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Biochemical and structural characterization of meningococcal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase

Pantong W, Pederick JL, Maenpuen S, Tinikul R, Jayapalan JJ, Jovcevski B, et al.

Protein Sci, 2023 Jun;32(6):e4654.
PMID: 37165541 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4654

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a key metabolic enzyme in colonization and virulence of Neisseria meningitidis, a causative agent of meningococcal diseases. Here, the biochemical and structural properties of MTHFR from a virulent strain of N. meningitidis serogroup B (NmMTHFR) were characterized. Unlike other orthologs, NmMTHFR functions as a unique homohexamer, composed of three homo-dimerization partners, as shown in our 2.7 Å resolution crystal structure. Six active sites were formed solely within monomers and located away from the oligomerization interfaces. Flavin adenine dinucleotide cofactor formed hydrogen bonds with conserved sidechains, positioning its isoalloxazine ring adjacent to the overlapping binding sites of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) coenzyme and CH2 -H4 folate substrate. NmMTHFR utilized NADH (Km = 44 μM) as an electron donor in the NAD(P)H-CH2 -H4 folate oxidoreductase assay, but not nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) which is the donor required in human MTHFR. In silico analysis and mutagenesis studies highlighted the significant difference in orientation of helix α7A (Phe215-Thr225) with that in the human enzyme. The extended sidechain of Met221 on helix α7A plays a role in stabilizing the folded structure of NADH in the hydrophobic box. This supports the NADH specificity by restricting the phosphate group of NADPH that causes steric clashes with Glu26. The movement of Met221 sidechain allows the CH2 -H4 folate substrate to bind. The unique topology of its NADH and CH2 -H4 folate binding pockets makes NmMTHFR a promising drug target for the development of new antimicrobial agents that may possess reduced off-target side effects.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism
Fulltext Exploring the genome of Lactobacillaceae spp. Sy-1 isolated from Heterotrigona itama honey

Syed Yaacob SN, Huyop F, Misson M, Abdul Wahab R, Huda N

PeerJ, 2022;10:e13053.
PMID: 35345581 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13053

BACKGROUND: Honey produced by Heterotrigona itama is highly preferred among consumers due to its high-value as a functional food and beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) reservoir. Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are a group of LAB with unique growth characteristics and are regarded as promising producers of bioactive compounds. Hence, it is not surprising that LAB, especially FLAB, may be involved with the excellent bioactivity of H. itama honey. With the trending consumer preference for H. itama honey coupled with increasing awareness for healthy food, the genomic background of FLAB isolated from this honey must, therefore, be clearly understood. In this study, one FLAB strain designated as Sy-1 was isolated from freshly collected H. itama honey. Its FLAB behavior and genomic features were investigated to uncover functional genes that could add value to functional food.
METHODS: The fructophilic characteristics of strain Sy-1 were determined, and the genome was sequenced using Illumina iSeq100 and Oxford Nanopore. The average nucleotide identity and phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA, 92 core genes, and whole-genome sequence were performed to unravel the phylogenetic position of strain Sy-1. NCBI Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline annotated the genome, while the EggNOG-mapper, BLASTKoala, and GHOSTKoala were used to add functional genes and pathways information.
RESULTS: Strain Sy-1 prefers D-fructose over D-glucose and actively metabolizes D-glucose in the presence of electron acceptors. Genomic annotation of strain Sy-1 revealed few genes involved in carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and partial deletion of adhE gene, in line with the characteristic of FLAB. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain Sy-1 showed the highest similarity to unknown LAB species isolated from the gut of honeybees. The phylogenetic analyses discovered that strain Sy-1 belonged to the Lactobacillaceae family and formed a separate branch closer to type strain from the genera of Acetilactobacillus and Apilactobacillus. The ANI analysis showed the similarity of the closest relative, Apilactobacillus micheneri Hlig3T. The assembled genome of Sy-1 contains 3 contigs with 2.03 Mbp and a 41% GC content. A total of 1,785 genes were identified, including 1,685 protein-coding genes, 68 tRNA, and 15 rRNA. Interestingly, strain Sy-1 encoded complete genes for the biosynthesis of folate and riboflavin. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis further confirmed the high production of folic acid (1.346 mg/L) by Sy-1.
DISCUSSION: Based on phylogenetic and biochemical characteristics, strain Sy-1 should be classified as a novel genus in the family of Lactobacillaceae and a new member of FLAB. The genome information coupled with experimental studies supported the ability of strain Sy-1 to produce high folic acid. Our collective findings support the suitable application of FLAB strain Sy-1 in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism
Do folate, vitamins B₆ and B₁₂ play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine? The role of pharmacoepigenomics

Shaik MM, Tan HL, Kamal MA, Gan SH

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2014;13(5):828-35.
PMID: 24040787

Migraine is a neurovascular disease that has classically been attributed to multifactorial aetiologies, with genetic components and environmental interactions considered the main influence. Genes such as flavoenzyme 5, 10- methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), especially the C677T variant, have been associated with elevated plasma homocysteine levels. This elevation in homocysteine results in an array of metabolic disorders and increased risk of complex diseases, including migraine. Catalysation of homocysteine requires the presence of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Deficiencies in these cofactor vitamins result in hypomethylation, which triggers migraine. Because migraine predominantly affects females, it is hypothesised that fluctuating oestrogen levels, which are governed by oestrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms, are important. Another important factor is homocysteine, the production of which is dependent upon MTHFR and B vitamins. Gene expression is modulated through epigenetic mechanisms, which involve methionine. Additionally, folate plays a major role in DNA synthesis. We propose that vitamin B intake, coupled with MTHFR and oestrogen receptor 1 polymorphisms, causes differential DNA methylation and gene expression that may contribute to the occurrence of migraine.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism*
Fulltext Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol/Folic Acid/Brucine Nanocomposites and Their Anticancer Activity on HepG2 Cells

Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.

Int J Nanomedicine, 2024;19:1109-1124.
PMID: 38344441 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S445206

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer and the second major cause of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. Cancer nanotechnology has the ability to fundamentally alter cancer treatment, diagnosis, and detection.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we explained the development of graphene oxide/polyethylene glycol/folic acid/brucine nanocomposites (GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs) and evaluated their antimicrobial and anticancer effect on the liver cancer HepG2 cells.
METHODOLOGY: The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs were prepared using the co-precipitation technique and characterized using various techniques. The cytotoxicity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against both liver cancer HepG2 and non-malignant Vero cells using an MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against several pathogens using the well diffusion technique. The effects of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs on endogenous ROS accumulation, apoptosis, and MMP levels were examined using corresponding fluorescent staining assays, respectively. The apoptotic protein expressions, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspases, were studied using the corresponding kits.
RESULTS: The findings of various characterization assays revealed the development of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs with face-centered spherical morphology and an agglomerated appearance with an average size of 197.40 nm. The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs treatment remarkably inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens. The findings of the MTT assay evidenced that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs effectively reduced the HepG2 cell growth while not showing toxicity to the Vero cells. The findings of the fluorescent assay proved that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs increased ROS generation, reduced MMP levels, and promoted apoptosis in the HepG2 cells. The levels of Bax, caspase-9, and -3 were increased, and Bcl-2 was reduced in the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs-treated HepG2 cells.
CONCLUSION: The results of this work demonstrate that GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs suppress viability and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells, indicating their potential as an anticancer candidate.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism
Fulltext Important Metabolites in Maintaining Folate Cycle, Homocysteine, and Polyamine Metabolism Associated with Ranibizumab Treatment in Cultured Human Tenon's Fibroblasts

Munirah Md Noh S, Hamimah Sheikh Abdul Kadir S, Vasudevan S

Biomolecules, 2019 06 22;9(6).
PMID: 31234474 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060243

The anti-fibrotic properties of ranibizumab have been well documented. As an antagonist to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ranibizumab works by binding and neutralizing all active VEGF-A, thus limiting progressive cell growth and proliferation. Ranibizumab application in ocular diseases has shown remarkable desired effects; however, to date, its antifibrotic mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we identified metabolic changes in ranibizumab-treated human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs). Cultured HTFs were treated for 48 h with 0.5 mg/mL of ranibizumab and 0.5 mg/mL control IgG antibody which serves as a negative control. Samples from each group were injected into Agilent 6520 Q-TOF liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (LC/MS) system to establish the metabolite expression in both ranibizumab treated cells and control group. Data obtained was analyzed using Agilent Mass Hunter Qualitative Analysis software to identify the most regulated metabolite following ranibizumab treatment. At p-value < 0.01 with the cut off value of two-fold change, 31 identified metabolites were found to be significantly upregulated in ranibizumab-treated group, with six of the mostly upregulated having insignificant role in fibroblast cell cycle and wound healing regulations. Meanwhile, 121 identified metabolites that were downregulated, and seven of the mostly downregulated are significantly involved in cell cycle and proliferation. Our findings suggest that ranibizumab abrogates the tissue scarring and wound healing process by regulating the expression of metabolites associated with fibrotic activity. In particular, we found that vitamin Bs are important in maintaining normal folate cycle, nucleotide synthesis, and homocysteine and spermidine metabolism. This study provides an insight into ranibizumab's mechanism of action in HTFs from the perspective of metabolomics.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism*
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism: epidemiology, metabolism and the associated diseases

Liew SC, Gupta ED

Eur J Med Genet, 2015 Jan;58(1):1-10.
PMID: 25449138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.10.004

The Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism is associated with various diseases (vascular, cancers, neurology, diabetes, psoriasis, etc) with the epidemiology of the polymorphism of the C677T that varies dependent on the geography and ethnicity. The 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) locus is mapped on chromosome 1 at the end of the short arm (1p36.6). This enzyme is important for the folate metabolism which is an integral process for cell metabolism in the DNA, RNA and protein methylation. The mutation of the MTHFR gene which causes the C677T polymorphism is located at exon 4 which results in the conversion of valine to alanine at codon 222, a common polymorphism that reduces the activity of this enzyme. The homozygous mutated subjects have higher homocysteine levels while the heterozygous mutated subjects have mildly raised homocysteine levels compared with the normal, non-mutated controls. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an emerging risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases and with the increasing significance of this polymorphism in view of the morbidity and mortality impact on the patients, further prevention strategies and nutritional recommendations with the supplementation of vitamin B12 and folic acid which reduces plasma homocysteine level would be necessary as part of future health education. This literature review therefore focuses on the recent evidence-based reports on the associations of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the various diseases globally.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism
Dual Drugs Anticancer Nanoformulation using Graphene Oxide-PEG as Nanocarrier for Protocatechuic Acid and Chlorogenic Acid

Bullo S, Buskaran K, Baby R, Dorniani D, Fakurazi S, Hussein MZ

Pharm Res, 2019 Apr 24;36(6):91.
PMID: 31020429 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2621-8

BACKGROUND: The chemotherapy of cancer has been complicated by poor bioavailability, adverse side effects, high dose requirement, drug resistance and low therapeutic indices. Cancer cells have different ways to inhibit the chemotherapeutic drugs, use of dual/multiple anticancer agents may be achieve better therapeutic effects in particular for drug resistant tumors. Designing a biocompatible delivery system, dual or multiple drugs could addressing these chemotherapy drawbacks and it is the focus of many current biomedical research.
METHODS: In the present study, graphene oxide-polyethylene glycol (GOPEG) nanocarrier is designed and loaded with two anticancer drugs; Protocatechuic acid (PCA) and Chlorogenic acid (CA). The designed anticancer nanocomposite was further coated with folic acid to target the cancer cells, as their surface membranes are overexpressed with folate receptors.
RESULTS: The particle size distribution of the designed nanocomposite was found to be narrow, 9-40 nm. The release profiles of the loaded drugs; PCA and CA was conducted in human body simulated PBS solutions of pH 7.4 (blood pH) and pH 4.8 (intracellular lysosomal pH). Anticancer properties were evaluated against cancerous cells i.e. liver cancer, HEPG2 and human colon cancer, HT-29 cells. The cytocompatbility was assessed on normal 3T3 fibroblasts cells.
CONCLUSION: The size of the final designed anticancer nanocomposite formulation, GOPEG-PCACA-FA was found to be distributed at 9-40 nm with a median of 8 nm. The in vitro release of the drugs PCA and CA was found to be of sustained manner which took more than 100 h for the release. Furthermore, the designed formulation was biocompatible with normal 3T3 cells and showed strong anticancer activity against liver and colon cancer cells.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism
The discovery of 1, 3-diamino-7H-pyrrol[3, 2-f]quinazoline compounds as potent antimicrobial antifolates

Li Y, Ouyang Y, Wu H, Wang P, Huang Y, Li X, et al.

Eur J Med Chem, 2022 Jan 15;228:113979.
PMID: 34802838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113979

The shortage of new antibiotics makes infections caused by gram-negative (G-) bacteria a significant clinical problem. The key enzymes involved in folate biosynthesis represent important targets for drug discovery, and new antifolates with novel mechanisms are urgently needed. By targeting to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), a series of 1,3-diamino-7H-pyrrol[3,2-f]quinazoline (PQZ) compounds were designed, and exhibited potent antibacterial activities in vitro, especially against multi-drug resistant G- strains. Multiple experiments indicated that PQZ compounds contain a different molecular mechanism against the typical DHFR inhibitor, trimethoprim (TMP), and the thymidylate synthase (TS) was identified as another potential but a relatively weak target. A significant synergism between the representative compound, OYYF-175, and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) was observed with a strong cumulative and significantly bactericidal effect at extremely low concentrations (2 μg/mL for SMZ and 0.03 pg/mL for OYYF-175), which could be resulted from the simultaneous inhibition of dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), DHFR and TS. PQZ compounds exhibited therapeutic effects in a mouse model of intraperitoneal infections caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). The co-crystal structure of OYYF-175-DHFR was solved and the detailed interactions were provided. The inhibitors reported represent innovative chemical structures with novel molecular mechanism of action, which will benefit the generation of new, efficacious bactericidal compounds.

Matched MeSH terms: Folic Acid/metabolism*