase of SEDDS. ConclusionSEDDS can provide a 100% protective effect towards protease degradation and deactivation by GSH. According to this, SEDDS might be promising tools for oral delivery of peptide drugs.

Redox regulation of SurR by protein disulfide oxidoreductase in Thermococcus onnurineus NA1.

Protein disulfide oxidoreductases are redox enzymes that catalyze thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. These enzymes include thioredoxins, glutaredoxins, protein disulfide isomerases, disulfide bond formation A (DsbA) proteins, and Pyrococcus furiosus protein disulfide oxidoreductase (PfPDO) homologues. In the genome of a hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus onnurineus NA1, the genes encoding one PfPDO homologue (TON_0319, Pdo) and three more thioredoxin- or glutaredoxin-like proteins (TON_0470, TON_0472, TON_0834) were identified. All except TON_0470 were recombinantly expressed and purified. Three purified proteins were reduced by a thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), indicating that each protein can form redox complex with TrxR. SurR, a transcription factor involved in the sulfur response, was tested for a protein target of a TrxR-redoxin system and only Pdo was identified to be capable of catalyzing the reduction of SurR. Electromobility shift assay demonstrated that SurR reduced by the TrxR-Pdo system could bind to the DNA probe with the SurR-binding motif, GTTttgAAC. In this study, we present the TrxR-Pdo couple as a redox-regulator for SurR in T. onnurineus NA1.

Covalently Connected Polymer-Protein Nanostructures Fabricated by a Reactive Self-Assembly Approach.

The synthesis of polymer-protein nanostructures opens up a new avenue for the development of new biomaterials. In this research, covalently connected polymer-protein nanostructures were fabricated through a reactive self-assembly approach. Poly(tert-butyl methacrylate-co-pyridyl disulfide methacrylamide) (PtBMA-co-PPDSMA) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Covalently connected nanostructures (CCNs) with hydrophobic polymer cores and hydrophilic protein coronae were prepared by adding solutions of PtBMA-co-PPDSMA/DMF to aqueous solutions of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between pyridyl disulfide groups on the polymer chains and thiol groups on the protein molecules plays a key role in the fabrication of CCNs. The self-assembly process was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and stopped-flow techniques. DLS results indicated that the sizes of the CCNs were determined by the initial polymer concentration, the BSA concentration, and the average number of thiol groups on BSA molecules. TEM and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were used to analyze the nanostructures. Far-UV circular dichroism results demonstrated that the original folded conformations of BSA molecules were basically maintained in the reactive self-assembly process. Compared with native BSA, the secondary structure and conformation change of coronal BSA induced by urea or thermal treatment were remarkably suppressed. The cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the CCNs were essentially nontoxic to Hela and COS-7 cells.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) with pendant natural peptides: an old polymeric biomaterial with new properties

Poly(ε-caprolactone) with pendant glutathione or l-carnosine was synthesized by a combination of ring-opening copolymerization, click chemistry and thiol-disulfide exchange reaction, and the self-assemblies of the polymers were investigated.

Protein Nanogels with Temperature-Induced Reversible Structures and Redox Responsiveness.

There are many natural examples of smart structures that are able to change conformations and functionalities responding to the external stimuli. The responsiveness is directly related to their unique structures. In the design of new materials, it is crucial to endow these materials with the capabilities to change structures and functionalities under the external stimuli. In this research, virus-mimicking protein nanogels with temperature-induced reversible structures and redox responsiveness are synthesized by cross-linking a thermally responsive polymer poly(di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-2-(2-pyridyldisulfide) ethyl methacrylate) with reduced bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules through thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and sizes of the nanogels can be controlled by controlling the reaction conditions. The nanogels are able to change their structures responding to the temperature change. Below the LCST, BSA molecules are embedded inside the nanogels and protected by the polymer chains. Above the LCST, polymer chains collapse forming the cores, and BSA moves to the shells to stabilize the nanogels. The disulfide-cross-linked nanogels are dissociated in the presence of glutathione. In vitro cytotoxicity assays and cell uptake assays demonstrate that the nanogels show low toxicity toward 3T3, 293T, and MCF-7 cells and can be internalized into the MCF-7 cells. The nanogels will find applications in protein delivery.

Protein-Cross-Linked Triple-Responsive Polymer Networks Based on Molecular Recognition.

Hydrogels containing protein components are a type of promising biomaterial. In this paper, we designed triple-responsive polymer-protein networks based on molecular recognition. Reduced bovine serum albumin (BSA) was modified with multiple β-cyclodextrin (βCD) by thiol-disulfide exchange reaction. The βCD-modified BSA was added into the aqueous solution of acrylamide copolymer with pendant adamantyl groups, resulting in the formation of polymer-protein network structures. The assembled polymer networks show triple-responsive behaviors upon treatment with trypsin, reduced glutathione, or native βCD. The network structures may find applications in tissue engineering and drug controlled release.

Reactive Copolymers Based on N-Vinyl Lactams with Pyridyl Disulfide Side Groups via RAFT Polymerization and Postmodification via Thiol–Disulfide Exchange Reaction

Herein, we report the synthesis of a series of novel pyridyl disulfide (PDS)-functionalized statistical reactive copolymers that enable facile access to complex polymeric architectures through highly selective thiol–disulfide exchange reaction with thiol-containing ligands or proteins. Functional reactive poly(N-vinyl lactam)-based copolymers including poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone-co-pyridyl disulfide ethyl methacrylate) (PVPD), poly(N-vinylpiperidone-co-pyridyl disulfide ethyl methacrylate) (PVPID), and poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-pyridyl disulfide ethyl methacrylate) (PVD) with PDS side groups were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization at 60 °C in anisole with methyl 2-(ethoxycarbonothioylthio)propanoate as chain transfer agent. The PDS contents in the synthesized copolymers were varied from 2 to 10 mol % (as confirmed by systematical characterization with FTIR/Raman and 1H NMR spectroscopy) using well-controlled continuous feeding method. The kinetics study suggested that copolymerizations were less favored with the enlargement of the lactam rings, indicated by lower conversions and larger dispersity indexes (Đ). The PDS-functionalized reactive polymers were amenable to functionalization with a variety of thiol-containing molecules, including 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3M), 2-phenylethanethiol (2P), methyl 3-mercaptopropionate (M3), 2-mercaptoethanol (2M), 2-aminoethanethiol (2A), poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether thiol (PEG-SH), and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) via thiol–disulfide exchange reaction under mild conditions, confirmed by 1H NMR and SDS-PAGE. The conversions in all cases were higher than 95%, displaying that the thiol–disulfide exchange reaction to PDS groups with thiol-containing molecules is highly selective and tolerant to different ligands including amine, carboxyl, hydroxyl, phenyl, PEG and even polypeptides, providing a versatile scaffold for facile conjugation of various biological components. The contact angle measurement results and fluorescence microscopy study indicated that the reactive films based on the PDS-functionalized copolymers allowed facile, direct, and environmental-friendly surface engineering of surfaces from aqueous solution suggesting potential application in surface decoration of tissue-engineering scaffolds and medical implants. The initial cell culture experiments with HeLa cells displayed that the unmodified PVPD film was nontoxic and biocompatible while the film modified with PEG (a type of antifouling polymer) showed diminished cell attachment and growth, indicating that elegant engineering of the film surface can meet demands of particular applications.

Enzyme-polymer hybrid nanogels fabricated by thiol-disulfide exchange reaction

In this paper a novel method for the fabrication of hybrid nanogels based on thiol-disulfide exchange reaction is reported. Poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate-co-di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-2-(2-pyridyldisulfide) ethyl methacrylate) (POEGMA-co-PDEGMA-co-PDSMA) was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Pyridyl disulfide functionalized porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL-S-S-Py) was prepared by treatment of PPL with Traut’s reagent (2-iminothiolane) and 2,2′-dithiodipyridine. Upon addition of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid into aqueous solutions of PPL-S-S-Py and POEGMA-co-PDEGMA-co-PDSMA, enzyme-polymer hybrid nanogels were prepared. The hybrid nanogels show thermal responsiveness. With an increase in the content of PPL in the nanogels, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) shifts to the higher temperature. At a temperature below LCST, PPL molecules are in the shells of the nanogels, and at a temperature above LCST, PPL molecules are embedded inside the nanosized structures. The immobilized PPL show enhanced heat resistance and good reusability.

Core-shell self-assembly triggered via a thiol-disulfide exchange reaction for reduced glutathione detection and single cells monitoring.

A novel core-shell DNA self-assembly catalyzed by thiol-disulfide exchange reactions was proposed, which could realize GSH-initiated hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for signal amplification and molecules gathering. Significantly, these self-assembled products via electrostatic interaction could accumulate into prominent and clustered fluorescence-bright spots in single cancer cells for reduced glutathione monitoring, which will effectively drive cell monitoring into a new era.

Specific affinity-labeling of the nociceptin ORL1 receptor using a thiol-activated Cys(Npys)-containing peptide ligand.

We previously showed that an antagonist-based peptide ligand, H-Cys(Npys)-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg- Ile-Lys-NH2 , captures the free thiol groups in the ligand-binding site of the nociceptin receptor ORL1. However, the exact receptor sites of this thiol-disulfide exchange reaction have not been uncovered, although such identification would help to clarify the ligand recognition site. Since the Cys→Ala substitution prevents the reaction, we performed the so-called Ala scanning for all the Cys residues in the transmembrane (TM) domains of the ORL1 receptor. Seven different mutant receptors were soundly expressed in the COS-7 cells and examined for their specific affinity labeling by a competitive binding assay using nociceptin and [(3) H]nociceptin. The results of in vitro Ala scanning analyses revealed that the labeled residues were Cys59 in TM1, Cys215 and Cys231 in TM5, and Cys310 in TM7. The present study has provided a novel method of Cys(Npys)-affinity labeling for identification of the ligand-binding sites in the ORL1 receptor. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 460-469, 2016.

Development of oral self nano-emulsifying delivery system(s) of lanreotide with improved stability against presystemic thiol-disulfide exchange reactions

ABSTRACTObjectives: To develop a self nano-emulsifying delivery system (SNEDS) for model peptide lanreotide providing a protective effect towards thiol-disulfide exchange reactions.Methods: Ion-paired complexes of lanreotide with surfactants were prepared. In the following, Log P (octanol/water) of these complexes was determined. Lanreotide-loaded SNEDS (Lan/Deo-SN2 and Lan/Deo-SN3) were characterized for payload, droplet size and zeta potential. Lan/Deo-SN2 and Lan/Deo-SN3 were incubated with reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiol-enriched casein peptones for the assessment of thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. Ultra-centrifugation was used for separation of lanreotide released from SNEDS.Results: A maximum payload of 6.4% was achieved for Lan/Deo-SN2. Mean droplet size of Lan/Deo-SN2 and Lan/Deo-SN3 was 45 ± 0.20 nm and 37 ± 0.02 nm, respectively. Both formulations showed significant protection towards thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. After 3 h of incubation with GSH, 48% and 80% of lanreotide remained intact when incorporated in Lan/Deo-SN2 and Lan/Deo-SN3, respectively. Furthermore, Lan/Deo-SN2 and Lan/Deo-SN3 showed 47% and 51% protection against thiol enriched casein peptones, respectively. Both formulations showed sustained lanreotide release over a period of 3 h.Conclusion: Owing to the results, the above-mentioned approach might be a useful tool to overcome the sulfhydryl barrier of the GI-tract.

Thiol-Disulfide Exchange Reactions in the Mammalian Extracellular Environment.

Disulfide bonds represent versatile posttranslational modifications whose roles encompass the structure, catalysis, and regulation of protein function. Due to the oxidizing nature of the extracellular environment, disulfide bonds found in secreted proteins were once believed to be inert. This notion has been challenged by the discovery of redox-sensitive disulfides that, once cleaved, can lead to changes in protein activity. These functional disulfides are twisted into unique configurations, leading to high strain and potential energy. In some cases, cleavage of these disulfides can lead to a gain of function in protein activity. Thus, these motifs can be referred to as switches. We describe the couples that control redox in the extracellular environment, examine several examples of proteins with switchable disulfides, and discuss the potential applications of disulfides in molecular biology.

A versatile post-synthetic method on a solid support for the synthesis of RNA containing reduction-responsive modifications.

An original post-synthetic method on a solid support was developed to introduce various disulfide bond containing groups at the 2'-OH of oligoribonucleotides (RNAs). It is based on a thiol disulfide exchange reaction between several readily accessible alkyldisulfanyl-pyridine derivatives and 2'-O-acetylthiomethyl RNA in the presence of butylamine. By this strategy, diverse 2'-O-alkyldithiomethyl RNAs were obtained. These modifications provided high nuclease resistance to RNA and were easily removed with glutathione treatment, thus featuring a potential use for siRNA prodrugs.

Novel strategies for the synthesis of unsymmetrical glycosyl disulfides.

Novel strategies for the efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical glycosyl disulfides are reported. Glycosyl disulfides are increasingly important as glycomimetics and molecular probes in glycobiology. Sialosyl disulfides are synthesised directly from the chlorosialoside Neu5Ac2Cl, proceeding via a thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between the sialosyl thiolate and symmetrical disulfides. This methodology was adapted and found to be successfully applicable to the synthesis of unsymmetrical glucosyl disulfides under mild conditions.

An amphiphilic graft copolymer-based nanoparticle platform for reduction-responsive anticancer and antimalarial drug delivery

Medical applications of anticancer and antimalarial drugs often suffer from low aqueous solubility, high systemic toxicity, and metabolic instability. Smart nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems provide means of solving these problems at once. Herein, we present such a smart nanoparticle platform based on self-assembled, reduction-responsive amphiphilic graft copolymers, which were successfully synthesized through thiol-disulfide exchange reaction between thiolated hydrophilic block and pyridyl disulfide functionalized hydrophobic block. These amphiphilic graft copolymers self-assembled into nanoparticles with mean diameters of about 30-50 nm and readily incorporated hydrophobic guest molecules. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to study nanoparticle stability and triggered release of a model compound in detail. Long-term colloidal stability and model compound retention within the nanoparticles was found when analyzed in cell media at body temperature. In contrast, rapid, complete reduction-triggered disassembly and model compound release was achieved within a physiological reducing environment. The synthesized copolymers revealed no intrinsic cellular toxicity up to 1 mg mL(-1). Drug-loaded reduction-sensitive nanoparticles delivered a hydrophobic model anticancer drug (doxorubicin, DOX) to cancer cells (HeLa cells) and an experimental, metabolically unstable antimalarial drug (the serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) inhibitor (±)-1) to Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs), with higher efficacy compared to similar, non-sensitive drug-loaded nanoparticles. These responsive copolymer-based nanoparticles represent a promising candidate as smart nanocarrier platform for various drugs to be applied to different diseases, due to the biocompatibility and biodegradability of the hydrophobic block, and the protein-repellent hydrophilic block.

UV-triggered thiol–disulfide exchange reaction towards tailored biodegradable hydrogels

Biodegradable hydrogels were constructed by a UV-triggered thiol–disulfide exchange reaction with temporal and spatial precision.