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Bengt MannervikProfessor

About me

Professor of Biochemistry

Adjunct Professor in Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Enzymes: from the test tube into the cell     

(Supported by the Swedish Research Council)

Enzymology is a cornerstone in the molecular life sciences. Rates and specificities of chemical reactions in cells as well as cellular signaling are governed by enzymes. Besides providing fundamental understanding of the dynamics of life processes, enzymology has essential applications in drug discovery and biotechnology. In addition, it is becoming increasingly evident that enzymes are integral components of more wide-ranging molecular interactions such that the study of enzyme functions has to be extended into their cellular context. Based on the cutting-edge advances in molecular life sciences, we will move enzyme research from the test tube into the cell. Genes encoding enzymes in different variants will be chemically synthesized, purified enzyme proteins will be produced and inserted directly into cells, or expressed intracellularly from transfected DNA. The projected research encompasses studies at different levels of complexity:

  • In vitro evolution and characterization of novel enzyme functions
  • Incorporation of enzymes into cells in culture
  • Modifying the enzyme composition of multicellular organisms

The first level encompasses directed evolution of enzymes for activity against targeted substrates such as environmental contaminants. Included are also studies of the development of drugs that attenuate hormone production.

The second level involves the effects of introducing enzymes into cells studied by both proteomics and transcriptomics. In particular, the modulation of cellular signaling via steroid hormones is addressed.

The third level comprises studies of transgenic fruit flies as well as plants expressing enzymes that confer designated properties to the organism. Acquisition of resistance to natural and synthetic toxic compounds and development of plants for bioremediation are important applications in medicine and biotechnology

Molecular toolbox of therapeutic enzymes for treatment of childhood cancers

(Supported by the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation)

We are designing combinations of alternative drug-activating enzymes linked to different tumor-targeting antibodies, which could be expected to give synergy and enhanced therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of leukemia and other malignancies. Human glutathione transferase (GST) enzymes are engineered for increased catalytic activity with a prodrug with the aim of delivering the enzyme selectively to a tumor. Antibodies fused with the GST enzymes will bind to epitopes of the targeted cancer cells, where the accompanying enzyme will exert its drug-activating function. For proof-of-concept our prototype for recombinant GST-antibody proteins is based on high affinity for the epitope CD19, which is overexpressed in malignant tumors of the B-cell lineage, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Our GST-antibody fusion proteins are obtained by chemical synthesis of DNA encoding the desired construct followed by heterologous protein expression and purification. Antibodies by themselves have tumor-killing properties, and the simultaneous prodrug activation by the bound GST is expected to offer synergy and increased tumor cell death. Our novel approach of GST-mediated toxicity directed to CD19-expressing cancer cells synergistically combines the effects of conventional chemotherapy with those of immunotherapy, which will reduce the likelihood of relapse of disease as well as counteract secondary malignancies due to off-target effects. The approach is generic and could be implemented with alternative binding proteins and GSTs with different functionalities, thereby establishing a molecular toolbox for alternative treatments.

Biosynthesis of dendrogenin A, a potent tumor-suppressing cholesterol metabolite

(Supported by the Swedish Cancer Society)

Dendrogenin A (DDA), which serves as a suppressor of oncogenesis and induces re-differentiation of cancer cells in mammalian tissues, is a product of the enzymatic conjugation of 5,6α-epoxy-cholesterol with histamine. The nature of the enzyme is so far unknown, but unpublished data suggest that a glutathione transferase (GST) is the biocatalyst. Based on our GST expertise and our collection of human and other mammalian GST enzymes (Mannervik, 2012) we will investigate the nature of the biocatalyst(s) accountable for DDA formation.

  • A convenient novel method to assay enzymatic DDA formation will be developed.
  • The human genome encodes 17 soluble GSTs and the GST enzyme(s) catalyzing DDA formation will be identified.
  • The catalytic mechanism will be determined and the possible interference with DDA synthesis by conventional GST activities elucidated.
  • The possible effect of tamoxifen and other drugs on DDA formation will be studied.
  • Approaches to optimize DDA formation in vivo will be pursued.
  • A procedure for enzymatic largescale synthesis of DDA will be developed.

Originally obtained by organic synthesis, dendrogenin A (DDA) is the first “steroidal alkaloid” to be identified in human tissues. DDA is generated from the stereoselective enzymatic conjugation of 5,6α-epoxycholesterol (5,6α-EC) with histamine (HA). By contrast, the stereoisomeric 5,6β-EC is not conjugated.

Glutathione transferases provide resistance to chemical stress in rice (Oryza sativa)

(Collaboration with National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt)

The overall purpose of the project is to develop the biochemical and biotechnical tools to improve the resistance of cultivated rice to environmental challenges and to herbicides. In this work cutting-edge protein engineering will be established in the Egyptian institution that subsequently can be applied to various areas of biotechnology. From the Swedish side the project presents an opportunity to engage in an application of enzymology to solve societal problems arising in the wake of climate change.

The basis for the present investigation is a family of glutathione transferase (GST) enzymes, in which certain members serve to defend the organism against toxic insults. We propose to identify key protective GST enzymes in rice and improve their useful properties by directed evolution. The final outcome of the work is foreseen to be a basis for breeding or creating improved strains of rice, which can overcome the emerging problems of decreased production and lead to improved yields in Egypt and other countries producing this crop.

 

Novel strategy to combat insect vectors of pathogens via inhibitors of the GST enzyme Nobo

Insects are vectors of infectious agents causing devastating diseases that threaten billions of people in >100 countries. The most effective approach to combat mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and lymphatic filariasis, is to prevent infections by controlling the vector. Proliferation of mosquitoes is critically dependent on ecdysteroid hormones, and the glutathione transferase (GST) enzyme Nobo was recently found essential to ecdysteroid biosynthesis. Nobo is only present in insects and not in humans and other biological species. From this perspective the enzyme is a perfect new target for preventive interventions. Our project is focused on Nobo in three mosquito vectors of pathogens and the discovery and design of potent and selective enzyme inhibitors for use in combating vector-borne diseases. Specific goals Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the GST enzyme Nobo from Anopheles gambiae, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus, prominent mosquito vectors in the etiology of malaria, yellow fever, and lymphatic filariasis, respectively. Studies of the enzyme mechanism and structure determinations will enabling development of leads and further optimization of Nobo inhibitors. Development of assay for large-scale screening of inhibition and its application to chemical libraries. Assay of Nobo inhibitors on viability of mosquito larvae and fecundity of imagoes. Assess the absence of effects on human GSTs causing collateral toxicity to humans.

PhD student

Aram Ismail
 

Researchers

Birgitta Sjödin

Publications

A selection from Stockholm University publication database

  • Expression of a Drosophila glutathione transferase in Arabidopsis confers the ability to detoxify the environmental pollutant, and explosive, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

    2017. Kyriakos Tzafestas (et al.). New Phytologist 214 (1), 294-303

    Article

    The explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a significant, global environmental pollutant that is both toxic and recalcitrant to degradation. Given the sheer scale and inaccessible nature of contaminated areas, phytoremediation may be a viable clean-up approach. Here, we have characterized a Drosophila melanogaster glutathione transferase (DmGSTE6) which has activity towards TNT. Recombinantly expressed, purified DmGSTE6 produces predominantly 2-glutathionyl-4, 6-dinitrotoluene, and has a 2.5-fold higher Maximal Velocity (Vmax), and five-fold lower Michaelis Constant (Km) than previously characterized TNT-active Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) GSTs. Expression of DmGSTE6 in Arabidopsis conferred enhanced resistance to TNT, and increased the ability to remove TNT from contaminated soil relative to wild-type plants. Arabidopsis lines overexpressing TNT-active GSTs AtGST-U24 and AtGST-U25 were compromised in biomass production when grown in the absence of TNT. This yield drag was not observed in the DmGSTE6-expressing Arabidopsis lines. We hypothesize that increased levels of endogenous TNT-active GSTs catalyse excessive glutathionylation of endogenous substrates, depleting glutathione pools, an activity that DmGST may lack. In conclusion, DmGSTE6 has activity towards TNT, producing a compound with potential for further biodegradation. Selecting or manipulating plants to confer DmGSTE6-like activity could contribute towards development of phytoremediation strategies to clean up TNT from polluted military sites.

    Read more about Expression of a Drosophila glutathione transferase in Arabidopsis confers the ability to detoxify the environmental pollutant, and explosive, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene

  • Blood-Brain Barrier-Penetrating 6-Halogenopurines Suitable as Pro-Probes for Positron Emission Tomography are Substrates for Human Glutathione Transferases

    2016. Bengt Mannervik, Birgitta Sjödin. Pharmaceutical Bioprocessing 4 (2), 25-30

    Article

    6-Chloro- and 6-bromopurines can cross the blood-brain barrier and in situ give rise to substrates of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs). The electrophilic purines form glutathione conjugates in reactions catalyzed by intracellular glutathione transferases (GSTs), and the conjugates are subsequently exported from the cells by ATP-dependent membrane transporters. In rodent model systems it has been demonstrated that suitably radiolabeled 6-halogenopurines by this scheme are pro-probes useful in monitoring the functionality of MRPs in intact brains using positron emission tomography. Prior to applications in human subjects it is imperative to establish the purine pro-probes as effective substrates for human GSTs occurring in brain and other tissues. We have developed a spectrophotometric assay for the glutathione conjugation and determined specific activities with a range of human GSTs as well as some rat GSTs for comparison. The ubiquitous GST P1-1 showed the highest activities with the 6-halogenopurines, which bodes well for the application of pro-probes for human investigations.

    Read more about Blood-Brain Barrier-Penetrating 6-Halogenopurines Suitable as Pro-Probes for Positron Emission Tomography are Substrates for Human Glutathione Transferases

  • Exploring sequence-function space of a poplar glutathione transferase using designed information-rich gene variants

    2017. Yaman Musdal, Sridhar Govindarajan, Bengt Mannervik. Protein Engineering Design & Selection 30 (8), 543-549

    Article

    Exploring the vicinity around a locus of a protein in sequence space may identify homologs with enhanced properties, which could become valuable in biotechnical and other applications. A rational approach to this pursuit is the use of 'infologs', i.e. synthetic sequences with specific substitutions capturing maximal sequence information derived from the evolutionary history of the protein family. Ninety-five such infolog genes of poplar glutathione transferase were synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli, and the catalytic activities of the proteins determined with alternative substrates. Sequence-activity relationships derived from the infologs were used to design a second set of 47 infologs in which 90% of the members exceeded wild-type properties. Two mutants, C2 (V55I/E95D/D108E/A160V) and G5 (F13L/C70A/G122E), were further functionally characterized. The activities of the infologs with the alternative substrates 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and phenethyl isothiocyanate, subject to different chemistries, were positively correlated, indicating that the examined mutations were affecting the overall catalytic competence without major shift in substrate discrimination. By contrast, the enhanced protein expressivity observed in many of the mutants were not similarly correlated with the activities. In conclusion, small libraries of well-defined infologs can be used to systematically explore sequence space to optimize proteins in multidimensional functional space.

    Read more about Exploring sequence-function space of a poplar glutathione transferase using designed information-rich gene variants

  • Mapping of Amino Acid Substitutions Conferring Herbicide Resistance in Wheat Glutathione Transferase

    2015. Sridhar Govindarajan (et al.). ACS Synthetic Biology 4 (3), 221-227

    Article

    We have used design of experiments (DOE) and systematic variance to efficiently explore glutathione transferase substrate specificities caused by amino acid substitutions. Amino acid substitutions selected using phylogenetic analysis were synthetically combined using a DOE design to create an information-rich set of gene variants, termed infologs. We used machine learning to identify and quantify protein sequence-function relationships against 14 different substrates The resulting models were quantitative and predictive, serving as a guide for engineering of glutathione transferase activity toward a diverse set of herbicides Predictive quantitative models like those presented here have broad applicability for bioengineering.

    Read more about Mapping of Amino Acid Substitutions Conferring Herbicide Resistance in Wheat Glutathione Transferase

  • Five Decades with Glutathione and the GSTome

    2012. Bengt Mannervik. Journal of Biological Chemistry 287 (9), 6072-6083

    Article

    Uncle Folke inspired me to become a biochemist by demonstrating electrophoresis experiments on butterfly hemolymph in his kitchen. Glutathione became the subject for my undergraduate project in 1964 and has remained a focal point in my research owing to its multifarious roles in the cell. Since the 1960s, the multiple forms of glutathione transferase (GST), the GSTome, were isolated and characterized, some of which were discovered in our laboratory. Products of oxidative processes were found to be natural GST substrates. Examples of toxic compounds against which particular GSTs provide protection include 4-hydroxynonenal and ortho-quinones, with possible links to the etiology of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases and other degenerative conditions. The role of thioltransferase and glutathione reductase in the cellular reduction of disulfides and other oxidized forms of thiols was clarified. Glyoxalase I catalyzes still another glutathione-dependent detoxication reaction. The unusual steady-state kinetics of this zinc-containing enzyme initiated model discrimination by regression analysis. Functional properties of the enzymes have been altered by stochastic mutations based on DNA shuffling and rationally tailored by structure-based redesign. We found it useful to represent promiscuous enzymes by vectors or points in multidimensional substrate-activity space and visualize them by multivariate analysis. Adopting the concept molecular quasi-species, we describe clusters of functionally related enzyme variants that may emerge in natural as well as directed evolution.

    Read more about Five Decades with Glutathione and the GSTome

  • Multidimensional epistasis and fitness landscapes in enzyme evolution

    2012. Wei Zhang (et al.). Biochemical Journal 445, 39-46

    Article

    The conventional analysis of enzyme evolution is to regard one single salient feature as a measure of fitness, expressed in a milieu exposing the possible selective advantage at a given time and location. Given that a single protein may serve more than one function, fitness should be assessed in several dimensions. In the present study we have explored individual mutational steps leading to a triple-point-mutated human GST (glutathione transferase) A2-2 displaying enhanced activity with azathioprine. A total of eight alternative substrates were used to monitor the diverse evolutionary trajectories. The epistatic effects of the imitations on catalytic activity were variable in sign and magnitude and depended on the substrate used, showing that epistasis is a multidimensional quality. Evidently, the multidimensional fitness landscape can lead to alternative trajectories resulting in enzymes optimized for features other than the selectable markers relevant at the origin of the evolutionary process. In this manner the evolutionary response is robust and can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

    Read more about Multidimensional epistasis and fitness landscapes in enzyme evolution

  • Structure and steroid isomerase activity of Drosophila glutathione transferase E14 essential for ecdysteroid biosynthesis

    2020. Jana Škerlová (et al.). FEBS Letters 594 (7), 1187-1195

    Article

    Ecdysteroids are critically important for the formation of the insect exoskeleton. Cholesterol is a precursor of ecdysone and its active form 20-hydroxyecdysone, but some steps in the ecdysteroid biosynthesis pathway remain unknown. An essential requirement of glutathione (GSH) transferase GSTE14 in ecdysteroid biosynthesis has been established in Drosophila melanogaster, but its function is entirely unknown. Here, we have determined the crystal structure of GSTE14 in complex with GSH and investigated the kinetic properties of GSTE14 with alternative substrates. GSTE14 has high-ranking steroid double-bond isomerase activity, albeit 50-fold lower than the most efficient mammalian GSTs. Corresponding steroid isomerizations are unknown in insects, and their exact physiological role remains to be shown. Nonetheless, the essential enzyme GSTE14 is here demonstrated to be catalytically competent and have a steroid-binding site.

    Read more about Structure and steroid isomerase activity of Drosophila glutathione transferase E14 essential for ecdysteroid biosynthesis

  • Characterization of equine GST A3-3 as a steroid isomerase

    2018. Helena Lindström (et al.). Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 178, 117-126

    Article

    Glutathione transferases (GSTs) comprise a superfamily of enzymes prominently involved in detoxication by making toxic electrophiles more polar and therefore more easily excretable. However some GSTs have developed alternative functions. Thus, a member of the Alpha class GSTs in pig and human tissues is involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, catalyzing the obligatory double-bond isomerization of Δ5-androstene-3,17-dione to Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione and of Δ5-pregnene-3,20-dione to Δ4-pregnene-3,20-dione on the biosynthetic pathways to testosterone and progesterone. The human GST A3-3 is the most efficient steroid double-bond isomerase known so far in mammals. The current work extends discoveries of GST enzymes that act in the steroidogenic pathways in large mammals. The mRNA encoding the steroid isomerase GST A3-3 was cloned from testis of the horse (Equus ferus caballus). The concentrations of GSTA3 mRNA were highest in hormone-producing organs such as ovary, testis and adrenal gland. EcaGST A3-3 produced in E. coli has been characterized and shown to have highly efficient steroid double-bond isomerase activity, exceeding its activities with conventional GST substrates. The enzyme now ranks as one of the most efficient steroid isomerases known in mammals and approaches the activity of the bacterial ketosteroid isomerase, one of the most efficient enzymes of all categories known today. The high efficiency and the tissue distribution of EcaGST A3-3 support the view that the enzyme plays a physiologically significant role in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones.

    Read more about Characterization of equine GST A3-3 as a steroid isomerase

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