Peptide-Based Recognition Agents of Histamine: A Biopanning Approach with Enhanced Specificity.

Histamine is a biogenic amine that poses a potential threat to public health due to its toxicological effects. In this study, we identified histamine-binding peptides by screening a random 12-mer peptide library, employing a novel biopanning approach that excluded histidine-binding sequences in the final round. This additional step enhanced the selectivity of the peptides and prevented interference from histidine during detection. The binding affinities of synthesized peptides to histamine were assessed using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Among the identified peptides, HBF10 (SGFRDGIEDFLW) and HBF26 (IPLENQHKIYST) showed significant affinity to histamine, with Ka values of 2.56×104 (M-1) and 8.94×104 (M-1), respectively. Notably, the identified peptides did not demonstrate binding affinity towards histidine, despite its structural similarity to histamine. Subsequently, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor surface was prepared by immobilizing the peptide HBF26 to investigate the potential of the peptide as a recognition agent for histamine detection. The findings suggest that the identified peptides have an affinity to histamine specifically, showcasing their potential applications as diagnostic agents with specific targeting capabilities.

Repurposing old drugs as novel inhibitors of human MIF from structural and functional analysis.

Human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays multiple pleiotropic functions. It is considered as a promising therapeutic target for the infectious, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The development of MIF inhibitors has not been translated into clinical success despite decades of research. Given the time and cost of developing new drugs, existing drugs with clarified safety and pharmacokinetics are explored for their potential as novel MIF inhibitors. This study identified five known drugs that could inhibit MIF's tautomerase activity and MIF-mediated cell chemotaxis in RAW264.7 cells. It was found that compounds D2 (histamine), D5 (metaraminol), and D8 (nebivolol) exhibited micromolar-range inhibition potency close to the positive control ISO-1. Kinetics and the mechanism for inhibition were subsequently determined. Moreover, the detailed inhibitor-binding patterns were investigated by X-ray crystallography, computational molecular docking, and structure-based analysis. Therefore, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism of repurposed drugs acting on MIF and provides a structural foundation for lead optimization to promote the clinical development of MIF-targeted drugs.

Why Monoamine Oxidase B Preferably Metabolizes N-Methylhistamine over Histamine: Evidence from the Multiscale Simulation of the Rate-Limiting Step.

Histamine levels in the human brain are controlled by rather peculiar metabolic pathways. In the first step, histamine is enzymatically methylated at its imidazole Nτ atom, and the produced N-methylhistamine undergoes an oxidative deamination catalyzed by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), as is common with other monoaminergic neurotransmitters and neuromodulators of the central nervous system. The fact that histamine requires such a conversion prior to oxidative deamination is intriguing since MAO-B is known to be relatively promiscuous towards monoaminergic substrates; its in-vitro oxidation of N-methylhistamine is about 10 times faster than that for histamine, yet this rather subtle difference appears to be governing the decomposition pathway. This work clarifies the MAO-B selectivity toward histamine and N-methylhistamine by multiscale simulations of the rate-limiting hydride abstraction step for both compounds in the gas phase, in aqueous solution, and in the enzyme, using the established empirical valence bond methodology, assisted by gas-phase density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The computed barriers are in very good agreement with experimental kinetic data, especially for relative trends among systems, thereby reproducing the observed MAO-B selectivity. Simulations clearly demonstrate that solvation effects govern the reactivity, both in aqueous solution as well as in the enzyme although with an opposing effect on the free energy barrier. In the aqueous solution, the transition-state structure involving histamine is better solvated than its methylated analog, leading to a lower barrier for histamine oxidation. In the enzyme, the higher hydrophobicity of N-methylhistamine results in a decreased number of water molecules at the active side, leading to decreased dielectric shielding of the preorganized catalytic electrostatic environment provided by the enzyme. This renders the catalytic environment more efficient for N-methylhistamine, giving rise to a lower barrier relative to histamine. In addition, the transition state involving N-methylhistamine appears to be stabilized by the surrounding nonpolar residues to a larger extent than with unsubstituted histamine, contributing to a lower barrier with the former.

New Histamine-Related Five-Membered N-Heterocycle Derivatives as Carbonic Anhydrase I Activators.

A series of histamine (HST)-related compounds were synthesized and tested for their activating properties on five physiologically relevant human Carbonic Anhydrase (hCA) isoforms (I, II, Va, VII and XIII). The imidazole ring of HST was replaced with different 5-membered heterocycles and the length of the aliphatic chain was varied. For the most interesting compounds some modifications on the terminal amino group were also performed. The most sensitive isoform to activation was hCA I (KA values in the low micromolar range), but surprisingly none of the new compounds displayed activity on hCA II. Some derivatives (1, 3a and 22) displayed an interesting selectivity for activating hCA I over hCA II, Va, VII and XIII.

Recent advances in the application of microbial diamine oxidases and other histamine-oxidizing enzymes.

The consumption of foods fraught with histamine can lead to various allergy-like symptoms if the histamine is not sufficiently degraded in the human body. The degradation occurs primarily in the small intestine, naturally catalyzed by the human diamine oxidase (DAO). An inherent or acquired deficiency in human DAO function causes the accumulation of histamine and subsequent intrusion of histamine into the bloodstream. The histamine exerts its effects acting on different histamine receptors all over the body but also directly in the intestinal lumen. The inability to degrade sufficient amounts of dietary histamine is known as the 'histamine intolerance'. It would be preferable to solve this problem initially by the production of histamine-free or -reduced foods and by the oral supplementation of exogenous DAO supporting the human DAO in the small intestine. For the latter, DAOs from mammalian, herbal and microbial sources may be applicable. Microbial DAOs seem to be the most promising choice due to their possibility of an efficient biotechnological production in suitable microbial hosts. However, their biochemical properties, such as activity and stability under process conditions and substrate selectivity, play important roles for their successful application. This review deals with the advances and challenges of DAOs and other histamine-oxidizing enzymes for their potential application as processing aids for the production of histamine-reduced foods or as orally administered adjuvants to humans who have been eating food fraught with histamine.

Lactic acid bacterial exopolysaccharides strongly bind histamine and can potentially be used to remove histamine contamination in food.

The symptoms of foodborne histamine poisoning are similar to those of IgE-mediated food allergies. In this study, we investigated the histamine-binding capacity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains as potential preventive agents against histamine poisoning. Histamine biosorption capacity was determined for 16 LAB strains. Leuconostoc mesenteroides TOKAI 51 m, Lactobacillus paracasei TOKAI 65 m, Lactobacillus plantarum TOKAI 111 m and Pediococcus pentosaceus TOKAI 759 m showed especially high biosorption rates and reached saturation within 30 min. Adsorption isotherms showed better conformance to the Freundlich model than to the Langmuir model. Analyses after heat, periodic acid and guanidine hydrochloride treatments suggested that histamine was bound to the bacterial cell surface. HPLC analysis revealed that exopolysaccharides produced by Lact. paracasei TOKAI 65 m strongly bound to histamine. In the detachment test with 1 mol l-1 HCl solution, the dissociation rate of histamine for Lact. paracasei TOKAI 65 m was <10 %. This strain is presumably a suitable candidate for use against histamine poisoning.

Specific Engineered G Protein Coupling to Histamine Receptors Revealed from Cellular Assay Experiments and Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targets of extracellular stimuli and hence occupy a key position in drug discovery. By specific and not yet fully elucidated coupling profiles with α subunits of distinct G protein families, they regulate cellular responses. The histamine H2 and H4 receptors (H2R and H4R) are prominent members of Gs- and Gi-coupled GPCRs. Nevertheless, promiscuous G protein and selective Gi signaling have been reported for the H2R and H4R, respectively, the molecular mechanism of which remained unclear. Using a combination of cellular experimental assays and Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations, we investigated the coupling profiles of the H2R and H4R to engineered mini-G proteins (mG). We obtained coupling profiles of the mGs, mGsi, or mGsq proteins to the H2R and H4R from the mini-G protein recruitment assays using HEK293T cells. Compared to H2R-mGs expressing cells, histamine responses were weaker (pEC50, Emax) for H2R-mGsi and -mGsq. By contrast, the H4R selectively bound to mGsi. Similarly, in all-atom GaMD simulations, we observed a preferential binding of H2R to mGs and H4R to mGsi revealed by the structural flexibility and free energy landscapes of the complexes. Although the mG α5 helices were consistently located within the HR binding cavity, alternative binding orientations were detected in the complexes. Due to the specific residue interactions, all mG α5 helices of the H2R complexes adopted the Gs-like orientation toward the receptor transmembrane (TM) 6 domain, whereas in H4R complexes, only mGsi was in the Gi-like orientation toward TM2, which was in agreement with Gs- and Gi-coupled GPCRs structures resolved by X-ray/cryo-EM. These cellular and molecular insights support (patho)physiological profiles of the histamine receptors, especially the hitherto little studied H2R function in the brain, as well as of the pharmacological potential of H4R selective drugs.

Water-Soluble BODIPY Photocages with Tunable Cellular Localization.

Photoactivation of bioactive molecules allows manipulation of cellular processes with high spatiotemporal precision. The recent emergence of visible-light excitable photoprotecting groups has the potential to further expand the established utility of the photoactivation strategy in biological applications by offering higher tissue penetration, diminished phototoxicity, and compatibility with other light-dependent techniques. Nevertheless, a critical barrier to such applications remains the significant hydrophobicity of most visible-light excitable photocaging groups. Here, we find that applying the conventional 2,6-sulfonation to meso-methyl BODIPY photocages is incompatible with their photoreaction due to an increase in the excited state barrier for photorelease. We present a simple, remote sulfonation solution to BODIPY photocages that imparts water solubility and provides control over cellular permeability while retaining their favorable spectroscopic and photoreaction properties. Peripherally disulfonated BODIPY photocages are cell impermeable, making them useful for modulation of cell-surface receptors, while monosulfonated BODIPY retains the ability to cross the cellular membrane and can modulate intracellular targets. This new approach is generalizable for controlling BODIPY localization and was validated by sensitization of mammalian cells and neurons by visible-light photoactivation of signaling molecules.

Structural Similarity Image Analysis for Detection of Adenosine and Dopamine in Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry Color Plots.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is widely used for in vivo detection of neurotransmitters, but identifying analytes, particularly mixtures, is difficult. Data analysis has focused on identifying dopamine from cyclic voltammograms, but it would be better to analyze all the data in the three-dimensional FSCV color plot. Here, the goal was to use image analysis-based analysis of FSCV color plots for the first time, specifically the structural similarity index (SSIM), to identify rapid neurochemical events. Initially, we focused on identifying spontaneous adenosine events, as adenosine cyclic voltammograms have a primary oxidation at 1.3 V and a secondary oxidation peak that grows in over time. Using SSIM, sample FSCV color plots were compared with reference color plots, and the SSIM cutoff score was optimized to distinguish adenosine. High-pass digital filtering was also applied to remove the background drift and lower the noise, which produced a better LOD. The SSIM algorithm detected more adenosine events than a previous algorithm based on current versus time traces, with 99.5 ± 0.6% precision, 95 ± 3% recall, and 97 ± 2% F1 score (n = 15 experiments from three researchers). For selectivity, it successfully rejected signals from pH changes, histamine, and H2O2. To prove it is a broad strategy useful beyond adenosine, SSIM analysis was optimized for dopamine detection and is able to detect simultaneous events with dopamine and adenosine. Thus, SSIM is a general strategy for FSCV data analysis that uses three-dimensional data to detect multiple analytes in an efficient, automated analysis.

Discovery of Potent Charge-Reducing Molecules for Native Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Studies.

There is growing interest in the characterization of protein complexes and their interactions with ligands using native ion mobility mass spectrometry. A particular challenge, especially for membrane proteins, is preserving noncovalent interactions and maintaining native-like structures. Different approaches have been developed to minimize activation of protein complexes by manipulating charge on protein complexes in solution and the gas-phase. Here, we report the utility of polyamines that have exceptionally high charge-reducing potencies with some molecules requiring 5-fold less than trimethylamine oxide to elicit the same effect. The charge-reducing molecules do not adduct to membrane protein complexes and are also compatible with ion-mobility mass spectrometry, paving the way for improved methods of charge reduction.

Gold nanoparticle aptamer assay for the determination of histamine in foodstuffs.

The development of a gold nanoparticle aptamer assay is persued for rapid and sensitive determination of histamine in foodstuffs, which could be deployed for on-site use. The assay is based on a histamine-specific aptamer and gold nanoparticles and the salt-induced aggregation of the particles in the presence of histamine indicated by the color change from red to blue. Gold nanoparticle size, salt type, and concentration as well as aptamer concentration were optimized, and using optimum conditions, a limit of detection of 8 nM (~ 0.05 mg/kg) was obtained. Finally, the aptamer AuNP assay was applied to the determination of histamine in quality control fish samples. The histamine levels of these samples had previously been determined using HPLC and commercial ELISA kits by numerous independent laboratories and a good correlation was obtained. The developed AuNP assay is rapid, sensitive, and reproducible. Graphical abstract.

Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes with Schiff Bases Derived from 2-Hydroxy-5-Methylisophthalaldehyde and Histamine or 2-(2-Aminoethyl)pyridine and Their Application as Magnetic and Fluorescent Materials in Thin Film Deposition.

Two Cu(II) complexes, 1 and 2, with tridentate Schiff bases derived from 2-hydroxy-5-methylisophthalaldehyde and histamine HL1 or 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine HL2, respectively, were obtained and characterized by X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic (UV-vis, fluorescence, IR, and EPR), magnetic, and thermal methods. Despite the fact that the chelate formed by the NNO ligand donors (C26-C25H2-C24H2-N23=C23H-C22-C19Ph(O1)-C2(Ph)-C3H=N3-C4H2-C5H2-C6 fragment) are identical, as well as the synthesis of Cu(II) complexes (Cu:L = 2:1 molar ratio) was performed in the same manner, the structures of the complexes differ significantly. The complex 1, {[Cu2(L1)Cl2]2[CuCl4]}·2MeCN·2H2O, consists of [Cu2(L1)Cl2]+ units in which Cu(II) ions are bridged by the HL1 ligand oxygen and each of these Cu(II) ions is connected with Cu(II) ions of the next dimeric unit via two bridging Cl- ions to form a chain structure. In the dinuclear [Cu2(L2)Cl3]0.5MeCN complex 2, each Cu(II) is asymmetrically bridged by the ligand oxygen and chloride anions, whereas the remaining chloride anions are apically bound to Cu(II) cations. In contrast to the complex 1, the square-pyramidal geometry of the both Cu(II) centers is strongly distorted. The magnetic study revealed that antiferromagnetic interactions in the complex 2 are much stronger than in the complex 1, which was corresponded with magneto-structural examination. Thin layers of the studied Cu(II) complexes were deposited on Si(111) by the spin coating method and studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. The Cu(II) complexes and their thin layers exhibited fluorescence between 489-509 nm and 460-464 nm for the compounds and the layers, respectively. Additionally, DFT calculations were performed to explain the structures and electronic spectral properties of the ligands.

The Effect of Deuteration on the H2 Receptor Histamine Binding Profile: A Computational Insight into Modified Hydrogen Bonding Interactions.

We used a range of computational techniques to reveal an increased histamine affinity for its H2 receptor upon deuteration, which was interpreted through altered hydrogen bonding interactions within the receptor and the aqueous environment preceding the binding. Molecular docking identified the area between third and fifth transmembrane α-helices as the likely binding pocket for several histamine poses, with the most favorable binding energy of -7.4 kcal mol-1 closely matching the experimental value of -5.9 kcal mol-1. The subsequent molecular dynamics simulation and MM-GBSA analysis recognized Asp98 as the most dominant residue, accounting for 40% of the total binding energy, established through a persistent hydrogen bonding with the histamine -NH3+ group, the latter further held in place through the N-H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonding with Tyr250. Unlike earlier literature proposals, the important role of Thr190 is not evident in hydrogen bonds through its -OH group, but rather in the C-H∙∙∙π contacts with the imidazole ring, while its former moiety is constantly engaged in the hydrogen bonding with Asp186. Lastly, quantum-chemical calculations within the receptor cluster model and utilizing the empirical quantization of the ionizable X-H bonds (X = N, O, S), supported the deuteration-induced affinity increase, with the calculated difference in the binding free energy of -0.85 kcal mol-1, being in excellent agreement with an experimental value of -0.75 kcal mol-1, thus confirming the relevance of hydrogen bonding for the H2 receptor activation.

Conformational Restriction of Histamine with a Rigid Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane Scaffold Provided Selective H3 Receptor Ligands.

We designed and synthesized conformationally rigid histamine analogues with a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane scaffold. All the compounds were selectively bound to the H3 receptor subtype over the H4 receptor subtype. Notably, compound 7 showed potent binding affinity and over 100-fold selectivity for the H3 receptors (Ki = 5.6 nM for H3 and 602 nM for H4). These results suggest that the conformationally rigid bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane structure can be a useful scaffold for developing potent ligands selective for the target biomolecules.

Human Copper-Containing Amine Oxidases in Drug Design and Development.

Two members of the copper-containing amine oxidase family are physiologically important proteins: (1) Diamine oxidase (hDAO; AOC1) with a preference for diamines is involved in degradation of histamine and (2) Vascular adhesion protein-1 (hVAP-1; AOC3) with a preference for monoamines is a multifunctional cell-surface receptor and an enzyme. hVAP-1-targeted inhibitors are designed to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer, whereas the off-target binding of the designed inhibitors to hDAO might result in adverse drug reactions. The X-ray structures for both human enzymes are solved and provide the basis for computer-aided inhibitor design, which has been reported by several research groups. Although the putative off-target effect of hDAO is less studied, computational methods could be easily utilized to avoid the binding of VAP-1-targeted inhibitors to hDAO. The choice of the model organism for preclinical testing of hVAP-1 inhibitors is not either trivial due to species-specific binding properties of designed inhibitors and different repertoire of copper-containing amine oxidase family members in mammalian species. Thus, the facts that should be considered in hVAP-1-targeted inhibitor design are discussed in light of the applied structural bioinformatics and structural biology approaches.

Extract of Boehmeria nivea Suppresses Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation by Inhibiting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Nuclear Factor-κB.

Mast cells are effector cells that initiate allergic inflammatory immune responses by inducing inflammatory mediators. Boehmeria nivea (Linn.) Gaudich is a natural herb in the nettle family Urticaceae that possesses numerous pharmacological properties. Despite the various pharmacological benefits of Boehmeria nivea, its effects on allergic inflammation have not yet been determined. Here, we investigated the effect of the ethanol extract of Boehmeria nivea (BNE) on degranulation rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cells stimulated with anti-dinitrophenyl (anti-DNP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) during immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic immune response. The results showed inhibition of the release of ß-hexosaminidase and histamine from the cells. BNE suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6) and reduced T helper (Th)2 cytokine IL-4 expression and/or secretion correlated with the downregulation of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways in treated RBL-2H3 mast cells. In passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, treatment with BNE during IgE-mediated local allergic reaction triggered a reduction in mouse ear pigmentation and thickness. Taken together, these results indicated that BNE suppressed mast cell-mediated inflammation, suggesting that BNE might be a candidate for the treatment of various allergic disorders.

Nootkatone Inhibits Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Responses in Mice.

Nootkatone (NTK) is a sesquiterpenoid found in essential oils of many species of Citrus (Rutaceae). Considering previous reports demonstrating that NTK inhibited inflammatory signaling pathways, this study aimed to investigate the effects of this compound in mice models of acute and chronic inflammation. Murine models of paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, and arachidonic acid, as well as carrageenan-induced peritonitis and pleurisy, were used to evaluate the effects of NTK on acute inflammation. A murine model of granuloma induced by cotton pellets was used to access the impact of NTK treatment on chronic inflammation. In the acute inflammation models, NTK demonstrated antiedematogenic effects and inhibited leukocyte recruitment, which was associated with decreased vascular permeability, inhibition of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin (IL)1-ß, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. In silico analysis suggest that NTZ anti-inflammatory effects may also occur due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activity and antagonism of the histamine receptor type 1 (H1). These mechanisms might have contributed to the reduction of granuloma weight and protein concentration in the homogenates, observed in the chronic inflammation model. In conclusion, NTK exerted anti-inflammatory effects that are associated with inhibition of IL1-ß and TNF-α production, possibly due to inhibition of COX-2 activity and antagonism of the H1 receptor. However, further studies are required to characterize the effects of this compound on chronic inflammation.

Programmable Artificial Cells Using Histamine-Responsive Synthetic Riboswitch.

Artificial cells that encapsulate DNA-programmable protein expression machinery are emerging as an attractive platform for studying fundamental cellular properties and applications in synthetic biology. However, interfacing these artificial cells with the complex and dynamic chemical environment remains a major and urgent challenge. We demonstrate that the repertoire of molecules that artificial cells respond to can be expanded by synthetic RNA-based gene switches, or riboswitches. We isolated an RNA aptamer that binds histamine with high affinity and specificity and used it to design robust riboswitches that activate protein expression in the presence of histamine. Finally, the riboswitches were incorporated in artificial cells to achieve controlled release of an encapsulated small molecule and to implement a self-destructive kill-switch. Synthetic riboswitches should serve as modular and versatile interfaces to link artificial cell phenotypes with the complex chemical environment.

Mechanism of Histamine Oxidation and Electropolymerization at Carbon Electrodes.

Histamine plays an important role in neuromodulation and the biological immune response. Although many electrochemical methods have been developed for histamine detection, the mechanism of its redox reaction has not been directly investigated. Here, we studied the mechanism of histamine oxidation at carbon electrodes and used that mechanistic information to design better fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) methods for histamine. Using amperometry, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we demonstrate that histamine oxidation requires a potential of at least +1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl. We propose that histamine undergoes one-electron oxidation on an imidazole nitrogen that produces a radical. The radical species dimerize and continue to undergo oxidation, leading to electropolymerization, which fouls the electrode. CV shows a peak at 1.3 V that is pH dependent, consistent with a one-proton, one-electron oxidation reaction. This mechanism is confirmed using 1- and 3-methylhistamine, which do not electropolymerize, compared to Nα-methylhistamine, which does. XPS also revealed a nitrogen-containing product adsorbed on the electrode surface after histamine oxidation. For FSCV detection of histamine at carbon-fiber microelectrodes, histamine oxidation was adsorption-controlled, and the anodic peak was observed at +1.2 V on the backward scan because of the rapid scan rate. However, the oxidation fouled the electrode and convoluted the FSCV temporal response; therefore, we implemented Nafion coating to alleviate the electrode fouling and preserve the time response of FSCV. Knowing the mechanism of histamine oxidation will facilitate design of better electrochemical methods for real-time monitoring of histamine.