Specific inhibition of the Survivin-CRM1 interaction by peptide-modified molecular tweezers

Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 8;12(1):1505. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-21753-9.

Abstract

Survivin's dual function as apoptosis inhibitor and regulator of cell proliferation is mediated via its interaction with the export receptor CRM1. This protein-protein interaction represents an attractive target in cancer research and therapy. Here, we report a sophisticated strategy addressing Survivin's nuclear export signal (NES), the binding site of CRM1, with advanced supramolecular tweezers for lysine and arginine. These were covalently connected to small peptides resembling the natural, self-complementary dimer interface which largely overlaps with the NES. Several biochemical methods demonstrated sequence-selective NES recognition and interference with the critical receptor interaction. These data were strongly supported by molecular dynamics simulations and multiscale computational studies. Rational design of lysine tweezers equipped with a peptidic recognition element thus allowed to address a previously unapproachable protein surface area. As an experimental proof-of-principle for specific transport signal interference, this concept should be transferable to any protein epitope with a flanking well-accessible lysine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Exportin 1 Protein
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins / metabolism
  • Karyopherins / chemistry*
  • Karyopherins / metabolism*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nuclear Export Signals
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs / drug effects*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Survivin / chemistry*
  • Survivin / metabolism*

Substances

  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Karyopherins
  • Nuclear Export Signals
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Survivin