Use of Modified Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin Fragments for Claudin Targeting in Liver and Skin Cells.

Claudins regulate paracellular permeability in different tissues. The claudin-binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPE) is a known modulator of a claudin subset. However, it does not efficiently bind to claudin-1 (Cldn1). Cldn1 is a pharmacological target since it is (i) an essential co-receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and (ii) a key element of the epidermal barrier limiting drug delivery. In this study, we investigated the potential of a Cldn1-binding cCPE mutant (i) to inhibit HCV entry into hepatocytes and (ii) to open the epidermal barrier. Inhibition of HCV infection by blocking of Cldn1 with cCPE variants was analyzed in the Huh7.5 hepatoma cell line. A model of reconstructed human epidermis was used to investigate modulation of the epidermal barrier by cCPE variants. In contrast to cCPEwt, the Cldn1-binding cCPE-S305P/S307R/S313H inhibited infection of Huh7.5 cells with HCV in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, TJ modulation by cCPE variant-mediated targeting of Cldn1 and Cldn4 opened the epidermal barrier in reconstructed human epidermis. cCPE variants are potent claudin modulators. They can be applied for mechanistic in vitro studies and might also be used as biologics for therapeutic claudin targeting including HCV treatment (host-targeting antivirals) and improvement of drug delivery.

Polar and charged extracellular residues conserved among barrier-forming claudins contribute to tight junction strand formation.

Claudins (Cldn) form the backbone of tight junction (TJ) strands and thereby regulate paracellular permeability for solutes and water. Polymeric strands are formed by homo- and heterophilic cis- and trans-interactions between claudin protomers. Crystal structures of some claudins have been resolved; however, the mechanism by which claudins assemble into TJ strands remains unclear. To elucidate strand architecture, TJ-like strands were reconstituted in HEK293 cells by claudin transfection. Determinants of prototypic, classic barrier-forming claudins (Cldn1, -3, and -5) involved in strand formation were analyzed by mutagenesis. The capability of claudin constructs to interact in trans and to form strands was investigated by cell contact-enrichment assays and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Residues in extracellular loops 1 and 2 of the claudins affecting strand formation were identified. Using homology modeling and molecular docking, we tested working concepts for the arrangement of claudin protomers within TJ strands. We show that the charge of Lys65 in Cldn1 and Glu158 in Cldn3, but not of Arg30 or Asp145 in Cldn3, and the polarity of Gln56 and Gln62 in Cldn3 and of Gln57 in Cldn5 are necessary for TJ strand formation. These residues are all conserved among barrier-forming classic claudins. The results contribute to mechanistic understanding of claudin-based regulation of paracellular permeability.

Directed structural modification of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin to enhance binding to claudin-5.

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) binds to distinct claudins (Clds), which regulate paracellular barrier functions in endo- and epithelia. The C-terminal domain (cCPE) has the potential for selective claudin modulation, since it only binds to a subset of claudins, e.g., Cld3 and Cld4 (cCPE receptors). Cld5 (non-CPE receptor) is a main constituent in tight junctions (TJ) of the blood-brain barrier. We aimed to reveal claudin recognition mechanisms of cCPE and to create a basis for a Cld5-binder. By utilizing structure-based interaction models, mutagenesis and assays of cCPE-binding to the TJ-free cell line HEK293, transfected with human Cld1 and murine Cld5, we showed how cCPE-binding to Cld1 and Cld5 is prevented by two residues in extracellular loop 2 of Cld1 (Asn(150) and Thr(153)) and Cld5 (Asp(149) and Thr(151)). Binding to Cld5 is especially attenuated by the lack of a bulky hydrophobic residue like leucine at position 151. By downsizing the binding pocket and compensating for the lack of this leucine residue, we created a novel cCPE-variant; cCPEY306W/S313H binds Cld5 with nanomolar affinity (K d 33 ± 10 nM). Finally, the effective binding to endogenously Cld5-expressing blood-brain barrier model cells (murine microvascular endothelial cEND cell line) suggests cCPEY306W/S313H as basis for Cld5-specific modulation to improve paracellular drug delivery, or to target claudin overexpressing tumors.

Molecular and structural transmembrane determinants critical for embedding claudin-5 into tight junctions reveal a distinct four-helix bundle arrangement.

The mechanism of TJ (tight junction) assembly and the structure of TJ strand-forming Cldns (claudins) are unclear. To identify determinants of assembly of blood-brain barrier-related Cldn3 and Cldn5, chimaeric mutants were analysed by cellular reconstitution of TJ strands and live-cell imaging. On the basis of the rescue of mutants deficient for strand formation, we identified Cldn5 residues (Cys128, Ala132, Ile142, Ala163, Ile166 and Leu174) involved in Cldn folding and assembly. Experimental results were combined with structural bioinformatics approaches. Initially the experimentally validated previous model of the ECL2 (extracellular loop 2) of Cldn5 was extended to the flanking transmembrane segments (TM3/TM4). A coiled-coil interface probably caused by alternating small and large residues is supported by concomitant knob-into-hole interactions including Cldn5-specific residues identified in the present paper. To address arrangement of the TMs in a four-helix bundle, data from evolutionary sequence couplings and comparative modelling of intramolecular interfaces in the transmembrane region of Cldns led to a complete Cldn5 model. Our suggested Cldn subtype-specific intramolecular interfaces that are formed by conserved coiled-coil motifs and non-conserved residues in distinct TM positions were confirmed by the recently released crystal structure of Cldn15. The identified molecular and structural determinants essentially contribute to assembly of Cldns into TJ strands.

Claudin-3 and claudin-5 protein folding and assembly into the tight junction are controlled by non-conserved residues in the transmembrane 3 (TM3) and extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) segments.

The mechanism of tight junction (TJ) assembly and the structure of claudins (Cldn) that form the TJ strands are unclear. This limits the molecular understanding of paracellular barriers and strategies for drug delivery across tissue barriers. Cldn3 and Cldn5 are both common in the blood-brain barrier but form TJ strands with different ultrastructures. To identify the molecular determinants of folding and assembly of these classic claudins, Cldn3/Cldn5 chimeric mutants were generated and analyzed by cellular reconstitution of TJ strands, live cell confocal imaging, and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. A comprehensive screening was performed on the basis of the rescue of mutants deficient for strand formation. Cldn3/Cldn5 residues in transmembrane segment 3, TM3 (Ala-127/Cys-128, Ser-136/Cys-137, Ser-138/Phe-139), and the transition of TM3 to extracellular loop 2, ECL2 (Thr-141/Ile-142) and ECL2 (Asn-148/Asp-149, Leu-150/Thr-151, Arg-157/Tyr-158), were identified to be involved in claudin folding and/or assembly. Blue native PAGE and FRET assays revealed 1% n-dodecyl ß-d-maltoside-resistant cis-dimerization for Cldn5 but not for Cldn3. This homophilic interaction was found to be stabilized by residues in TM3. The resulting subtype-specific cis-dimer is suggested to be a subunit of polymeric TJ strands and contributes to the specific ultrastructure of the TJ detected by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. In particular, the Cldn5-like exoplasmic face-associated and particle-type strands were found to be related to cis-dimerization. These results provide new insight into the mechanisms of paracellular barrier formation by demonstrating that defined non-conserved residues in TM3 and ECL2 of classic claudins contribute to the formation of TJ strands with differing ultrastructures.

Discovery of novel biomarker candidates for liver fibrosis in hepatitis C patients: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is the reference standard for assessing liver fibrosis and no reliable non-invasive diagnostic approach is available to discriminate between the intermediate stages of fibrosis. Therefore suitable serological biomarkers of liver fibrosis are urgently needed. We used proteomics to identify novel fibrosis biomarkers in hepatitis C patients with different degrees of liver fibrosis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Proteins in plasma samples from healthy control individuals and patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced cirrhosis were analysed using a proteomics technique: two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). This technique separated the proteins in plasma samples of control and cirrhotic patients and by visualizing the separated proteins we were able to identify proteins which were increasing or decreasing in hepatic cirrhosis. Identified markers were validated across all Ishak fibrosis stages and compared to the markers used in FibroTest, Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test, Hepascore and FIBROSpect by Western blotting. Forty four candidate biomarkers for hepatic fibrosis were identified of which 20 were novel biomarkers of liver fibrosis. Western blot validation of all candidate markers using plasma samples from patients across all Ishak fibrosis scores showed that the markers which changed with increasing fibrosis most consistently included lipid transfer inhibitor protein, complement C3d, corticosteroid-binding globulin, apolipoprotein J and apolipoprotein L1. These five novel fibrosis markers which are secreted in blood showed a promising consistent change with increasing fibrosis stage when compared to the markers used for the FibroTest, ELF test, Hepascore and FIBROSpect. These markers will be further validated using a large clinical cohort. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies 20 novel fibrosis biomarker candidates. The proteins identified may help to assess hepatic fibrosis and eliminate the need for invasive liver biopsies.

Overexpression of claudin-5 but not claudin-3 induces formation of trans-interaction-dependent multilamellar bodies.

Tight junctions (TJs) regulate paracellular barriers and claudins (Cld) form the backbone of TJ strands. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of claudin polymer formation, TJs were reconstituted by claudin transfection of TJ-free HEK293 cells. Therewith, typical TJ stands can be found at cell-cell contacts. In addition, overexpression of Cld5-YFP induces formation of huge intracellular multilamellar bodies. In contrast, Cld3 does not induce similar structures. Inhibition of trans-interaction of Cld5 by Y148A substitution diminished formation of multilamellar bodies. These results demonstrate claudin subtype-specific oligomerization. Cld3 and Cld5 localize to the plasma membrane differentially. Phosphorylation at T207 of Cld5 was suggested to participate in regulation of Cld5 internalization. However, prevention of potential phosphorylation by T207A substitution did not increase Cld5 amount in the plasma membrane of transfected cells. Taken together, if carefully evaluated, transfection of claudin constructs in nonpolar cells is a powerful strategy to improve understanding of subcellular targeting and assembly of TJ proteins.

Visualization and quantitative analysis of reconstituted tight junctions using localization microscopy.

Tight Junctions (TJ) regulate paracellular permeability of tissue barriers. Claudins (Cld) form the backbone of TJ-strands. Pore-forming claudins determine the permeability for ions, whereas that for solutes and macromolecules is assumed to be crucially restricted by the strand morphology (i.e., density, branching and continuity). To investigate determinants of the morphology of TJ-strands we established a novel approach using localization microscopy.TJ-strands were reconstituted by stable transfection of HEK293 cells with the barrier-forming Cld3 or Cld5. Strands were investigated at cell-cell contacts by Spectral Position Determination Microscopy (SPDM), a method of localization microscopy using standard fluorophores. Extended TJ-networks of Cld3-YFP and Cld5-YFP were observed. For each network, 200,000 to 1,100,000 individual molecules were detected with a mean localization accuracy of ∼20 nm, yielding a mean structural resolution of ∼50 nm. Compared to conventional fluorescence microscopy, this strongly improved the visualization of strand networks and enabled quantitative morphometric analysis. Two populations of elliptic meshes (mean diameter <100 nm and 300-600 nm, respectively) were revealed. For Cld5 the two populations were more separated than for Cld3. Discrimination of non-polymeric molecules and molecules within polymeric strands was achieved. For both subtypes of claudins the mean density of detected molecules was similar and estimated to be ∼24 times higher within the strands than outside the strands.The morphometry and single molecule information provided advances the mechanistic analysis of paracellular barriers. Applying this novel method to different TJ-proteins is expected to significantly improve the understanding of TJ on the molecular level.

New approaches for biomarker discovery: the search for liver fibrosis markers in hepatitis C patients.

Despite many shortcomings, liver biopsy is regarded as the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis. A less invasive and equally or more reliable approach would constitute a major advancement in the field. Proteomics can aid discovery of novel serological markers and these proteins can be measured in patient blood. A major challenge of discovering biomarkers in serum is the presence of highly abundant serum proteins, which restricts the levels of total protein loaded onto gels and limits the detection of low abundance features. To overcome this problem, we used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) over a narrow pH 3-5.6 range since this lies outside the range of highly abundant albumin, transferrin and immunoglobulins. In addition, we used in-solution isoelectric focusing followed by SDS-PAGE to find biomarkers in hepatitis C induced liver cirrhosis. Using the pH 3-5.6 range for 2-DE, we achieved improved representation of low abundance features and enhanced separation. We found in-solution isoelectric focusing to be beneficial for analyzing basic, high molecular weight proteins. Using this method, the beta chains of both complement C3 and C4 were found to decrease in serum from hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis, a change not observed previously by 2-DE. We present two proteomics approaches that can aid in the discovery of clinical biomarkers in various diseases and discuss how these approaches have helped to identify 23 novel biomarkers for hepatic fibrosis.

Uptake and trafficking of liposomes to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Liposomes are vesicular structures consisting of an aqueous core surrounded by a lipid bilayer. Apart from the cytosol and lysosomes, no other intracellular compartment has been successfully targeted using liposomal delivery. Here, we report the development of liposomes capable of specific targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and associated membranes. Using competition and inhibitor assays along with confocal microscopy, we have determined that ER liposomes utilize scavenger and low-density lipoprotein receptors for endocytosis and enter cells through a caveolin- and microtubule-dependent mechanism. They traffic intact to the ER, where fusion with the ER membrane occurs after 22-25 min, which was confirmed by fluorescence-dequenching assays. Once inside the ER, tagged lipids intercalate with the ER membrane and are subsequently incorporated into ER-assembling entities, such as the ER-budding viruses hepatitis C virus (HCV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), lipid droplets, and secreted lipoproteins. ER liposomes are superior to cytosolic liposome formulations for the intracellular delivery of aqueous cargo, such as HIV-1 antivirals, and are especially suited for the prolonged delivery of lipids and lipophilic drugs into human cells.

On the interaction of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin with claudins.

Clostridium perfringens causes one of the most common foodborne illnesses, which is largely mediated by the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE). The toxin consists of two functional domains. The N-terminal region mediates the cytotoxic effect through pore formation in the plasma membrane of the mammalian host cell. The C-terminal region (cCPE) binds to the second extracellular loop of a subset of claudins. Claudin-3 and claudin-4 have been shown to be receptors for CPE with very high affinity. The toxin binds with weak affinity to claudin-1 and -2 but contribution of these weak binding claudins to CPE-mediated disease is questionable. cCPE is not cytotoxic, however, it is a potent modulator of tight junctions. This review describes recent progress in the molecular characterization of the cCPE-claudin interaction using mutagenesis, in vitro binding assays and permeation studies. The results promote the development of recombinant cCPE-proteins and CPE-based peptidomimetics to modulate tight junctions for improved drug delivery or to treat tumors overexpressing claudins.